User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content (UGC) is anything your customers, guests, or community create and share about your brand—without being asked (or paid).
That includes:
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Photos or videos they post while visiting your course
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Reviews they leave on Google or Facebook
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Instagram Stories where they tag your clubhouse, scorecard, or sunset view
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TikToks showing their swing (or their mulligan 👀)
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Tweets or threads sharing their experience
If your customer creates it and shares it, and you didn’t make it—that’s UGC.
Why Does UGC Matter?
Because people trust people more than they trust ads.
84% of consumers say they trust peer recommendations more than brand-created content.
And when someone posts about your course without being asked? That’s authentic social proof (the kind money can’t buy).
UGC = Modern Word-of-Mouth
Instead of telling people your course is worth playing, UGC shows them, through the eyes of someone they relate to.
It says: “Hey, I played here. I had a great time. You should check it out.”
That’s a message your audience actually believes
How Do You Get More UGC?
You don’t need to beg for it, you just need to make it easy and exciting to share.
Here’s how 👇
1. Create Shareable Moments
UGC doesn’t happen if there’s nothing worth capturing. So think like a guest:
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Do you have cool signage or photo-worthy backdrops on the course?
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What’s your signature hole or scenic view?
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Are there fun details in the clubhouse or at check-in?
Set the stage → they’ll do the rest.
2. Encourage Tagging + Location Use
Ask directly—without being pushy.
“Tag us in your best shot from the course today!”
“We love seeing your swings (or slices 👀)—tag us for a chance to be featured.”
“Visiting? Add our location and let others know what to expect!”
Most players are already taking pics, just remind them to bring you into the moment.
3. Reshare (With Permission)
Nothing boosts future UGC like resharing existing UGC.
When someone sees their content featured on your feed or Story, they feel:
→ Seen
→ Valued
→ More likely to share again
Just remember: always ask or credit them (or include usage rights in your event policies).
4. Run a Low-Lift Giveaway or Challenge
Try something like:
“Tag us in your favorite course photo this week for a chance to win a free round."
“Post your swing and tag us for a chance to be featured on our page!”
“Best sunset shot of the month gets a free drink at the clubhouse.”
Make it fun, low-pressure, and clear. That little nudge goes a long way.
5. Build a UGC Habit in Your Events
If you host tournaments, leagues, or clinics:
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Add a photo release to the signup
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Set up a “photo op” zone or backdrop
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Encourage people to tag your official handle or hashtag
You’ll leave the event with more photos than you know what to do with (and none of them will feel staged).
Tools to Make UGC Easy
Later → Collects and reposts UGC with permissions
Canva→ Add branding or resize UGC for posts
Pixlee TurnTo → Helps gather, organize, and display UGC
Google Alert → Tracks mentions of your course online
Instagram Collab → Lets you co-author posts with guests
Grab Your Free UGC Starter Kit
To make this even easier, we created a free UGC Starter Kit for golf courses that includes:
✔️ DM Scripts
✔️ Story Templates
✔️ Consent Checklist
✔️ UGC Rights Request
Get it HERE
Final Takeaway
Your best marketing isn’t the post you planned.
It’s the moment a guest feels good enough to post on their own.
That being said: make it easy, make it welcoming, and make it share-worthy. Then watch your community help you grow.