A golf tournament hole sponsorship includes a sign on the sponsored hole, and it can include every other place the event shows the sponsor’s logo: the registration page, the scorecard, the leaderboard, and the emails before and after the round. Many packages stop at the sign, even though it’s the smallest part of what a sponsor could get.
Picture the turn at a shotgun start. A foursome comes off the ninth green, grabs a drink, and stands under the clubhouse TV, reading the leaderboard. Walking to the 10th tee, they check it again on their phones. Back on the ninth tee, a sponsor’s sign is still standing in the grass. Nobody has looked at it since they teed off.
The sponsor on the sign got one look from each group. The sponsor on the leaderboard got every player, every time they checked.
What does a hole sponsorship include?
A standard hole sponsorship includes the sponsor’s logo on a sign at the tee or green of one hole, and often a listing in the event program or on the event website. Packages build up from there in three levels:
- Sign. The logo on one hole, and nothing more.
- Sign and mentions. The sign, plus the sponsor’s name on event pages and in announcements.
- Sign and presence. All of that, plus a tent or table on the hole.
Even the top level stays close to the hole. Placements away from it, like the scorecard, are often sold as separate sponsorships or not sold at all. Every place a logo can appear is something an event can sell, and a package that stops at the sign leaves the rest unsold.
Where does a hole sponsor's logo appear on the course?
On the course, a sponsor’s logo can go anywhere players stop or look, not only on the sponsored hole.
- Tee or green sign. This is the base of every package, and each group sees it for a few seconds.
- Cart signs. A placard in the cart rides with the players for all 18 holes.
- Scorecards. When scoring is on paper, players pick up the card on every hole.
- Contest-hole signage. Closest-to-the-pin and hole-in-one holes stop the group and hold its attention.
- The beverage cart. It stops at every group, and players stay with it until it pulls away.
- Range and putting green. Players warm up beside the sponsor’s sign before they reach the first hole.
- The registration sponsor board. Every player walks past it to check in.
Contest holes, the turn, and the first tee are worth more than a standard hole. In published 2026 sponsorship prices, contest and premium placements ran one and a half to nearly four times the standard price. Here’s how to price hole sponsorships for each of them.
Where does a sponsor's logo appear before the event?
Before the event, a sponsor’s logo can reach every registered player several times, starting with the event page and continuing through every email that follows.
- Event website and registration page. Every player sees it at signup.
- Confirmation and reminder emails. Each one is another chance for the logo to be seen.
- Promotions and social posts. These reach players who haven’t registered yet.
- Pairings sheet. Players read it closely, looking for their own names.
None of these require a sign, a stake or a volunteer.
Where does a sponsor's logo appear during the round?
During the round, screens and announcements can put a sponsor in front of every player, not only the groups passing one hole.
- Live leaderboard. Players can check standings after every hole.
- Mobile scoring screens. Each score entered can bring the sponsor’s logo up on screen.
- Cart GPS screens. On courses with GPS carts, a sponsor’s logo can appear on screen as players approach the sponsored hole.
- Clubhouse TV displays. Players can see them at the turn, and so can guests who aren’t playing.
- Announcements. A mid-round message to the field puts the sponsor’s name in front of every player at the same time.
Leaderboards and scoring screens aren’t extras to give away. They’re inventory, and a pro who treats them that way can charge for them.
“I sell sponsorships for the live leaderboards too… I can upcharge more that way too.”
— Ben Mackey, PGA, General Manager at Lake of Isles Golf Club and Resort in North Stonington, Connecticut, formerly Regional Manager for Troon and GOLFZON Social
Where does a sponsor's logo appear after the event?
After the event, the logo can stay in front of players on the results page, in the thank-you email, and in event photos. Those placements are still fresh when a sponsor decides whether to come back.
- Results page and final leaderboard. Players can go back to them after the round.
- Thank-you email to the field. Each sponsor’s logo can appear in it.
- Event photos. Sponsor signs that appear in the shots can keep circulating long after the event.
- A sponsor recap. It shows the sponsor every place their logo appeared.
Some events build the renewal into the package itself, giving sponsors first right of renewal for next year if they confirm within a set window after the event.
Every place a hole sponsor’s logo can appear at a golf tournament
Hole sponsor benefits can reach far past a sign in the ground. The logo can appear in at least 18 places before, during, and after the round.
|
Placement |
When it’s seen |
Who sees it |
|
Event website and registration page |
Before the event |
Every registrant |
|
Confirmation and reminder emails |
Before the event |
Every registrant |
|
Promotions and social posts |
Before the event |
Prospective players |
|
Pairings sheet |
Morning of the event |
The full field |
|
Registration sponsor board |
Check-in |
The full field |
|
Range and putting green |
Before a shotgun start |
The full field |
|
Tee or green sign |
During the round |
Each group, for seconds |
|
Contest-hole signage |
During the round |
Each group, for minutes |
|
Cart signs |
During the round |
Each cart, all 18 holes |
|
Cart GPS screens |
Approaching the sponsored hole |
Each group |
|
Scorecards |
During the round |
Every player, all round |
|
Beverage cart |
During the round |
Each group it stops for |
|
Live leaderboard and scoring screens |
During the round |
Every player, all round |
|
Announcements |
During the round |
The full field at once |
|
Clubhouse TV displays |
At the turn and after |
Players and guests |
|
Results page and thank-you email |
After the event |
The full field |
|
Event photos |
After the event |
Players and anyone they share with |
|
Sponsor recap |
After the event |
The sponsor |
Sell every place players look
A sponsor pays for how often players see the logo, not for the size of the sign. Start with the full list of places your event can show it, and then decide what to sell.