Email is the most underused marketing channel for golf instructors. Social media is flashy, but email converts at 3-5x the rate — and you own the list. Here’s how to use it without becoming spammy.
The 3 Emails Every Instructor Should Send
1. Post-Lesson Follow-Up (Within 24 Hours)
Subject: Great session today, [name]!
“Hey [name], great working with you today! Here’s a quick recap of what we covered and one drill to practice before our next session: [drill]. Let me know if you have any questions. See you [date]!”
Why it works: Reinforces the lesson, provides value, and keeps you top of mind.
2. Monthly Newsletter (1x/month)
Subject: Quick tip: The putting mistake costing you 3 strokes/round
Structure: One useful tip (60%) + one student success story (20%) + one promotional offer (20%). Keep it under 300 words. Include a clear CTA: “Reply to book” or “Forward to a friend who could use this.”
Why it works: Keeps you in front of current and past students consistently. Past students are your highest-converting re-engagement audience.
3. Seasonal Promotion (4x/year)
Subject: Spring lesson special: 15% off 5-pack (this week only)
Time these around season changes: spring “get ready for the season,” summer “improve while you’re playing,” fall “lock in before winter,” winter “holiday gift certificates.”
Building Your Email List
- Collect emails from every student and clinic attendee
- Add a signup form to your website: “Get a free weekly golf tip”
- Collect emails at events and clinics with a clipboard or tablet
- Import contacts from your phone (past students you’ve texted)
Tools (Free or Cheap)
- Mailchimp: Free up to 500 contacts. Professional templates, automation.
- MailerLite: Free up to 1,000 contacts. Clean, modern, easy to use.
- ConvertKit: From $9/mo. Best for creators building an audience.
The Rule
80% value, 20% promotion. If every email is “book a lesson,” people unsubscribe. If every email teaches them something useful, they look forward to hearing from you — and buy when you do promote.
Drive email signups by being findable online. Add your free listing on the Grumpy Gopher directory — your profile links to your website where you collect emails.
Improve Your Game