Golf Course Marketing Ideas That Work
It’s no surprise that today’s consumers go online for nearly every decision — what to buy, where to go, and how to spend their free time. So how can your golf course reach them as they browse the web?
Digital marketing offers countless possibilities. Here are 9 of the most effective strategies to help your golf course stand out and attract more players:
1. Implement SEO Strategies
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a set of tactics aimed at improving your website’s visibility in search engine results.
If your golf course doesn’t appear on the first page of search results, chances are you’re missing out on valuable leads.
SEO helps you stay in front of prospects who are actively looking for golf courses in their area — making it one of the most targeted and cost-effective forms of digital marketing.
2. Create a Responsive Website
As mobile use continues to rise, your website must work flawlessly on all devices — phones, tablets, and desktops alike.
A responsive website ensures users can browse, book, and navigate without frustration. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results, giving you a competitive edge.
3. Offer Engaging Content
Think about why people visit your site — usually to learn about your course and its amenities.
Offer informative, easy-to-read pages with high-quality images that showcase your property.
Additionally, attract a broader audience with content like golf tips, course strategy guides, or local event listings. For example, an article on improving short-game techniques could draw golf enthusiasts who later explore your site — and potentially book a tee time.
4. Enable Online Tee Time Booking
Is it easy for players to reserve tee times online? If not, it should be.
Modern golfers expect convenience, and offering online booking through your site (or app) simplifies the process, boosts bookings, and reduces phone calls. It’s a small improvement with big returns.
5. Use Paid Advertising (PPC)
While a solid website is your digital foundation, paid ads can give your visibility a major boost.
Platforms like Google Ads allow you to display your course to people actively searching for terms like “golf course near me” or “best courses in [your area].”
This strategy delivers highly targeted traffic and measurable ROI — ideal for competitive markets.
6. Encourage Reviews on Golf Advisor and More
Word-of-mouth is powerful — and online reviews are today’s version of it.
Encourage happy players to leave reviews on Golf Advisor, Yelp, Google, and other platforms. Prospective golfers trust peer feedback and are more likely to choose a course with strong ratings and recent reviews.
If a competing course has dozens of positive reviews and yours has none, guess where new players will go?
7. Build a Strong Social Media Presence
You don’t need to be on every platform, but having an active presence on at least Facebook or Instagram is key.
Golfers love to share photos and tag their locations. If they enjoy a great day at your course, they’ll likely post about it — providing you with free, authentic promotion.
Use your social media profiles to:
- Share updates and event info
- Engage with your community
- Promote user-generated content
- Host giveaways or live Q&A sessions
You can also use YouTube to post instructional videos or behind-the-scenes footage, adding personality to your brand.
8. Run Social Media Ads
If you already have active social profiles, consider experimenting with paid social media advertising.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer powerful targeting options based on location, interests, age, and behavior. Even modest ad budgets can bring measurable results and help you reach the right audience.
Start with a few test campaigns, analyze their performance, and scale what works.
9. Share Course-Specific Video Tips
Videos take more effort to produce than text or images — but they offer unmatched engagement.
A great way to start is by creating quick video tips specific to your course:
How to approach a difficult par 3, how to read the greens on hole 7, or how to handle a tricky dogleg.
This not only offers value but showcases the uniqueness and challenge of your course — turning interest into action.
Final Thoughts
This list isn’t exhaustive, but these 9 ideas offer a strong foundation for marketing your golf course online.
By investing in SEO, high-quality content, social media, and paid ads, you can position your course for success — attracting both loyal members and new guests.
Ready to drive more bookings and build your course's digital presence? Start with one or two strategies and build from there — the results may surprise you.
