What Exactly Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical, mobile-first videos that are 60 seconds or less. Think of them like TikToks or Instagram Reels, but on the world’s 2nd largest search engine.
Launched in 2020, Shorts are:
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Free to post
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Prioritized by YouTube’s algorithm
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Shown to people who don’t already follow you (hello discovery!)
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Linked to your main channel and long-form content
Shorts have their own shelf in the YouTube app, and some creators have grown millions of subscribers just by using them.
Why Golf Courses Should Use Shorts
Because they’re short, easy to produce, and entertaining. Golf content does really well in vertical formats, especially if it’s:
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Scenic (golden hour flyovers)
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Relatable (“golfers when they miss a 3-ft putt…”)
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Educational (swing tips, course etiquette, gear reviews)
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Behind-the-scenes (daily course prep, player features, course history)
Shorts are a goldmine for getting in front of a younger, travel-ready audience who scroll for inspiration. Plus, they drive traffic to your main videos or website.
How to Make a YouTube Short
Step 1: Pick your content.
Start with a clear idea. Either repurpose an existing video or shoot something new.
Examples:
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A 15-second drone shot of your signature hole
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Staff spotlight: “Meet the head pro at [Course Name]”
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Before/after greens maintenance
Step 2: Format it right.
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Vertical (9:16)
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Under 60 seconds
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Add music, captions, or voiceover if needed
Step 3: Add a punchy title + #Shorts
Use a clear title like:
“Why This Par 3 Always Plays Longer #Shorts”
Keep it interesting and relevant.
Step 4: Upload via the YouTube app or Studio.
Upload like you would a normal video, just make sure it's under 60 seconds and vertical. YouTube automatically categorizes it as a Short.
Pro Tips to Make Shorts Work for You
Hook early – The first 3 seconds need to grab attention (start with action, movement, or a question).
Consistency > Perfection – Upload regularly (1–3x/week) to stay in the algorithm’s favor.
Batch create – Film 3-5 at once to save time and stay ahead.
Cross-post – Share your Shorts on Reels and TikTok too (just remove watermarks).
Use YouTube’s built-in music + text tools for easy editing.
Final Thoughts
YouTube Shorts aren’t just a trend... they’re a strategy.
Whether you're showing off a signature hole, telling your course’s story, or making people laugh with a classic golf fail 😂→ Shorts give you the reach you’ve been missing. And they cost you $0 to start.
So, go ahead! Grab your phone, hit record, and take the first swing.
Your next 10K followers might be just one Short away.