From Golf Course Owner to Teesnap Team Member: How Teesnap Changed the Value of My Golf Course
Written by Todd Butts | PGA Golf Professional, Former Golf Course Owner, Teesnap Team Member
Todd spent over 20 years as a golf course owner before joining the Teesnap team.
My Story – Why I Made the Switch to Teesnap
I grew up with a deep love for the game of golf, and over time that passion developed into a clear professional path. With a degree in business and finance from Rhodes College and years of experience in the golf industry, owning a golf course became a natural next step. When I had the opportunity in 2005 to purchase Drake Creek Golf Club in Ledbetter, Kentucky, it was a dream realized, but it also came with the realities that every course owner knows well.
Running a public golf course means wearing a lot of hats. Between managing tee times, staffing, marketing, and finances — all while keeping golfers happy — the work never really stops. I loved the course, the people, and the community around it, but I also knew that to build a strong, sustainable business, I needed better tools and a better way to manage the operation.
As the owner and PGA Professional at Drake Creek Golf Club, I made the decision to switch from GolfNow to Teesnap in 2017. That decision didn’t just improve my operation — it fundamentally changed the value of my business and the quality of my professional life.
The Power of Owning Your Golfer Data
Like most successful golf operators, I learned early on that public golf courses with the largest and most engaged customer databases win. Teesnap’s simple yet powerful platform allowed me to grow our customer database from roughly 1,500 golfers to more than 10,000 — an impressive number considering the population of Ledbetter is about 1,600. Teesnap provided everything we needed to run the operation efficiently, from hardware and software to a dedicated support representative who built strong relationships with my staff and became a trusted extension of our team.
Learn more about Teesnap’s simple, all-in-one platform.
When Marketing Became the Turning Point
What truly transformed my business, however, was the Marketing by Teesnap service (also known as Golf Marketing Services, or GMS for short). Like many owners, my staff and I were stretched thin. We didn’t have the time — or the specialized expertise — to consistently manage our website, social media, email marketing, and customer engagement at a professional level. With GMS, that changed.
Having a True Marketing Partner
I met twice a month with our Teesnap Golf Marketing Advisor, always planning two, four, and six weeks ahead. We discussed upcoming events, growth strategies, and updates to our digital presence. Most importantly, I could confidently hand off execution and get back to running my golf course. Knowing those tasks were handled allowed me to focus on what mattered most.
See how a dedicated marketing advisor supports your course.
Results That Changed Everything
The results spoke for themselves. In my first year with GMS, I saw a five-times return on investment. Over the next five years, rounds increased by 33%, and annual revenue grew by more than $500,000. That growth didn’t just strengthen my business — it helped put my kids through college
From Client to Team Member
When I sold Drake Creek in 2023, I reached out to Teesnap to see if there might be an opportunity for someone with my background. There wasn’t a job posting at the time, but I knew I could bring value. I wanted to use my experience as a PGA Professional, a 20-year golf course owner, and a long-time Teesnap customer to help other owners and operators succeed.
Today, I’ve helped more than 70 golf courses improve their operations and strengthen their bottom line. Just as importantly, I’ve built meaningful relationships with owners and operators who face the same challenges I once did. Being part of the Teesnap team allows me to do what I love — help golf courses thrive — while working alongside people who genuinely care about the success of their customers and each other.
