Booking Direct at your Golf Course with Reserve with Google

The “Reserve with Google” program is a feature designed to simplify the booking process for golfers looking to book at your course on Google. Golfers searching via Google Search and Google Maps will be presented with a prominent blue “Book Online” button. The book button either goes directly to a golf course booking engine or lists several options of 3rd party providers along with the course link.

By integrating with this program, golf courses can offer a faster booking experience, making it easier for golfers to find and reserve tee times. This integration also helps golf courses reach a broader audience by leveraging Google’s extensive user base.

To utilize the Reserve with Google program, your golf course must work with a technology provider that can build the necessary feed. This feed is a technical integration that ensures your book online link is accurately displayed through Google. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Technology Provider Integration: Your golf course technology provider needs to develop a feed that connects your booking system with Google. This feed updates daily, ensuring that the data is current.
2. Google Display: Once the feed is active, your golf course’s booking options will appear directly in Google Search and Google Maps when users search for your course or related terms.
3. Booking Process: Golfers can then select a tee time link and complete the booking process. This streamlined process reduces friction and can lead to higher booking rates.

It’s important to note that this integration requires technical expertise and cannot be set up manually by the golf course itself. Partnering with a capable technology provider is essential to leverage this program effectively.

When golfers search for your course on Google, they might see multiple booking links. This is because Google aggregates booking options from various providers to offer users the best choices. It’s up to the course to decide how many providers to display. Here’s how golfers can use the program:

1. Search for Your Course: Golfers can search for your golf course on Google Search or Google Maps.
2. View Booking Options: In the search results, they will see a “Book Online” button. Clicking this will either show links from different booking providers or if there is only one provider, the golfer will link directly to your booking engine.
3. Select a Booking Link: Golfers can choose their preferred provider from the list of options.
4. Complete the Booking: They can then complete the booking process from the booking engine provider.

If your course does not have a booking button, it could be due to several reasons:

• Integration Status: Your technology provider may not have completed the integration with Google.
• Provider Partnerships: Your course might not be partnered with the booking platforms that Google aggregates.
• Data Issues: There could be issues with the data feed that need to be resolved by your technology provider. Google will only show the “book online” link if your course is set to a “golf course” within the google my business profile. If your course has a resort or hotel attached and you are already set to “Hotel”, then you will need to create a new Google business location for your Golf Course.

Multiple links appear because Google partners with various booking platforms to provide a comprehensive list of available booking options. This ensures that golfers have access to the best options and can choose the most convenient or cost-effective booking provider.

If you work with GolfNow,  Supreme Golf/Barstool Sports, your golfers will see a page with multiple links displayed. Golfers will have to choose a link to to book their tee time. If you want the button to go directly to your booking engine (and bypass this selection page), you will need to opt-out from the 3rd party provides listed.

Third-party platforms like GolfNow and Supreme Golf can increase your course’s visibility. These platforms can attract golfers who might not have found your course otherwise.

One of the main drawbacks is that you don’t form a direct relationship with the golfer. The booking data is often retained by the third-party platform, limiting your ability to market directly to these golfers and build a loyal customer base. Learn how to Convert Your 3rd Party Golf Bookings to Direct Bookings.

Since the golfer’s data like their email address isn’t shared with your golf course, you miss out on valuable insights that could help improve your services and marketing strategies.