My Golf Book
February 16, 2008
Facebook, myspace, hi5, Orkut…the ability to aggregate human real estate on the internet has captured everyone’s attention and as a result you see the off-spring of social networking touching all slivers of interest. And yes the social networking phenomenon has reached into the world of golf.
Social Networking for Golf ?
GolfBuzz and Golfedin, both deliver information about golf courses, allows users to connect with one-another or Golf Professionals, upload photos, track scores, write or read course reviews, etc. But doesn’t this all sound a little familiar? Other than being branded for golf, there is no differentiation from other sites and this makes the value very difficult to discover. These features on their own, or in combination, do not solve a problem. Delivering a clear, easily understood value with no participation fee, separates the Facebook.coms from the Classmates.coms. For success it is necessary to centre around a singular interest and deliver real value to the end-user.
Delivering Value
LastMinuteGolfer.ca has built a substantial community in Toronto because it delivers value that is clear and has an expression in the real world. You play golf and save some of your money, simple and beautiful. LastMinuteGolfer is a premium vendor for me at Pheasant Run Golf Club and I have met many of the LMG Nation in my Golf Shop and on the first tee. I love it when I see the results of the internet knocking on my own door.
Bombsquadgolf.com has developed a community around equipment obsessed, amateur and professional players who are seeking up-to-the minute information on the latest gear being used on the PGA Tour and the craftsmen who build the clubs. Like computer software engineers, they speak a language that is only understood by members of the community. Bombsquad members collect, share and discuss 95% of the content. The opinions and information is almost completely free of corporate influence. And I love that!
Searching through the vastness of the web is like looking for a needle in a stack of needles. Personal recommendation is still the best way to find real value, so with this in mind, please send me your recommendations.
Mark Sharpe
sharpe.golf[at]gmail.com
