Why Google Reviews Matter
Reviews do three things you can’t afford to ignore:
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Improve Local SEO
More 5-star reviews = higher rankings in local search
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Build Social Proof
People trust people. A strong review presence builds instant credibility
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Drive Action
A well-timed review mentioning a great experience, friendly staff, or beautiful greens? That sells.
How to Get More Reviews (The Smart + Ethical Way)
Step 1: Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
We teach you how to do that in detail HERE.
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Add your logo, course photos, hours, website, booking link, and amenities
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Add a short description that includes keywords like “public golf course,” “tournaments,” “lessons,” etc.
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Double-check that your phone number and location pin are correct
Step 2: Make It Easy to Leave a Review
Most people won’t leave a review unless it’s super easy to do. Here's how:
✅ QR Codes in Key Places:
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Golf carts: Add a weatherproof sticker with a QR code that links directly to your review page
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Pro shop counter or check-in desk: A small sign next to your tee sheet or POS
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Scorecards: Add a callout box: “Love your round? Scan & share your feedback.”
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Restaurant tables: Especially if you serve food or drinks post-round
Step 3: Train Your Team to Ask the Right Way
The most effective review request is:
✅ Timely (right after a good experience)
✅ Personal
✅ Non-pushy
Example:
“Hey, if you had a good round today, it’d mean a lot if you left us a quick Google review. Just scan this QR code here — it takes 30 seconds!”
You can even rotate phrasing on your signs:
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“We hope you had a great round — leave a review and let others know!”
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“Your feedback helps us grow — scan to review!”
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“Like your experience today? A Google review goes a long way.”
❌ What NOT to Do (Seriously)
Google’s review policies are strict. Violating them can get your reviews removed, or worse, get your listing suspended.
Here’s what’s not okay:
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🚫 Incentivizing reviews (no discounts, freebies, contests)
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🚫 Asking only people you know had a good experience
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🚫 Leaving fake reviews or having staff/family review your own course
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🚫 Posting reviews from the same IP address
Play it straight: honest, unfiltered reviews are what actually build trust.
Content Ideas to Get More Reviews *Organically*
Instead of only asking directly, use your content to nudge action.
Here’s what that looks like:
→ Share a recent 5-star review with a photo of the guest or course
→ Post a video of someone leaving the course smiling and pair it with a caption like: “If you’ve played with us recently, leave us a review.”
→ Announce improvements: “We’ve updated the bunkers on #6 and #12. Tell us what you think!”
→ Add your Google review link to your email footer, booking confirmation, and website
Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT to Spot Review Trends
Once you start getting consistent reviews, copy/paste them into a doc and upload them to ChatGPT.
Prompt idea: “Analyze these Google reviews for trends. What are our guests consistently mentioning as positive experiences? What areas could we improve?”
That insight? It’s gold for your marketing and operations teams.
Action Plan for This Week
✅ Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
✅ Generate a QR code linking to your review page
→ Here's our Free QR Code Generator
✅ Place signs/stickers in carts, counters, and scorecards
✅ Train your team on how to ask
✅ Start a weekly content plan that features a review or nudges one
✅ Monitor and respond to every review (yes, even the bad ones)
→ We talk more about how to handle those HERE
Final Thought
Google reviews are the digital word-of-mouth your golf course depends on.
Make it easy. Make it part of your culture. And above all... make it genuine.
The results will follow.