GolfNow Review: Unlock Effortless Tee Times and Exclusive Course Savings

Empty tee sheets are killing your revenue.

If you’re dealing with unsold tee times and juggling five different systems just to keep course operations running, you’re probably here to figure out if GolfNow fixes those pain points.

From my research, I actually established that disconnected systems bleed revenue and waste staff hours for course operators.

GolfNow approaches this problem with its integrated G1 platform—unifying digital tee sheets, sales, CRM, and payment all in one cloud-based dashboard—plus a direct pipeline to millions of online golfers that no stand-alone tool can match.

In this GolfNow review, I’ll break down how its unified suite helps you fill more tee times and manage your course operations without the chaos.

You’ll find clear answers on features, the real user experience, common pricing questions, and how GolfNow compares with alternatives you’re probably considering.

You’ll walk away knowing the features you need to increase revenue and save your staff time.

Let’s dive into the review.

GolfNow Overview

Operating out of Orlando since 2001, GolfNow is a major industry player. As a division of NBCUniversal’s GOLF brand, their core mission is connecting your golf course with more players.

They primarily target daily-fee public and resort courses that need to maximize daily revenue. What sets them apart is their massive online audience of golfers, giving you unparalleled marketing reach that is almost impossible to replicate on your own.

In this GolfNow review, it’s clear their investment in “SmartPlay” contactless tech shows a commitment to modernizing the entire golf experience, not just the initial booking itself.

Unlike pure software rivals, GolfNow’s powerful differentiator is its integrated tee time marketplace. You aren’t just buying a management system; you’re buying an active marketing and distribution channel that helps you sell your most perishable inventory.

You’ll find them working with thousands of public and resort facilities across North America. These courses all rely on attracting a steady flow of non-member play to drive revenue and keep their tee sheets full.

From what I can tell, their entire strategic focus is on being your essential revenue partner. They leverage their well-known consumer brand to solve your biggest operational headache: filling costly, unsold tee times on your sheet.

Now let’s examine their core capabilities in detail.

GolfNow Features

Unsold tee times draining your course’s revenue?

GolfNow tackles these challenges by providing a comprehensive, integrated suite. These are the five core GolfNow solutions that can help your golf course thrive in today’s competitive market.

1. G1 Management Platform

Still juggling multiple software systems?

Managing your pro shop, tee sheet, and customer data separately creates chaos. You often miss opportunities and struggle with accurate reporting.

G1 centralizes everything, from booking to sales and CRM, giving you a single source of truth. I found its intuitive cloud-based interface simplifies daily operations immensely. This core solution lets staff manage it all efficiently.

This means you gain unparalleled clarity into your business performance and save significant time on administrative tasks.

2. Tee Time Distribution Network

Off-peak tee times sitting empty?

Filling every slot, especially during quieter hours, is a constant struggle. You need broader reach than your local marketing efforts provide.

This network connects your available tee times with millions of active golfers. From my testing, it acts as a powerful, automated marketing channel that significantly boosts your course’s exposure. This GolfNow solution helps you monetize every available slot.

The result is maximized occupancy, even for those hard-to-fill times, bringing in golfers you otherwise wouldn’t reach.

3. SmartPlay Contactless Technology

Is your check-in process slowing players down?

Traditional pro shop check-ins can create bottlenecks and inconvenience players. Modern golfers expect seamless, digital experiences.

SmartPlay enables golfers to book, pay, and check-in entirely via their phone, bypassing the pro shop. Here’s what I found: it dramatically reduces congestion and enhances player convenience. This innovative feature creates a smooth, modern experience.

This means happier golfers, more efficient staff, and new revenue streams from in-app food and beverage ordering.

4. GoPay Payment Processing

Reconciliation headaches wasting your time?

Separate payment systems complicate financial reporting and lead to reconciliation errors. You need a unified view of your revenue.

GoPay integrates payment processing directly into the G1 platform, handling all transactions seamlessly. This is where GolfNow gets it right: it streamlines your financial data effortlessly. This solution ensures every dollar spent is tracked.

What you get instead is simplified bookkeeping, fewer manual errors, and a clear, accurate picture of your course’s daily revenue.

5. Plus Business Solutions

Lacking time for effective digital marketing?

Running a golf course leaves little bandwidth for complex digital marketing strategies. You need expert help to attract new players directly.

This service provides professional website building, email campaigns, and social media management. From my testing, their golf-specific marketing expertise really shines, driving more profitable direct bookings to your course. This specialized solution maximizes your online presence.

So as a course operator, you can significantly enhance your direct marketing efforts without hiring an in-house team.

These GolfNow solutions work together to create a holistic management and marketing ecosystem for your golf facility. This cohesive approach helps you optimize every aspect of your operations, from tee time bookings to payment processing.

GolfNow Pricing

Unsure what GolfNow will truly cost?

GolfNow pricing operates on a highly customized model, requiring direct consultation with their sales team to understand specific costs. This approach ensures you get a solution tailored to your golf course’s unique needs.

1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors

Understanding GolfNow’s distinct pricing model.

GolfNow’s core pricing isn’t a simple SaaS subscription, instead relying heavily on a barter model where your course provides specific tee times for GolfNow to sell. This revenue-share approach aligns their success directly with yours. Additional costs arise from optional elements like Plus Business Solutions or GoPay transaction fees. This is key.

From my cost analysis, this means your initial cash outlay for the platform can be minimal, with costs linked to your inventory utilization.

2. Value Assessment & ROI

Analyzing GolfNow’s value and ROI.

What impressed me about their pricing is how it unlocks unparalleled access to a massive golfer marketplace, helping fill unsold tee times. This direct pipeline drives significant new bookings, potentially offering a strong ROI by turning perishable inventory into revenue. It’s a powerful, unique way of thinking about software value.

Budget-wise, this model can generate revenue that far offsets the ‘cost’ of barter times, often outperforming traditional marketing.

3. Budget Planning & Implementation

Budgeting for your GolfNow investment.

Beyond the core platform, your total cost of ownership will include potential fees for Plus Business Solutions, specific POS hardware, and GoPay payment processing transaction fees. What I found regarding pricing is that these add-ons can significantly increase your investment, so negotiate carefully. It’s not just about the tee times for you.

So for your business, engage their sales team for a detailed, tailored proposal that covers all potential services your course needs.

My Take: GolfNow’s pricing is unconventional but highly effective for courses needing massive marketing reach and operational efficiency. It’s best for daily-fee, public, and semi-private courses looking to maximize occupancy.

Overall, GolfNow pricing requires direct engagement for a precise quote, but the value lies in its unique revenue-sharing model that helps fill your tee sheet. Their model focuses on maximizing your course’s profitability rather than just selling software.

GolfNow Reviews

User feedback tells an interesting story.

Analyzing various GolfNow reviews, I examined real user feedback tells an interesting story from platforms like Capterra and G2. My goal was to provide you with balanced insights into actual customer experiences and sentiments.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users feel deeply polarized.

From my review analysis, GolfNow’s user sentiment is notably divided. What I found in user feedback is a clear dichotomy, with users either highly satisfied with its marketing reach or significantly frustrated by its business model. This means expect strong opinions on both sides as reviews highlight substantial trade-offs inherent in the platform.

For your business, this indicates you must weigh exposure benefits against potential compromises to your control and pricing strategy.

2. Common Praise Points

Marketing reach truly shines.

Users consistently praise GolfNow’s unparalleled ability to fill tee sheets, especially during off-peak times. Review-wise, the marketing exposure it provides is frequently highlighted as a benefit individual courses cannot replicate alone. What stands out is how GolfNow’s network reaches millions of golfers, offering a powerful, automated marketing channel.

This means you gain access to a vast audience, driving bookings and maximizing your course’s occupancy to positively impact revenue.

3. Frequent Complaints

Business model draws fire.

The most common complaints revolve around the business model, particularly the barter system. Users express frustration, feeling it devalues their core product due to hot deals. From customer feedback, many also report a loss of control over pricing and brand identity. Support quality receives mixed reviews, with some finding it responsive and others slow.

What you should know is these are significant concerns, potentially impacting your long-term branding and profitability if not carefully considered.

Overall, GolfNow reviews reveal a powerful marketing tool alongside significant business model trade-offs. You’ll find it offers unparalleled reach, but evaluate control and pricing carefully before committing.

Best GolfNow Alternatives

Choosing the right golf course management solution?

The best GolfNow alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business situations and operational priorities. I’ve analyzed the market to help you decide.

1. Lightspeed Golf

Need a truly integrated POS ecosystem?

Lightspeed Golf excels when your business operates multi-service facilities, like courses with extensive retail or full-service restaurants. What I found comparing options is that Lightspeed provides superior integrated POS functionality, offering a modern, intuitive user interface that GolfNow’s G1 platform doesn’t quite match for complex retail needs.

Choose Lightspeed when you prioritize a best-in-class, integrated retail and restaurant POS system over marketplace exposure.

2. foreUP

Want to build your own brand, not a third-party’s?

foreUP positions itself as an all-in-one, cloud-based alternative with a strong emphasis on empowering your course’s own brand and marketing efforts. From my competitive analysis, foreUP helps you build your own marketing channels without the barter or commission model tied to a marketplace like GolfNow.

Consider foreUP when you prefer comprehensive software to drive direct bookings without relying on external distribution.

3. EZLinks Golf

Looking for an official PGA TOUR affiliation?

EZLinks Golf, a direct competitor, offers its own software suite and the TeeOff.com marketplace, backed by the PGA TOUR. Alternative-wise, its official PGA TOUR affiliation is a key differentiator, and you might find their terms more favorable.

Choose EZLinks when PGA TOUR branding is appealing or if their specific marketplace terms better align with your course’s strategy.

4. Teesnap

Seeking hands-on marketing partnership?

Teesnap’s key value proposition is its “managed marketing services included” approach, where they actively help you market your course. From my analysis, Teesnap provides a collaborative managed marketing service, which GolfNow offers as an add-on, but Teesnap integrates this into its core offering.

For your specific needs, select Teesnap when you desire a partner to actively manage your marketing strategies for you.

The best GolfNow alternatives ultimately depend on your specific operational and marketing needs rather than just basic features.

Setup & Implementation

Navigating software deployment isn’t always easy.

In this GolfNow review, I’ll guide you through its implementation. Understanding the deployment process, setup requirements, and adoption hurdles is crucial. Let’s delve into the practicalities you’ll face.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Expect more than a simple click-and-launch.

GolfNow’s team guides your initial system configuration and data migration, importing existing customer lists and bookings. What I found about deployment is that the guided setup can take several weeks, especially with substantial data transfer or unique requirements. This structured implementation requires your active participation.

You’ll need to allocate dedicated time for data collection and review. Proper planning for this upfront effort smooths the entire setup process.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Prepare your tech infrastructure for Go-Live.

As a cloud-based platform, GolfNow G1 needs a stable internet connection for web browser access. Your POS system will require specific hardware like terminals and printers, often purchased or leased. From my implementation analysis, ensure your internet is robust enough for consistent daily operations and transactions.

You’ll need a stable internet connection and compatible POS hardware. Plan for the purchase or lease of terminals, printers, and cash drawers.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption requires clear training and follow-up.

GolfNow offers live, remote training sessions for staff on the G1 platform and POS. While the training is generally positive, implementation-wise, staff turnover is a significant challenge as new employees need ongoing instruction. Continuous education prevents knowledge gaps.

Plan for ongoing internal training to counter staff turnover. Assign key staff as system champions to support new hires and reinforce best practices daily.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support during your rollout matters.

GolfNow provides phone and email support during your implementation and beyond. User feedback is mixed; while some find assistance helpful, others report frustration with response times for complex issues. Implementation-wise, proactive communication streamlines problem-solving, so be prepared to follow up diligently.

You should establish clear internal communication channels for issues. Designate an internal point person to liaise with GolfNow support for faster resolution.

Overall, GolfNow implementation is a guided process requiring your active involvement, especially with data and hardware. Your team’s commitment to training and internal support is key, ensuring successful adoption and ongoing operations.

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Who’s GolfNow For

Your business fits GolfNow’s unique value proposition.

This GolfNow review dives into who truly benefits from this platform. I’ll help you quickly assess if your golf course operation, team size, and specific use cases align with what GolfNow delivers best.

1. Ideal User Profile

Perfect for public courses with unsold tee times.

GolfNow thrives with General Managers or Directors of Golf at daily-fee public or semi-private courses. Your main problem is unsold inventory, and you prioritize filling tee sheets, even at a discount. You view bartering and commissions as essential marketing to reach a wider audience.

You’ll see success if you are comfortable exchanging some margin and pricing autonomy for high-volume exposure.

• 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of optimizing business operations, if you’re also managing complex workflows, my article on patient case management software could offer insights.

2. Business Size & Scale

Best for established, occupancy-focused golf operations.

From my user analysis, GolfNow suits medium to large public and semi-private golf courses. If you operate multiple courses, you’ll find centralized management advantageous. This solution supports maximizing occupancy and reach, ideal for operations seeking broad market penetration rather than exclusivity.

Your business is a good fit if you need to consistently fill many tee times and have sufficient volume to leverage a large marketing platform.

3. Use Case Scenarios

Filling consistent tee sheet gaps is key.

GolfNow excels when your primary use case involves addressing significant gaps in your tee sheet, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons. What I found about target users is that it’s an immediate tool for high-volume exposure. Its robust G1 platform helps manage operations while funneling golfers to your course.

You’ll find this works well if your priority is consistent tee time occupancy and you value broad market access over strict pricing control.

4. Who Should Look Elsewhere

Not for premium brands or private clubs.

If you run an exclusive private club or a high-end public/resort course focused on protecting a premium brand image, GolfNow isn’t for you. User-wise, operators prioritizing full pricing control and customer data feel a loss of control with the barter system and “hot deals.”

Look for SaaS-only competitors like Lightspeed Golf or foreUP if maintaining brand prestige and full pricing autonomy is your primary concern.

Best Fit Assessment

• Perfect For: Daily-fee public/semi-private courses battling unsold tee times
• Business Size: Medium to large golf operations, multi-course operators
• Primary Use Case: High-volume tee sheet filling, broad marketing reach
• Budget Range: Comfortable with commission/barter for increased occupancy
• Skip If: Exclusive private clubs or premium courses protecting brand/price

This GolfNow review should clarify whether its unique business model aligns with your operational needs. Understanding your course’s priorities and capacity for discounting is crucial for a successful partnership.

See If GolfNow Fits Your Needs →

Bottom Line

Is GolfNow the right fit for your course?

My comprehensive GolfNow review reveals a powerful tool for increasing course visibility, but its unique business model demands careful consideration for your long-term strategy.

• 🎯 Bonus Resource: If you’re also looking into effective operational management, my article on population health management solutions covers key aspects of large-scale system optimization.

1. Overall Strengths

Maximize your course’s market exposure.

GolfNow excels at leveraging its vast consumer marketplace to drive traffic and fill otherwise empty tee times, particularly during off-peak hours. From my comprehensive analysis, its marketing power is genuinely unmatched for courses, connecting you with a massive network of golfers impossible to reach independently. The G1 platform furthermore offers robust operational management.

These strengths directly translate into significantly increased revenue and maximized course utilization, vital for your course’s financial health.

2. Key Limitations

Understand the trade-offs involved.

The primary drawback stems from GolfNow’s barter system, where you exchange tee times for marketing exposure, potentially devaluing your product. Based on this review, you might lose control over pricing and brand identity when your times are sold at heavily discounted rates through their marketplace. Support quality also receives mixed feedback.

These limitations are significant but become manageable trade-offs if your priority is filling every available tee time, despite the cost.

3. Final Recommendation

Decide based on your core priorities.

My recommendation is for daily-fee public or semi-private courses struggling with occupancy and seeking broad market exposure above all else. From my analysis, it’s ideal for maximizing your tee sheet volume even if it means sacrificing some control over your product’s perceived value and overall pricing strategy.

Your decision should carefully weigh the immense marketing benefit against the potential long-term impact on your course’s brand and revenue per round.

Bottom Line

• Verdict: Recommended with reservations for volume-focused courses
• Best For: Daily-fee public/semi-private courses needing high occupancy
• Biggest Strength: Unmatched marketing reach and tee sheet filling
• Main Concern: Loss of control over pricing and product devaluing
• Next Step: Consider a demo, focusing on their business model’s impact

This GolfNow review demonstrates a powerful solution for immediate occupancy gains, but you must align its model with your long-term business goals. My confidence in this assessment is strong for its specific niche.

Try GolfNow Based on This Review →