Fundraising Tips

Wondering how to go the distance in style? Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your fundraising or advice on how to organise the perfect Big Golf Race, we’ve got you covered. With a little help from our Head Professionals, here’s our top tips to supercharge your efforts and take your fundraising to the next level.

How to book a course - Rick Shiels

If you're not a member of a golf club the first step is finding a course that will host you. Here's a few pointers from Rick:

  • My top tip is to find a mate who is a member of a golf club near you, get them on your Big Golf Race team and see if they can help you secure your day at a club near you. 
  • Speak to the club, find out who is in charge of booking tee times (sometimes it’s the club professional, sometimes it’s the golf club manager), explain what you are doing and show how it will be good publicity for the club. 1 in 8 men get prostate cancer, and those men are most at risk are over 50. This is likely to be a lot of golfers at their club.
  • Show them your Letter of Authority and mention Prostate Cancer UK is an official charity partner of the PGA/works with the PGA, the membership body for golf professionals. 
  • If you are a bigger group (8+) ask about special deals. Many clubs offer deals for two rounds and lunch at a ‘golf society’ rate
  • Choose a day in the week less likely to have competitions and opt for a golf course which is less busy. Some clubs need more visitors. 

Stick at it - it’s a great cause and well worth putting in a bit of time finding a course to take on your challenge.

Promoting your challenge - DJ Spoony

DJ Spoony’s top tips

  • If you’re a member at your club, check with the captain or your PGA professional to see if you can put up a poster or add info into their club newsletter to make your fellow members aware of your challenge. Really handy if you are wanting to play through on the day too.
  • Shout about why you’re doing it - this might be because you’ve been affected by prostate cancer personally, someone you know has or you’re doing it just to see if you can.
  • If you use social media, get your challenge on your timeline and add your JustGiving link in your bio ahead of the day. 
  • On the day of your challenge, take lots of photos & videos to update your JustGiving page once you’ve finished. Then post on social media and to email everyone who has sponsored you. Don’t forget to post on our Facebook & WhatsApp group too.
  • Keep your Justgiving page updated before, during and after the challenge and remember to thank everyone who supported you - whether that be the club members, local businesses or your friends and family.

Preparing for your challenge - The Fitness Chef

  • First up, do you need a full set of clubs? Are you really going to use 4 wedges? And three hybrids? I’d definitely recommend keeping your 7 iron in the bag but consider a lighter bag especially if you are carrying for 72 holes. 
  • Have back up supplies of whatever you are eating and drinking in the locker room or in your car in a cool box, this saves you carrying all your food and drink round for the whole day. And you could apply the same strategy for golf balls too.
  • It’s an old favourite but have some bananas in the bag, or some energy gels to perk you up. Protein bars can also be a convenient snack to graze on throughout the day, but I recommend having at least one large meal after one of your rounds. This could be some sandwiches or a chilled, pre-cooked meal in your coolbox.
  • Hydration is going to be the most important consideration. If you’re dehydrated it will affect your performance and could be dangerous if it’s a really hot day. If you are feeling thirsty it means you are dehydrated already. I recommend taking a few sips of water every 2-3 holes for the whole day rather than consuming lots at once. Consider packing rehydration tablets and try and stay off the booze, particularly in the first couple of rounds on a hot day! 
  • Make sure you have a hat and sunscreen in your bag. Topping up after each round even if it’s not that sunny. 
  • Have a spare pair of socks and top, change after 2 rounds. You’ll feel reborn. 

Finessing your technique - Danny Willett

Danny’s top tips:

  • Stick to your routine, even when you get tired. This will help you to play the best shots you can. And hopefully help you preserve energy for later in the day by playing less shots overall.
  • Think about your strategy for your next shot as you approach it rather than when you get there. What club might you need? What’s in the way? Visualise the shot you want to play. 
  • Keep an eye on the terrain, is the ball above or below your feet? This makes a big difference to how you approach the shot and will stop you hooking or slicing the ball if you make the right preparation. 
  • You are likely to be playing in the middle of the summer, when the fairways and greens are at their fastest. Think about the club you are using on your approach you don’t want to be flying off the back of the green. Once you’re on the green, check for slopes and give it a quick read before putting. If there’s something on the hole, round or match maybe guarantee the par rather than going for broke!
  • Most of all, have fun with your mates, it’s about getting out there and taking on a great challenge for an amazing cause. You’ll absolutely love it!

Fundraising Ideas

Get inspired with some of our favourite fundraising tips! If you've got some of your own, let us know! Once you've been through our tips, make sure to check out our Help & Resources which has everything you need to make these ideas a reality.