Charity golf outings have become one of the region's most effective ways to blend recreation with real community impact. Golf generated almost $4.6 billion for charitable causes nationally in 2022, according to the National Golf Foundation, and Western PA does its part every summer.
Many golfers struggle to find outings that match their skill level, schedule, and the causes they care about. This guide covers the outing formats you'll encounter, the region's seasonal event calendar, top courses for hosting, and how supporting foundations like the April T. Bocian Foundation turn a day on the course into lasting mental health support.
Key Takeaways
- Charity and public golf outings run across Western PA from May through September
- The April T. Bocian Foundation's annual outing funds mental health awareness and suicide prevention work
- Match group size, skill level, and cause to pick the right outing
- Sponsorship or volunteering gives businesses a meaningful, low-lift way to give back
Types of Golf Outings and Events in Western PA
Not all golf outings look the same. Format, host, and add-ons shape the day, so match the event to your goals.
Three main categories dominate the region:
- Charity/fundraiser outings — organized by nonprofits to raise money for a specific cause, often paired with dinners and auctions
- Corporate outings — company-sponsored events for client relationship building or employee appreciation
- Casual member/public tournaments — recreational competitions run by courses for their regular golfers
Common Formats You'll Play
Most charity events use a scramble format: each teammate hits a tee shot, then the group plays from the best ball. That differs from best ball, where every player finishes the hole with their own ball and the team takes the lowest score (PGA.com).
Scrambles work well for fundraisers because they:
- Let players of mixed skill levels compete comfortably
- Speed up pace of play for large groups
- Keep the day fun-focused rather than competitive
Many events also use a shotgun start, where every group tees off simultaneously from different holes. This gets a large field playing and finishing around the same time, which matters when a dinner or awards ceremony follows.
Seasonal Timing and Event Components
Western PA's charity outing season runs primarily May through September, driven by weather and course conditions. Beyond the golf itself, most events include:
- Raffles and silent auctions
- Post-round dinners or lunches
- Awards for longest drive, closest to pin, and top team
- Sponsor recognition through hole signage and banners
Local businesses often support these events through sponsorship packages such as hole sponsorships, tee signs, and banner placement. Those fees help organizers cover course costs while sending more of the proceeds to the cause.
Spotlight: The April T. Bocian Foundation Annual Golf Outing
The April T. Bocian Foundation's golf outing exists because of a personal loss. April Bocian died by suicide in May 2015, just a week after turning 17. Her family and community created this foundation so her story could help prevent similar tragedies.
The annual golf outing is the foundation's signature fundraiser. It turns community support into funding for mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs.
What Your Support Funds
Proceeds from the outing help the foundation:
- Partner with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a leading national suicide-prevention organization
- Support the EmpowHer Retreat, a program focused on mental health and wellness for women
- Continue community outreach and mental health education in the Grove City and greater Pittsburgh region
Getting Involved
Playing isn't the only way to support the outing. The foundation offers several ways to help:
- Register as a player or team through the foundation's Player Registration PDF or Team Registration Form
- Sponsor the event using the Sponsorship Form and Golf Outing Sponsors PDF
- Volunteer on event day for roles like check-in support or hole monitoring
If you're weighing whether to play, sponsor, or volunteer, the foundation encourages reaching out directly for the most current registration details, fees, and sponsorship tiers.
Contact the foundation:
- Phone: 724-355-1909
- Email: abocian@redsafetyids.com
Whether you play competitively or come for a relaxed day on the course, your participation funds mental health programs across Western Pennsylvania.
Finding and Choosing Golf Outings Near You in Western PA
Once you're ready to play for a cause, tracking down the right event takes a bit of legwork.
Where to Look
- TribLIVE Events — searchable community event listings covering the Pittsburgh area
- Official nonprofit event pages — organizations like Folds of Honor, the Foundation of HOPE, and the April T. Bocian Foundation post dates directly on their sites
- WPGA member-club directory — the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association lists member facilities that often host outings
- Course outing pages — venues like Moon Golf Club and Olde Stonewall publish their own tournament calendars
Choosing the Right Fit
Before registering, consider:
- Pick a cause you genuinely care about so the day feels meaningful, not only social
- Confirm group-size rules—some venues (Moon Golf Club, for example) treat 40+ players as an "outing"
- Match the format to your group: scrambles welcome beginners; best-ball suits more competitive players
Always verify the registration deadline, entry fee, and what's included before you commit. Most listings specify whether cart, lunch, and prizes come with your entry.
Top Golf Courses in Western PA for Outings
Several Western PA courses are built for groups and fundraisers, with banquet space, flexible packages, and staff who run outings regularly.
| Course | Location | Outing Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Highlands | Cranberry Township | Seats up to 150, buffet options, bar/grill room |
| Quicksilver Golf Club | Midway | Fine dining, hospitality-focused events |
| Chestnut Ridge Resort | Blairsville | Catering, meeting space, full conference center |
| Moon Golf Club | Moon Township | Dedicated fundraiser/charity packages |
| Slippery Rock Golf Club | Slippery Rock | Events center with on-site tavern |
| Olde Stonewall | Near Pittsburgh | Group pricing for 16+ players |
When you compare venues, statewide reputation can help narrow the shortlist. Based on Golfweek's 2026 public-access rankings, Omni Bedford Springs (Old) ranks first in Pennsylvania, followed by Nemacolin's Mystic Rock and Olde Stonewall in third.
What Organizers Should Check
- Group capacity — does the course accommodate your expected headcount?
- Banquet facilities — is there space for a post-round meal or awards ceremony?
- Pricing tiers — do rates change for in-season versus off-season dates?
Olde Stonewall's 2026 group pricing, for example, runs $137 in season or $112 off season, including shop credit. That range is a useful benchmark when you compare venues.
Making the Most of a Charity Golf Outing
A little preparation turns a good outing into a great one.
For players:
- Form your foursome early. Popular events fill up fast.
- Bring extra cash for raffles and auctions. Many are cash-only.
- Dress appropriately. Most courses require a collared shirt and no denim.
- Pack sunscreen and water. August rounds in Western PA get hot.
For business sponsors:
- Choose visibility-focused tiers like hole signage if brand exposure matters most.
- Consider donation-based sponsorship if you want recognition without playing.
- Use the event for genuine relationship-building, not just logo placement.
Think of a charity outing as both a networking opportunity and a form of advocacy. For causes like mental health awareness, simply showing up and talking about why the event matters can be as valuable as the dollars raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some upcoming golf outings in Pittsburgh, PA?
Check local nonprofit event pages, course outing calendars, and community boards like TribLIVE Events. The April T. Bocian Foundation hosts an annual Western PA outing—contact them for current dates and registration.
What is the #1 public golf course in PA?
According to Golfweek's 2026 rankings, Omni Bedford Springs (Old) holds the top public-access spot in Pennsylvania, ahead of Nemacolin's Mystic Rock and Olde Stonewall.
How much does it typically cost to enter a charity golf outing?
Recent Western PA examples range from $150 to $250 per golfer, usually including cart, lunch, and event entry. Premium fundraising events can cost more.
Can businesses sponsor a golf outing without playing?
Yes. Most outings, including the April T. Bocian Foundation's, offer non-playing sponsorship options like hole signage, banner placement, or donation-based recognition.
How can I get involved with the April T. Bocian Foundation's golf outing?
Contact the foundation at 724-355-1909 or abocian@redsafetyids.com to register as a player, sponsor the event, or ask about volunteer opportunities.
What should I bring to a charity golf outing?
Bring your clubs, appropriate golf attire, cash for raffles and auctions, and sun protection. Check the event details for any specific dress code requirements.
