Key Takeaways
When someone searches for your golf business, the first thing they see isn’t your website—It’s your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
That little box on the right-hand side of the search results (or at the top on mobile) is your digital first impression. If it’s outdated, incomplete, or poorly optimized, you’re losing potential players before they ever click on your site.
In this guide, we’ll break down why it matters, what an optimized profile looks like, and how exactly to make yours work for you.
1. Your Google Business Profile Is Prime Real Estate
When someone searches for “public golf course near me” or your course by name, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see.
A well-optimized profile displays:
– Current, high-quality photos of your course and facilities
– Accurate contact information and operating hours
– Reviews from recent players
– Events, specials, and announcements
– Direct links to book tee times or get directions
If that profile is incomplete or outdated, you’ve just handed your competitor an advantage.
Example: Two courses appear in search results.
→ Course A has fresh drone photography, 150 recent reviews, and a “Book Now” button.
→ Course B has two low-quality photos, 12 outdated reviews, and no booking link.
Most golfers are going to choose Course A.
Why? It’s easier to book, has credible reviews, and they can see a glimpse of the course before they ever set foot on it.
2. People Decide in Seconds
Research shows people form an opinion about a business in under 7 seconds. And let’s be honest… most golfers are searching on their phone, mid-conversation, deciding where to play this weekend.
If they see:
Current photos of a lush fairway
A packed calendar of events
Recent reviews saying “Best greens in the state!”
…they’re far more likely to choose you over a course with outdated pictures or low reviews.
3. Using Your Google Business Profile as a Powerful SEO Tool
Google uses your profile to determine if your business is relevant to someone’s search. The more complete and active it is, the higher you appear in local search results (which means more visibility and bookings).
Pro Tip: Post updates directly to your profile (yes, you can repurpose content you’re already promoting on social).
Some ideas include: “Member-Guest Weekend,” “Summer Twilight Rates,” or “New Pro Shop Gear.” This shows Google—and golfers—you’re active online.
4. Google Reviews Are Your Online Word-of-Mouth
Golf is a community-driven sport. When one player raves about your course online, it carries weight. Some important things to consider:
- Profiles with more than 50 reviews often appear higher in search
- Responding to reviews (both good and bad) shows you’re engaged
- Reviews that feature keywords (“best driving range in Hilton Head”) boost local SEO
5. Photos Drive Action
According to Google, businesses with more than 100 photos get up to 500% more calls and 2,000% more direction requests than those with few or none.
Golf-specific photo ideas:
– Sunrise over the 18th hole
– Aerial drone shot of the full course
– Packed patio after a tournament
– New gear in the pro shop
– Smiling players in carts before a shotgun start
6. Players Can Book Without Visiting Your Website
One of the most powerful (and underused) features of a Google Business Profile is the ability to add a “Book Now” button. This button can link directly to your tee sheet, event registration page, or lesson booking system.
Why it matters:
Fewer steps = more conversions. Every extra click between “interested” and “booked” increases the chance of losing the player.
Mobile-first convenience. Most golfers searching on Google are on their phones. If they can secure a tee time in 20 seconds without loading a separate site, they’re far more likely to follow through.
Better for impulse bookings. Players deciding on the spot—especially for same-day or next-day rounds—are more likely to commit when the booking link is right in front of them.
Action Plan: How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile Today
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile (if you haven’t already).
- Fill out every section — hours, website, services, booking link, amenities.
- Upload at least 30 high-quality photos (and add more monthly).
- Post weekly updates — offers, events, or seasonal news.
- Ask for reviews after tournaments, lessons, or great rounds.
- Respond to every review within 48 hours.
Like the idea of having an optimized Google Business Profile but need help implementing these strategies with your busy schedule?
Or maybe you’d like help creating a marketing campaign to get more reviews for your golf business?
Our Golf Marketing Experts are here to help!
Learn More About Getting Expert Eyes on Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Waiting Until You “Have Time” Is Costing You Money
Your Google Business Profile is often your first impression with potential players. If it’s not memorable, outdated, or incomplete, it could be costing you tee times, shop sales, and event bookings every single week.
For those asking, “But what if I don’t have time to optimize my Google Business Profile?” We see you.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile can be a headache (tracking photo uploads, review responses, posting updates, and making sure everything stays accurate). For a busy golf progressional it’s another thing that can weigh down your to-do list.
At Golf Creative Co., we transform Google Business Profiles into 24/7 booking machines (so you can focus on delivering an exceptional golf experience to the new players we bring your way).
Ready to make your Google Business Profile your strongest marketing asset? Let’s get you fully optimized — Contact Our Golf Marketing Team Today
