Mapping a Golf Course using Google Earth

If you’ve used Google Earth then you know what an amazing application it is especially for a golf course.

The tools inside Google Earth are as impressive as our big blue planet and for golf courses it is a valuable piece of software that gives players an insight into your golf course.

Below is a simple guide on how to map your course.
It is tricky and if you are a little technology challenged then be prepared for late nights and some head scratching!
To start, locate your course using www.eyespygolf.com and click on the “Aerial Image” icon at the top right of the page. This will automatically fire up Google Earth and zoom you into your course.  Next zoom in to a position that you feel golfers would want to see of your course.

Adding Pins and Tees.
1. In “Add” on the top menu click on “Folder” and name your course. You can also add a description of your course in this dialogue box.
2. Now add another folder inside this one and label it “Hole 1″
3. Now comes the fun bit, Locate hole 1 by moving over course and add a Placemark (Small tack icon)

While this dialogue box is open move the tack to where the hole is on the course.
You can change the tack icon into a flag by clicking on the tack icon inside the dialogue box. Here you will find a few preset icons to choose, the golf pin is perfect! Add a description in the dialogue box . E.g. 450 yards - Par 3.

You have just marked your first hole!
4. Click on the course name which is the top folder you created and follow steps 2 - 4. The hardest bit is now adding all 18 holes!
5. To add Tees is very similar to adding holes. It is important you have clicked on the hole where you want your pin to be. It’s an easy mistake to start adding pins and realise they are all in the wrong folders. It’s not a problem, all you have to do is click on the placemark icon in your folder structure and drag it into the right folder.
Making amends to Pins or Tees is very easy. If you have made a mistake or you want to move a pin then just right click on the icon in folders and a pull out appears, scroll down to “Properties” if you are on a PC or “Add info” if you are using a Mac. You’ll notice your icon (Pin or Tee) will start flashing. KEEP THE DIALOGUE BOX OPEN and move your placemark to it’s new position.

Tip: To make your map look even better when you have finished move to Hole 1 in a view where a golfer would get most benefit and take a “snapshot view”. You do this by right clicking on “Hole 1″. If a golfer now clicks on your file and clicks Hole 1 folder then the snapshot view is saved at angle you predetermined.