Monday, October 12, 2026 - Ridgewood Country Club
2025 Spornsors
Play golf.
Fuel founders.
Grow Waco.
Benefitting
2025 Results
$104K
Dollars Raised
Fueling founders through community-driven giving.
500+
Founders Supported
Direct investment into Waco entrepreneurs.
18
Community Sponsors
Backed by Waco's business leaders.
150+
Participants
A high-energy, sold-out community experience.
2025 Spornsors
Tournament Overview
The Bootstrap Classic is intentionally designed to deliver a championship-level experience from arrival to final putt. Here’s what that includes:
Premier, championship-level golf course conditions
Premium player gifts ($100+ value per player)
Elite prizes to the top three finishing teams
Live leaderboard mobile app
Silent auction featuring exclusive experiences and items
Dedicated caddies in sponsor-branded bibs
Premium hole sponsorship setups & activations
Custom championship trophy, welcome mailers & more
Tournament Overview
This is the space to introduce the Services section. Briefly describe the types of services offered and highlight any special benefits or features.
Premier, Championship-Level Golf Course Conditions
Caddies in Sponsor-Branded Bibs
Silent/Live Auction Featuring Exclusive Items
Professional Starter at Every Team’s First Hole
Premium Swag Bags ($100+ Value per Player)
Premium Hole Sponsorship Setups & Activations
Live Leaderboard App
Elite Giveaways to Top Three Finishing Teams
Custom Championship Trophy, Welcome Mailers & Much More
Tournament Overview
The Bootstrap Classic is intentionally designed to deliver a championship-level experience from arrival to final putt. Here’s what that includes:
Premier, Championship-Level
Golf Course Conditions
Caddies in Sponsor-
Branded Bibs
Silent Auction Featuring
Exclusive Experiences & Items
Premium Swag Bags ($100+
Value per Player)
Premium Hole Sponsorship
Setups & Activations
All-Day Live
Leaderboard App
Elite Giveaways to Top
Three Finishing Teams
Custom Championship Trophy,
Welcome Mailers & More
Tournament Format
Not your typical round of charity golf. This is a top tier golf experience that benefits all of Waco.
4-Person Scramble + Dedicated Caddie per Team
Every foursome is paired with a caddie to enhance the playing experience, provide on-course support, and help attest final scores for competitive integrity in a scramble format.
Field Cap: 36 Teams
-
18 Hole Sponsor Teams
-
18 Open Registration Teams
Shotgun Start + Announcing Hole Starter
Each team will be welcomed at their starting hole by an announcing starter for a championship-style introduction and send off.
Tournament Format
Not your typical round of charity golf. This is a top tier golf experience that benefits all of Waco.
4-Person Scramble + Dedicated Caddie
Every foursome is paired with a caddie to enhance the playing experience, provide on-course support, and help attest final scores for competitive integrity in a scramble format.
Field Cap: 36 Teams
18 Hole Sponsor Teams
18 Open Registration Teams
Shotgun Start
All teams tee off simultaneously from different holes - maximizing play time, keeping the pace tight, and bringing everyone back together for a shared finish.
Schedule of events
October 12, 2026 - Ridgewood Country Club
9:00am
Oct. 12
Registration opens
Bag drop, range access, pre-round breakfast tacos and coffee
10:30am
Oct. 12
Shotgun start
Everyone starts. Everything moves. All at once.
All day
Oct. 12
Live leaderboard
Real-time leaderboard updates with verified team standings
3:30pm
Oct. 12
Helberg Barbecue
Network while Helberg BBQ is served on-site for players and sponsors
4:00pm
Oct. 12
Awards ceremony & auction
Final scores announced, top teams recognized, auction closes
5:00pm
Oct. 12
Tournament concludes
Structured finish, on time
How the Bootstrap stands apart
Category | Traditional Charity Golf Tournaments | The Bootstrap Classic |
|---|---|---|
Impact | Supports a cause | Funds entrepreneurial infrastructure shaping Waco’s future |
Premium Gifts | Basic sponsor items | Curated premium gifts ($100+ value) |
Prizes | Standard gift baskets or gear | All-expenses-paid Pinehurst trip |
Competition | Casual | Built for serious competitive play |
Scoring | Self-reported | Verified scoring with assigned caddies |
Format | 4-person scramble | 4-person scramble + dedicated caddie per team |
Course Access | Public or frequently hosted charity courses | Ridgewood Country Club (limited outside events) |
Field Size | Large, open field | Capped at 36 teams |
At the Bootstrap Classic, you get:
Competitive integrity
Verified scoring with dedicated caddies and a format built for serious play. When you win, it’s earned.
A curated field
Just 36 teams for tighter competition and a focused audience of business leaders, founders, and serious golfers.
Ridgewood Country Club
Championship conditions on one of Texas’ most respected courses. A setting worthy of serious players.
Pinehurst trip on the line
An all-expenses-paid trip to one of America’s most iconic golf destinations awarded to the top finishing team.
Elevated brand presence
Premium wraparound hole signage, custom flags, and integrated activation opportunities designed for meaningful visibility.
Golfing that funds Waco's entrepreneurial future
Entrepreneur education, mentorship and peer networks
Youth innovation and entrepreneurship experiences
Accelerators, incubators, and founder coaching
Business services for early and growth stage ventures
Prizes worth chasing
Bootstrap prizes are truly worth chasing, featuring premium gear, exclusive experiences, and rewards that make every competitive swing meaningful.
1st Place
Stay-and-Play trip to Pinehurst Golf Resort
-
4 days, 3 nights on dates of your choice
-
All lodging and golf included
-
#6 ranked golf resort in the United States (Golf Digest, 2025)
2nd Place
Stay-and-Play trip to PGA Omni Frisco
-
2 days, 1 night on dates of your choice
-
All lodging and golf included
-
#38 ranked golf resort in the United States (Golf Digest, 2025)
3rd Place
Round of golf at Ridgewood Country Club
-
4 unaccompanied rounds of golf
-
Water, snacks, carts included
-
#53 ranked golf course in Texas (Dallas Morning News, 2025)
When entrepreneurs win, the city wins.
How to participate
Established in 1947
Waco, TX
Architects: Ralph Plummer, Tripp Davis
Ranked #53 Golf Course in Texas
Par 70, 6659 Yards
Fairways/Tees: Bermudagrass
Greens: Bermudagrass
FAQs
The Bootstrap Classic has quickly become one of my favorite charity events of the year. The quality of the tournament and field, attention to detail, and overall day-of operation make it a first-class experience for everyone involved.
Nick Deaver
SVP, American Bank
We’ve sponsored a lot of events across Central Texas, and the Startup Waco Bootstrap Classic truly stood out. It’s easily one of — if not the — best charity golf tournaments in the region. We were proud to be a part of such a great cause.
Chase Smith
Partner, Pakis Law
Being part of the Bootstrap Classic was an honor. The purpose behind it, people coming together to build, grow, and support one another aligns perfectly with what we’re all about. Hands down the best charity golf event I've ever been a part of.
Rafael Rodrigues
Owner, Swing Golf Club
Ready to sponsor or compete?
Have a question before securing your spot? Submit the form below and our team will follow up directly.
2025 Gallery
See the Bootstrap in action last year
