Chamber golf tournaments have long been a staple of non-dues revenue. They go hand-in-hand with the idea of “Chamber of Commerce Weather” and business networking on the green. But the real opportunity goes beyond the scorecard. With the right swag strategy, chambers can transform a routine day of golf into a memorable experience that builds relationships, boosts sponsorship value, and reinforces their brand. Plus, best of all, gives your audience something to talk about afterward.
We listened in as chamber professionals across the country talked about how they’re approaching golf giveaways in 2025. Their responses ranged from classic co-branded gear to creative cost-saving pivots.
Here’s how some of the most effective tournaments are making their mark, and how your chamber can do the same.
A Signature Gift Strategy
For Paula Kovacs Ross, President & CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, high-quality, co-branded gear has become a signature feature of her chamber’s tournament.
“We’ve done cooler bags, blankets, towels, Nike golf hats, and more. We get them sponsored and put both the sponsor and chamber logos on the item. It’s a great way to elevate the golfer experience, and our participants look forward to seeing what the ‘big’ gift will be each year.”
Susan Thompson, Executive Director at the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, echoed that sentiment with a crowd-pleasing item that combined comfort and value.
“We had a sponsor pay for half and gave them a spot on our quarter-zip pullovers. The golfers absolutely loved them.”
Items that strike the right balance of quality, branding, and utility are often the most appreciated—and most remembered.
Leveraging Member Donations
Some chambers are opting for a more community-supported approach, tapping into the power of their membership to build a diverse swag experience.
“We get golf swag donated by members; they add their branding and get promotion for it,” said Tanya Hervey. “They have to donate 150 of whatever the item is. Our underwriter provides the bags, branded with their logo.”
April Kopitzke combines member-donated items with a small, themed purchase of her own, keeping her costs under $100.
“Swag bag items are donated, and then we order something small that coordinates with the theme.”
Chambers looking to avoid the cost of bags altogether might take a page from Meg Adams, President & CEO at the Forney Chamber of Commerce, who noted that many businesses are happy to donate branded bags in exchange for visibility.
Rethinking the Giveaway
In an era of rising costs and saturated swag bags, some chambers are scaling back.
“I decided not to purchase a giveaway this year,” said Mandy Huston. “It’s usually a low-quality item that golfers already own in a better version. No one seemed to miss it, and we saved money.”
Lori Higgins agreed. “We used to do co-branded items like towels or tumblers using funds from the title sponsorship. But with so many giveaways from hole sponsors, our item got lost in the mix. We stopped a few years ago, and not one person has said anything.”
Sometimes, thoughtful restraint can deliver the same impact as a bag full of branded gear—especially when players are already going home with plenty.
Elevating the Experience
Other chambers are doubling down on value and personalization to create standout moments.
“This year, we’re doing golf balls, Southern Tide polos, a golf towel, and we’ll have a company on-site engraving ball markers for each player,” said Elizabeth Horton, COO of the Greenville Chamber. “We charge $2,200 per foursome and get some items bartered or sponsored.”
Jo Schmeiser shared a practical and well-received perk that she was able to arrange, not only a donated item but a special surprise for parched participants. “A local bank is donating six-pack cooler bags. Each golfer will receive one filled with three cold donated beers and bottled water. Volunteers get the cooler too—with water only.”
These types of elevated touches turn a standard event into something memorable—and keep sponsors front and center in a meaningful way.
Building Sponsorship into Swag
For many chambers, swag also serves as a sponsorship vehicle. Kristi Simon structures her approach accordingly. “We have a swag sponsor. The cost is $1,500 and we spend no more than $750 on the item. The sponsorship doesn’t include golfer participation—just their logo on the item and our event banner—so the item itself is our only expense.”
Lisa Gardner Workman, with the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, uses raffle prizes to maintain excitement while managing the budget. “We give away amazing raffle prizes—some purchased, some donated. Each participant gets one entry, and we sell extras.”
And Mandy Howle’s Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce found success by eliminating swag bags altogether and focusing on a single quality item. “We ask hospitality holes to give away swag if they have it. We give a gift to each golfer with our chamber and sponsor logos. Our biggest hit lately was golf socks. We always try to get something that looks expensive but isn’t.”
New Ideas to Consider
Making an impression is not only great for participants and the overall experience but it can them to talk about your event long after it’s over. Consider adopting creative ideas that have a string visual component the remind people to share pics along the way with your event hashtag. The more images shared, the larger reach your event will receive and you’re paving the way for an even more impressive showing next year. Plus, talk about fear of missing out!
If you’re looking to refresh your tournament approach, consider these creative additions:
- Sponsor-branded mobile charging stations on the course
- A “mystery gift” reveal hole with a surprise item
- Golf socks, sunglasses, or personalized divot tools—items that are inexpensive but have lasting appeal
- On-course experiences like chair massages or cigar-rolling stations
- A digital scavenger hunt with QR codes placed at sponsor tents, offering extra raffle entries or small perks
A well-curated swag strategy can be more than just filler—it can be a reflection of your chamber’s brand, a spotlight for your sponsors, and a value-add for participants. You might go all-in with high-end polos or streamline with thoughtful hospitality touches. Just stay in alignment with your budget, your goals, and your audience.
At the end of the day, the best swag supports the experience, not distracts from it.
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