About us

William Flaharty – President & Founder

Charity Golf Networking is owned/operated by William Flaharty and has been assisting charity golf tournaments for the past fifteen plus years. William’s background as a professional golfer inspired him to bring a professional look to local charity golf tournaments. CGN is proud to announce Dan Barnes as our Director of Operations.  Bringing his experience and extensive knowledge in the hospitality industry, to take CGN to the next level, into the future. Charity Golf Networking is dedicated to the best interest of the charities, while providing a professional golf tournament that will keep the sponsors and players coming back.  Creating a unique professional look each year is crucial, William and Dan look forward to showing you the Charity Golf Networking difference.

William Flaharty – President & Founder

Charity Golf Networking: Where Purpose Meets Precision

Charity Golf Networking (CGN) was founded by William Flaharty—a former professional golfer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—with a clear and enduring vision: to harness the power of golf to make a meaningful impact in the world of charitable giving.

What began as a personal journey has evolved into a highly respected organization that blends the passion of the game with the power of purpose. For more than a decade, CGN has partnered with nonprofit organizations to design, execute, and elevate charity golf tournaments that deliver significant fundraising outcomes while offering an unmatched experience for players and sponsors alike.

A Champion’s Journey

From an early age, William Flaharty demonstrated an extraordinary talent for golf. His rise through the junior and amateur ranks was nothing short of meteoric, earning accolades across the United States and internationally. As one of the top-ranked junior golfers in the world, he developed a deep respect for the discipline, strategy, and mental fortitude the sport demands.

At just eighteen years old, William turned professional, signing with a prestigious sports management firm. His career took him around the globe, securing victories and building a reputation as a respected and driven competitor. Beyond the fairways and greens, he was immersed in the business of sport—negotiating sponsorships, navigating endorsements, and learning how elite athletes present themselves in the corporate world. These experiences laid the foundation for his future success as a business leader.

Adversity Becomes Opportunity

While preparing for the PGA Tour Qualifying School, William encountered a major setback: a debilitating hand injury. What began as a temporary obstacle became a long-term medical challenge, requiring extensive diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation. This unexpected turn forced him to pause his professional golf career—but it also ignited a new vision.

Rather than stepping away from the game, William chose to pivot. He envisioned a company that would allow him to stay connected to golf while leveraging his experience to benefit others. Out of that vision, Charity Golf Networking was born.

Our Mission & Model

CGN’s mission is simple yet powerful: to create world-class charity golf tournaments that inspire giving, foster connection, and deliver measurable impact for nonprofits. Under William’s leadership, the organization operates with a unique blend of business acumen, sporting excellence, and philanthropic purpose.

Every CGN event is a masterclass in professionalism and hospitality. From course selection to sponsor integration, from branded visuals to on-the-day logistics, every element is meticulously curated to reflect the values of both the host organization and the stakeholders involved. Our tournaments are not just events—they are experiences designed to build long-term support for causes that matter.

The CGN Standard

What sets CGN apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence—both on and off the course. William’s background as a professional athlete informs every decision. He understands that attention to detail, preparation, and execution are what turn a good event into a great one.

CGN specializes in:

Full-Service Tournament Management

End-to-end support including planning, registration, hospitality, course coordination, media coverage, and more.

Sponsor Engagement & Branding

Building meaningful sponsor relationships and ensuring high-value brand exposure through strategic event integration.

Custom Experiences

Tailored themes, player gifts, contests, and entertainment options that enhance enjoyment and promote engagement.

Fundraising Optimization

Proven strategies that maximize donor involvement and help clients reach or exceed their fundraising goals.

Whether partnering with a local nonprofit or a nationally recognized foundation, CGN delivers the same level of passion, attention, and professionalism to every event.

A Legacy of Impact

Over the years, Charity Golf Networking has helped raise substantial funds for hundreds of charitable organizations. From health care and education to community outreach and veteran support, CGN’s portfolio of impact spans a diverse array of sectors. These results are a direct reflection of William’s leadership and the trust that sponsors and nonprofits place in the CGN team.

William’s story—from rising golf star to visionary entrepreneur—is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless purpose. What began as a personal journey has evolved into a professional mission that touches lives far beyond the golf course.

The CGN Experience

More Than a Tournament—A Lasting Impression

At Charity Golf Networking, we don’t just host golf tournaments—we curate unforgettable experiences that inspire generosity and build meaningful connections.

The CGN Experience is rooted in two principles: excellence and authenticity. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed into an environment that is elegant, energized, and expertly organized. Every element—from the signage and setup to the registration, course layout, contests, and hospitality—is crafted with purpose and precision.

This atmosphere becomes a catalyst. Sponsors see the value. Players feel the excitement. Organizers witness growth. The result? A tournament that grows organically, year after year, attracting new supporters, engaging returning participants, and expanding the reach of the host organization.

And while words convey our mission, our events speak for themselves. Our photo galleries and video recaps capture the energy, camaraderie, and fun that define a CGN-hosted event. They don’t just reflect good times—they tell the story of impact.

What Makes the CGN Experience Exceptional?

Elite Course Selection

Partnering with top-tier golf courses and private clubs to offer a premium playing experience.

Player-Centric Design

Delivering seamless registration, luxury welcome packages, interactive contests, and on-course enhancements.

Sponsor Visibility

Incorporating sponsor branding through signage, digital promotion, player gifting, and integrated media opportunities.

Turnkey Management

Allowing clients to focus on their mission while we handle all the details—from logistics and vendor coordination to day-of execution.

Memorable Moments

Weaving in special touches—celebrity appearances, custom awards, live music, food & beverage experiences—that elevate the entire day.

When you choose Charity Golf Networking, you’re not just planning a fundraiser—you’re creating a moment. One that brings people together around shared values, celebrates generosity, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Dan Barnes – Director of Operations

Dan Barnes is the cornerstone of Charity Golf Networking’s operational excellence. As the Director of Operations, Dan’s role is crucial in ensuring that every event runs seamlessly from start to finish. With a background in both hospitality management and operations, Dan brings a wealth of experience to CGN, managing all aspects of event execution with precision and passion.

Dan’s journey with CGN started with a shared vision: creating an experience that goes beyond the traditional golf tournament. Understanding the importance of flawless logistics, he works closely with every team member, sponsor, and charity to ensure that every event is not only organized to perfection but is also memorable for all involved.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions:

  • Event Planning & Execution
    Dan oversees the planning and coordination of all CGN events, ensuring that every detail is accounted for. From the initial concept to final execution, he ensures that each event meets CGN’s high standards for excellence. This includes everything from coordinating course logistics, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing on-the-ground event staff.

  • Team Leadership
    Dan leads a diverse and talented team, instilling a culture of collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. His ability to motivate his team and his commitment to operational excellence drives CGN’s success, fostering an environment of accountability and innovation.

  • Vendor and Sponsor Relations
    Through his extensive network of industry contacts, Dan ensures that CGN is able to offer the best services, products, and experiences to both event participants and sponsors. He negotiates contracts, manages relationships, and ensures that all vendor expectations are met, ultimately delivering high-value returns for everyone involved.

  • Logistical Coordination
    Logistics play a vital role in the success of any event, and Dan’s expertise shines in this area. From transportation and accommodations to event registration and on-site support, Dan handles the operational logistics with the utmost care, ensuring a smooth and professional experience for all attendees.

  • Ensuring Quality & Compliance
    As a Director of Operations, Dan ensures that all events meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and compliance. He stays on top of regulations, permits, and insurance requirements, working tirelessly to create a safe environment for participants while complying with all legal and industry standards.

  • Continuous Improvement
    Dan’s commitment to excellence extends to constantly improving CGN’s operations. After each event, he leads debriefing sessions with the team to evaluate performance and gather feedback for future improvements. This ongoing focus on innovation ensures that CGN’s events are always evolving to meet the needs of participants, sponsors, and charities.

Dan’s Philosophy

Dan believes that every tournament should not just be an event, but a carefully crafted experience. His operational approach is rooted in a deep respect for detail, and he strives to create moments that resonate long after the event is over. This philosophy aligns perfectly with CGN’s mission to create lasting impact through well-executed, high-quality events.

Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale charity golf tournament, Dan’s approach remains the same: exceptional quality, thoughtful planning, and an unwavering commitment to creating an experience that is both enjoyable and impactful.

Under Dan’s leadership, CGN has expanded its operational capabilities, growing both in scale and scope while maintaining the same level of excellence that has made it a leader in the charity golf event space. His work is instrumental in ensuring that CGN continues to set the standard for charity golf tournaments nationwide.

A Partnership for Success

Together with William Flaharty’s vision and Dan Barnes’ operational expertise, Charity Golf Networking is uniquely positioned to continue making a positive impact in the world of charitable giving. This partnership blends passion, precision, and professionalism to create events that not only raise funds but also inspire change.

With each passing year, CGN’s influence and legacy grow, fueled by the combined efforts of leaders like William and Dan, whose shared dedication to excellence drives every aspect of the organization’s work.