Picture this: A golfer is looking for a place to play this weekend. They don’t visit your website. They don’t call your clubhouse. Instead, they pull out their phone, type “best golf courses near me” into Google or Google Maps, and scan the results.
At that moment, what do they see?
If your Google Business Profile is properly set up, they’ll find a fully optimized listing with photos of your course, an easy "Book Now" button, and glowing reviews. If it’s not? They might find a competitor instead—or worse, they could see incorrect information that makes them book somewhere else.
Google has become the first stop for golfers searching for a tee time, and if your course isn’t showing up the right way, you’re losing out before you even get a chance to impress them.
Every golf course operator knows that visibility is key. You may have a fantastic course, great amenities, and top-tier service, but if golfers can’t easily find you online—or worse, if incorrect information is floating around—you're missing out on tee times, pro shop sales, restaurant visitors, and event bookings.
Why You Need to Claim Your Google Business Profile (Before Someone Else Does)
If you haven’t claimed your Google Business Profile (GBP) yet, it’s time to do it now. Google allows anyone to suggest edits to a business listing, and in some cases, even claim it as their own.
That means an ex-employee, competitor, or even a customer could end up in control of your profile. When that happens, you might wake up to find that:
- Your phone number is incorrect or disconnected.
- Your course is marked “Permanently Closed” when it’s not.
- Your website link sends golfers somewhere else—possibly to a competitor’s site.
A golfer who sees outdated or confusing information may never double-check—they’ll just move on to another course. That’s business lost, and it’s entirely avoidable.
How to Claim Your Google Business Profile
If you don’t already own your listing, claiming it is a simple but crucial process:
1️⃣ Go to Google Business Profile Manager and sign in with a Google account.
2️⃣ Search for your golf course’s name. If it appears, select it.
3️⃣ Click “Claim this Business” and follow the steps to request ownership.
4️⃣ Google will send a verification code—this might be via email, a phone call, or a postcard mailed to your address.
5️⃣ Enter the code and gain control of your profile.
Once claimed, you can update your business details, manage reviews, add photos, and most importantly, ensure your course is always shown accurately to potential customers.
What Happens When Golfers Search for Your Course?
Let’s say someone types "public golf course with a driving range near me" into Google. If your listing is complete and optimized, they’ll see:
- High-quality images showcasing your greens, clubhouse, and amenities.
- Accurate details like pricing, hours, and course conditions.
- A “Book Now” button so they can reserve a tee time instantly.
- Recent golfer reviews, building trust before they even arrive.
Compare that to a listing with outdated photos, no booking options, and a bunch of unanswered reviews. Which course would you book?
Have a Restaurant? Make Sure It Has Its Own Google Listing
Golf courses with clubhouse restaurants or bars often overlook a key opportunity: having a separate Google Business Profile for the restaurant.
When someone searches for "best brunch near me" or "outdoor dining with a view," your restaurant should appear in search results—even if the person searching isn’t thinking about golf at all.
That means:
- Locals and tourists looking for a great meal could discover your course through your restaurant.
- Non-golfers might visit for the food—and decide to take up the game later.
- Your restaurant can rank separately in Google searches, bringing in extra business.
If your restaurant isn’t listed separately, you’re missing out on a huge source of traffic and revenue.
Selling Merchandise? Get It on Google Shopping
Your pro shop isn’t just for in-person sales anymore—it can be a powerful marketing tool if you make your products visible on Google. And the best part? Signing up for Google Shopping doesn’t cost a dime.
Think about it: Golfers searching for “Titleist Pro V1 near me” or “best golf hats in [your city]” aren’t just looking for information—they’re looking to buy. And when they search for those products, why shouldn’t your pro shop be the one they find?
By listing your gear—whether it’s clubs, apparel, golf balls, or accessories—on Google Shopping, your products appear right alongside major retailers. That means a golfer who didn’t even know your course existed could see your shop simply because they were looking for a Callaway driver or an Adidas golf polo.
How to Get Started (for Free)
- Sign up for Google Merchant Center and connect your pro shop’s inventory.
- Add clear photos, descriptions, and pricing for each product.
- If you have an online store, link it to Google to enable direct purchases.
- If you only sell in-store, activate the "local inventory" feature so golfers nearby can see what’s available.
The result? More visibility, more foot traffic, and more sales—all from golfers who may not have found you otherwise.
The “Book Now” Feature That’s Changing the Game
Google has made it easier than ever for golfers to book a tee time instantly—right from search results. This is the most exciting news yet!
With Google’s "Book Now" button, potential players don’t need to visit your website or call the clubhouse. They see a tee time and reserve it with one click.
Courses that use this feature see:
✔ Faster bookings—less friction means more players commit.
✔ More reservations—golfers are more likely to book when it’s easy.
✔ A competitive edge—if your course offers instant booking but others don’t, you’ll win more last-minute tee times.
If you haven’t enabled this yet, check whether your tee sheet provider integrates with Google Booking. If they do, setting it up takes just minutes.
The Bottom Line: Are You Showing Up Where Golfers Are Searching?
Google isn’t just a directory—it’s the first place golfers go when deciding where to play, shop, or dine. Whether they’re looking for a tee time, a new wedge, or a place to grab lunch after a round, your course needs to be front and center in their search results.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes strategy, optimization, and knowing how to use Google’s tools to your advantage.
If your Google Business Profile isn’t fully optimized, if you’re missing out on Google Shopping visibility, or if your course isn’t taking advantage of the “Book Now” feature, you’re not just losing potential customers—you’re giving them away to competitors who are doing it right.
That’s where Your Nice Shot comes in. We specialize in helping golf courses get discovered, drive more bookings, and increase sales by making the most of Google’s free and paid tools. Whether you need guidance, setup, or a full strategy, we tailor our approach to fit your course’s specific needs. Get in touch today, and let’s put Google to work for your business.