For years, when a golfer clicked Book online on a GolfNow course’s Google listing, they were routed through GolfNow’s Reserve with Google program, connecting golfers searching for your course to GolfNow.com instead of your own booking engine. Courses on other tee sheets got the direct click. GolfNow courses didn’t.
That changed on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. In this five-minute video, OGCOA technology advisor Mike Hendrix walks through EagleSticks Golf Club, an all-in GolfNow course outside Columbus, where Google’s Book online button now sends golfers straight to the course’s own tee times.
The short version for GolfNow courses
- Opt out of GolfNow’s Reserve with Google program. The opt-out form is at the bottom of GolfNow’s Google FAQ page. Hover over the word “here” to find the link. GolfNow says removal takes up to five business days.
- Keep just one booking link in your Google Business Profile, pointed directly at your booking engine. Don’t point it at your website and make golfers click again.
- Save it and give it a day. The change won’t show up in 30 seconds.
Why it matters
Golfers who click Book online are ready to buy. Sending them straight to your own inventory is a better experience for the golfer and keeps the booking, and the customer relationship, with your course.
For the full background on Google’s change, including other booking platforms now getting the direct click, read the write-up on Golf Course Technology Reviews.
Find this helpful? Join us at ACE Talks
If you find information like this valuable, join us in person on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at NCR Country Club near Dayton for ACE Talks, produced by Miami Valley Golf and presented by Lightspeed Golf. Six sessions built for people who run golf courses, including AI, Digital Hospitality, robotic mowers and more, all in one day.
OGCOA members pay $69 per person, and that covers your whole team. Not a member yet? One $395 membership gets you both OGCOA and NGCOA.