Unleashing the Power of Social Media for Your Golf Course

The below message is on behalf of 19th Hole Media.


Michael Block’s Inspiring Journey, and Unleashing the Power of Social Media for Your Golf Course

Dear Esteemed Members and Friends of the National Golf Course Owners Association of Arizona,

What an exciting time it is to be part of the golfing community! Michael Block, the Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, recently rocketed to household name status following an extraordinary performance at the PGA Championship. With his PGA Club Pro status, engaging interviews, an ace at the 15th hole, and a triumphant 15th place finish, he has not only left us in awe, but has also secured an exemption at next year’s PGA Championship.

This successful journey harks back to 2020, when Michael was honored with the Employee Excellence Award by the California Golf Course Owners Association, an accolade that recognizes exemplary customer service skills, leadership, and teamwork in the golf industry. His recent performances at the PGA Championship further affirm the validity of our nomination in 2020.

The championship saga had a domino effect on Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club’s social media, which exploded with activity following Michael’s earnest and touching interviews. The buzz grew when he was paired up with Rory, culminating with his fairy tale round on Sunday.

19th Hole Media (Welborn Media) was at the forefront of this excitement, live-tweeting the round and offering extensive digital coverage of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Michael Block. The experience was not just thrilling, but also one of the most impactful digital events we’ve ever witnessed.

Having managed Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club’s social media for a decade, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of a strong digital presence firsthand. From attracting celebrity golfers such as Albert Pujols and Teemu Selanne, to catching the eye of global golf influencers, social media has proven instrumental in not just retaining talent, but in driving successful events, creating an extensive waiting list for club membership, and promoting the club to wider audiences.

Last week alone we generated 3,654,206 impressions, 140,088 engagements, and 725 new followers.

Why does your golf course need social media? Here’s why:

• Retain, Attract, and Grow Talent, Influencers, and Business: A dynamic social media presence helps your golf course highlight key staff members, attract influencers, and expand its business reach.

• Capitalize on Big Opportunities: Unforeseen moments like the PGA Championship’s turn of events are a testament to how an active social media presence can transform pivotal moments into significant business opportunities.

• Engage and Connect with Golfers: Reacting to golfer’s tags, reviews, and promotional content after their visit significantly boosts the likelihood of their return to your course.

We would love to help you harness the power of social media for your golf course. We’re offering a free social media consulting session for your golf course. Please email me at Zeb@WelbornMedia.com to arrange a session at your earliest convenience.

Thanks for everything!

Zeb Welborn

President of Welborn Media & 19th Hole Media

Now Available! Tree Care Solutions for Your Common Tree Challenges

You can view the recording of the recent webinar Tree Care Solutions for Your Common Tree Challenges on April 26 by Lisa Smith (Registered Consulting Arborist, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified).

VIEW HERE!

We received great feedback on this webinar, including from Ed Smilow, Golf Course Law:

“I just had to reach out and say what an absolutely wonderful presentation it was. I only wished it had gone on for another hour as I was soaking it all in and wanted more… I counsel numerous golf courses throughout the State of California and will encourage them in the proactive measures you have suggested to enhance their facilities, properly maintain their tree populations and reduce the risk of tree failures.”

Turf Reduction Grant Opportunity

This message is on behalf of Arizona Alliance for Golf.


Through the efforts of the Governor’s office, the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Arizona Alliance for Golf, the state of Arizona has designated funding for qualified courses to use for turf reduction and modernization. These grants are issued through the Arizona Office of Tourism’s Visit Arizona Initiative.

See here for timely information about the grant programs, plus more important details for owners, managers and operators.

Please note, there is no application deadline, but applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Funds are limited.

Webinar Recording: Best Management Practices Workshop

Below is the recording of our Best Management Practices Workshop presented by GCSAA on March 10, 2022.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are tools commonly used by superintendents to provide quality playing surfaces and improve the economic and environmental health of their golf facilities. The adoption of BMP plans at the facility level helps in the advocacy efforts on behalf of golf with national, state, and local lawmakers, as well as the media. BMPs demonstrate our commitment to professional land management using science-based BMPs including the responsible use of inputs.