I have a friend who does a benefit golf tournament single handedly. It is a ton of work. She works on it all year.
That said, it brings in at least $10,000. She has a one day event. I believe there's a catered lunch and silent auction too. Tickets are $85-100 each.
Your group is right - it is a TON of work. It would be a nightmare if you're not up for it, but very rewarding if you have enough time, people and resources. I believe you have to have some "seed money" too to reserve the course and caterers.
Unfortunately I don't have more specific information than that. Maybe you could go to a local golf course and talk to one of thier golf pros or the chairpeople of thier summer tournaments or leagues. Certainly they could tell you what they would do.
A friend of mine has mentioned that her daughter's softball group has raised significant monies ($5000 in 2 days!) sponsoring a golf tournament. Has anyone else done this and what kind of successes, and failures, have you had? It sounds interesting but a lot of the moms in our Orchestra Parents Association (OPA) are concerned that it might be a lot of work. Any and all ideas are SOOOOO welcomed!