A unique mix of content this week, but they all share one thing in common - brand. From mascots, to history, to branded content, my favorite things this week all centered their content around their brands in creative and engaging ways.
So, without further ado...
💯 Keeping it 100. Three Things We Loved This Week
1) Show Your History
Royal Portrush Golf Club (Portrush, UK): Royal Portrush has a unique advantage when it comes to social content - a rich history worth showing off. While their feed typically features stunning photos of their current course conditions, this week they took a fascinating detour by sharing some vintage photographs from 1906. It's a brilliant pattern I've noticed in their content strategy: occasionally weaving in these historical gems alongside their modern imagery. Not many courses can boast such a deep historical archive, and Royal Portrush leverages this heritage beautifully to enhance their brand storytelling.
Why? For historic clubs like Royal Portrush, leveraging heritage through vintage photography offers a powerful way to stand out in today's digital landscape where most courses rely on similar modern imagery. This approach creates an authentic narrative that newer venues simply can't replicate, while building emotional connections with their audience through rich storytelling.
From a marketing perspective, historical content helps justify premium positioning and communicate exclusivity, appealing strongly to golf purists and history enthusiasts. It also provides valuable diversity in their content strategy, breaking up standard course photography while creating engaging conversation starters. For prestigious clubs with deep archives, sharing their history isn't just marketing – it's an opportunity to remind audiences they're not just selling a round of golf, but a chance to be part of golf's living history.
Check out Portrush's Images: Click Here
2) Calling Swinging Louie
University of Louisville Golf Club (Louisville, KY): The University of Louisville's iconic "Swinging Louie" merchandise has been a coveted item among fans for years. Previously, this sought-after design was exclusively reserved for golf team members and university donors. In an exciting shift from tradition, the university just launched these products to the public for the first time - choosing their home course, the University of Louisville Golf Club, as the exclusive retail location for the release. However, it's not the logo or the release that I loved, it's how they released the gear.
Why? They amplified their merchandise launch with a creative video featuring their mascot, Louie, getting ready for a round of golf before striking the iconic "Swinging Louie" pose. While mascots are rare in the golf world (with notable exceptions like Disney's courses), they're a marketing asset that shouldn't be overlooked. This marks the first time the university's golf club has incorporated Louie in their marketing efforts (from what I can see), and the playful approach adds personality to what could have been a standard product launch. For facilities lucky enough to have mascots or character ambassadors (or even partnerships with local sports teams), this serves as a perfect example of how to creatively weave them into golf marketing content.
Check out UofL's Swinging Louie launch: Click Here
3) HGTV more like PRTV
Predator Ridge (British Columbia, Canada): Predator Ridge, a stunning golf community in British Columbia, has a unique marketing challenge: balancing the promotion of their golf club with showcasing real estate—two distinct goals. This week, they launched a new branded content series, PRTV, which takes viewers inside the homes and explores their designs, all hosted by the design experts themselves.
Why? PRTV is a strong marketing move for Predator Ridge because it integrates real estate and lifestyle content, appealing to both golf enthusiasts and potential homebuyers. By showcasing the homes with design expert hosts, the series builds credibility and keeps audiences engaged. Not to mention, the home they show is beautiful.
Through HGTV-level photography and editing, this format creates an immersive experience that forges emotional connections far more effectively than traditional advertising or blasting "call us today" messaging. By keeping episodes concise and shareable, Predator Ridge ensures their content reaches a wider audience while maintaining engagement.
The true power of PRTV lies in its ability to elevate Predator Ridge beyond a golf destination – it positions them as a premium lifestyle brand, helping distinguish them in the competitive luxury community market.
Check Out PRTV Episode 1: Click Here
That's it for this week. If you find this weekly content email helpful, we'd love for you to pass it on to your colleagues.
As always, thanks for being part of Grow Golf. Our community is growing, and you were here first :)
See you, Tuesday.
-Rich
