What Private Club Leaders Need to Know Before Capturing Golf Course Drone Footage

Drone footage has become a staple of modern private club imagery. However, there’s still a stark difference between basic aerial shots and professional videography that even an untrained eye can sense. In the latest episode of Crushing Club Marketing, we sat down with Russell Bennett, a seasoned drone videographer specializing in golf course imagery, to learn more about how drone footage can help your club tell its unique story.

Balancing Art and Science

Capturing a golf course from above is as much about creativity as it is about technical precision. A skilled videographer will take time to acquire an understanding of your course’s unique features and leverage them to create visually engaging footage. This includes choosing the right shooting angles, experimenting with low-altitude shots for dramatic effect, and timing shoots during golden hour for cinematic results.

On the other hand, capturing your course’s beauty requires more than just expensive equipment. Drone videography demands a solid understanding of airspace regulations and safety standards. A seasoned videographer knows how to navigate these technical boundaries while pushing creative limits to deliver exceptional results.

What High-Quality Drone Videography Looks Like

For clubs, website visuals and marketing materials are often the first touchpoints for any audience. While an aerial shot of Hole 9 may look nice, it doesn’t convey the essence of your club. Now imagine a father and son walking down that same hole during golden hour, bonding over their shared love of the game as the sun sets over the water. A moment like this not only highlights the course’s beauty but also gives prospective members a heartfelt glimpse into your club’s family-oriented culture.

Professional drone videography should be both carefully planned and aesthetically beautiful. Not every videographer who touts a 4K lens knows how to wield it creatively. Russell suggests asking drone videographers for a reel or demonstration of their previous work. If their experience, quality, and understanding of your needs align with your vision, you’ve found yourself a good match.

Potential Filming Challenges

Filming a golf course isn’t without its challenges. Courses are often active, requiring careful coordination to capture footage without disrupting players. Russell shares that some courses block off a few hours of tee times to allow for filming, while others permit him to work as needed, as long as he doesn’t disrupt players. His strategies for working around golfers include shooting during off-peak times or staging certain shots with player participation to enhance the storytelling.

Multiple shooting days are another ideal factor for success. According to Russell, spreading shoots across different days allows for optimal lighting conditions and ensures complete coverage of the course. This approach not only guarantees better results but also provides flexibility for adjustments.

Captivating Your Audience from Above

Drone videography is essential. It's a powerful tool for showcasing your club’s beauty and appeal. By investing in professional drone videography, clubs can create captivating visuals that resonate with current members and attract new ones.

To hear more insights from Russell Bennett and learn how to elevate your club’s visual storytelling, listen to the full episode of Crushing Club Marketing. Your club deserves more than basic aerial shots—it deserves videography that truly soars.