American Hole 'n One's Blog

Picking golf tournament prizes can be a more difficult task than many people think. You want prizes that impress players, make sponsors look good, and encourage donations without blowing your budget or recycling the same tired swag as last year. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through creative, crowd-pleasing golf tournament prize ideas for every type of event, budget, and contest. That way, you can focus on running a memorable tournament that people will talk about long after the final putt. 

Why Golf Tournament Prizes Matter 

Golf tournament prizes play a key role in running a successful event. The right prize lineup can attract more players to your tournament, drive local interest, and unlock more value for your sponsors. 

Here’s a quick look at what the right prizes can do for your tournament:  

• They motivate players to show up: A great prize lineup can turn casual interest into committed signups. It also adds competitive energy, especially for contests like longest drive or closest to the pin. 

• They give your sponsors more visibility: Branded prizes (like towels, tumblers, or gear) allow sponsors to get their name in front of every player. 

• They support your fundraising goals: High-quality or donated prizes can elevate raffle tickets, auction bids, or donation tiers, helping you raise more with less effort. 

• They make your event memorable: Players remember tournaments that feel rewarding, not just routine. 

Picking the right prizes is important, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Let’s take a look at some great prize ideas so you can find the perfect fit for your next event. 

Best Golf Tournament Prize Ideas by Category 

Every tournament has unique audiences, budgets, and goals. We’ve broken down our top golf prize ideas into three key pricing categories. 

Affordable Prizes (Under $50) 

You don’t need to spend a fortune to give players something they’ll actually use. Goody bag prizes under $50 can be both practical and memorable, especially when they’re well-branded or thoughtfully bundled.  

These items work well for participation gifts, early check-in perks, or sponsor-branded giveaways: 

• Custom golf towels 

• Divot tool and ball marker sets 

• Insulated drinkware 

• Golf tees and scorecard holders 

• Cooling towels or sunscreen kits 

• Gift cards to the pro shop 

• Branded snacks and hydration items 
  
  

Mid-Range Contest Prizes (Under $1000) 

Mid-range prizes are perfect for contest runners-up in popular events like longest drive or closest to the pin competitions. They're valuable enough to feel special but still accessible for most tournament budgets. These prizes also work well as sponsored giveaways, raffle items, or silent auction highlights. 

• High-end golf tech: Rangefinders, GPS watches, and swing analyzers offer real value for competitive or amateur players. 

• Premium golf bags or club sets: A sleek stand bag or a new driver from a top brand like Callaway or TaylorMade adds serious appeal to any prize table. 

• Bluetooth speakers or portable coolers: Great for leisure golfers, these items combine functionality with fun. 

• Golf apparel packages: Bundles including polos, outerwear, or shoes from trusted brands like FootJoy or Titleist strike a perfect balance between stylish and practical. 

• Experience-based gifts: This could include spa days, resort staycations, or VIP tickets to local sporting events. 
  
  

High-End and Luxury Prizes ($1000+) 

If you’re planning a high-profile tournament, you need prizes that generate the buzz you’re looking for. These are the headline-grabbing awards that attract players, impress donors, and give sponsors a chance to shine. 

They also make ideal candidates for prize indemnity insurance. Offering a $25,000 hole-in-one reward or a major prize like a car or vacation becomes much more accessible when the risk is covered. Plus, offering this kind of prize is far more likely to get people talking, which means more exposure for you and your sponsors.   

Here are some standout prize options in the $1,000+ category: 

• Luxury travel packages: Golf getaways to Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, or St Andrews. Often includes airfare, lodging, and tee times for two. 

• High-end golf club sets: Full sets from brands like PXG, Titleist, or TaylorMade, custom-fitted and of tour-level quality. 

• Cash prizes: A clean, compelling option — especially for hole-in-one contests or putting challenges. Often insured to cover big payouts ($5,000–$100,000+). 

• New vehicles or lease vouchers: Cars, golf carts, or sponsored vehicle leases are classic grand prizes. 

• Season tickets or major sporting event packages: Masters badges, Super Bowl experiences, or Formula 1 weekend passes, often including airfare and accommodations. 
• Premium home or lifestyle gear: Think high-end grills, outdoor entertainment systems, golf simulators, or custom wine cellars. 

Creative Prize Ideas by Event Type 

The best golf tournament prizes fit their audience. What works for a corporate outing may fall flat at a charity fundraiser or casual weekend scramble. Tailoring your prize strategy to the type of event you’re running ensures that rewards feel relevant, engaging, and memorable. 

Here are some prize ideas based on the style of your tournament: 

Charity Golf Tournaments 

When fundraising is the goal, your prizes should drive donations, raffle participation, and sponsor engagement. These ideas strike that balance: 

• Sponsor-donated raffle baskets: Bundles of goods or services from local businesses that can be raffled or auctioned off to raise funds. 

• Experience-based rewards: Spa days, winery tours, or concert tickets that feel high-end without being gear-focused. 

• Golf lessons from a local pro: A useful prize, especially for amateur-heavy events. 

• Unique local experiences: Brewery tours, cooking classes, or zip-lining adventures that add local flavor to your prize table. 
  
  

Corporate and Client Golf Events 

Corporate tournaments are all about relationships. Your prizes should reflect professionalism, quality, and a touch of exclusivity without being overly branded or flashy. This can include: 

• High-end swag with subtle branding: Duffel bags, jackets, or leather accessories with minimal logos. 

• Executive-themed gifts: Whiskey decanter sets, leather organizers, or premium pens make a refined impression. 

• Team prizes: Matching golf shirts, umbrellas, or mini trophies for top-performing foursomes. 

• Custom-branded tech gear: Power banks, wireless speakers, or travel adapters that keep your brand top of mind in a low-key way. 
  
  

Club or Amateur Tournaments 

Local tournaments are often about fun, camaraderie, and tradition. Lean into the spirit of the event with lighthearted and personalized prizes that players will appreciate (and probably post about later). 

• Gag prizes: For categories like “Most Lost Balls” or “Worst Score.” Funny trophies or novelty items like golden toilet paper rolls are always a hit. 

• Personalized items: Caricature portraits, engraved ball markers, or custom mugs with inside jokes from the event. 
• Team-branded gear: Hats, polos, or beer koozies for the “Best Dressed” team or most enthusiastic foursome. 

How to Choose the Right Prizes for Your Tournament 

Now that you have some ideas for what a golf prize might look like, it’s time to narrow it down to the right one for you.  

Here’s how to make sure your prize lineup is a hit with your sponsors and participants. 

Start by thinking about your players. Are you hosting a competitive amateur field or a casual group of weekend golfers? What excites the kinds of golfers you’re going to host in this tournament? Community-focused events may benefit from fun, inclusive prizes, while high-end clientele might expect something a bit more premium, or at least well-branded. 

Next, consider what your event is trying to accomplish. Fundraisers should focus on prizes that drive donations or raffle participation, while corporate outings may lean toward relationship-building and sponsor visibility. If your tournament is more about community building or team bonding, look for creative, conversation-starting items that bring players together. 

And finally, don’t forget practicality. Players should be able to take their prize home, use it, and remember your event every time they do. Think about usefulness, portability, and perceived value. A branded speaker or sleek towel goes further than an oversized trophy that ends up collecting dust. 

Choose prizes with purpose. The better they align with your players and your event goals, the more impact and value they’ll deliver. 

3 Tips When Planning Tournament Giveaways 

1. Host Exciting Contests

When planning your golf tournament, it’s important to have a lineup of exciting contests and prizes. You’ll want to get players excited and engaged at your tournament and keep sponsors happy by increasing their brand exposure. A hole-in-one contest is the perfect way to do both. 

With American Hole ‘n One, you can offer and advertise exciting prizes like vacations, cash, TVs, cars, and more for just a small investment. The great thing about hole-in-one coverage is that you won’t have to assume any of the risk. We’ll award prizes to anyone who shoots an ace at a par-3 hole. 

Plus, when you work with us, you get more than just hole-in-one coverage. Our prize indemnity insurance includes full coverage for any hole-in-one prize on a par-3 hole, bonus prizes like golf equipment and trips for other contest holes, and professional signage that highlights what’s up for grabs. Best of all, we make the entire process fast, easy, and hassle-free. 

2. Go Big With Golf Tournament Prizes

Depending on your budget, you can give the top golf tournament winner a chance to win something big, like a new car or a vacation for two. 

If you want to give away something big, like a new car, contact a local dealership to see if they would give away a new car in exchange for sponsorship at your golf tournament. Or, you can plan an elaborate vacation for the top winner. 

3. Choose Prizes That Keep Your Tournament Top of Mind

The best prizes are memorable long after the final scorecard is turned in. When you choose items that players will actually use, wear, or display, you extend the life of your tournament’s impact. 

Even smaller giveaways, like personalized ball markers or branded speakers, can reinforce your event's value when they’re thoughtfully selected. 

Get Prize Indemnity Insurance for Your Next Big Prize 

If you’re offering a big-ticket prize, like a car, vacation, or five-figure cash reward, there’s one more item you should add to your tournament checklist: prize indemnity insurance. 

Prize indemnity coverage lets you advertise exciting, high-value prizes without taking on the financial risk if someone wins.  

With American Hole ‘n One, putting on these contests is easy. As a leading provider of hole-in-one and prize indemnity insurance, we’ve helped thousands of tournaments offer unforgettable experiences while staying fully covered.  

Here’s how it works: 

1. Submit your contest details: Share the prize value, contest type (like a hole-in-one or putting challenge), number of participants, and event date.
2. Get a custom quote: American Hole ‘n One evaluates the risk and provides pricing based on your prize and contest difficulty.
3. Lock in your coverage: Once approved, you’re officially covered — we’ll ship you professional signage and bonus prizes for the contest holes.
4. Run your event: If someone sinks the shot or wins the prize, American Hole ‘n One covers the payout, not you. 
5. File a claim if needed: Submit proof (like witness statements or video), and we’ll handle the rest. 

If your tournament includes a big prize, don’t go in unprotected. Let American Hole ‘n One help you deliver the excitement without taking on the risk. Contact us today to get a quote and lock in coverage that works for your event. 

About American Hole ‘n One   

Founded in 1986, American Hole ‘n One (AHNO) revolutionized the golf promotions industry. Since the beginning, AHNO has been dedicated to serving each and every client with complete commitment to their promotion needs. As the company began to grow, our division Grand Prize Promotions (GPP) emerged to provide promotions for sporting events that could meet any business’ needs. Our 15,000 square foot, in-house print shop, offers the highest quality signage to our esteemed clientele. Located in historic downtown Buford, GA, AHNO has grown into the world’s largest hole in one insurance provider and event promotions company. Insured by A+ XV rated Everest National Insurance Company, American Hole ‘n One is dedicated to assisting clients in accomplishing their goals and making sure every event is a success!’