Have you heard about the on-demand Matteo Manassero?


By: November 2, 2015


Matteo Manassero is quite busy in these days. Two days ago I had the chance to write about his support of Italy’s bid efforts to win the hosting rights of the 2022 Ryder Cup. Today, he held an interactive event for international golfers (UK, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, South Africa and the UAE) as ‘The Golf in Abu Dhabi’ ambassador at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (managed by Troon) in Abu Dhabi.

What really happened is that, he opened an instructional clinic on the venue’s practice facilities.

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Matteo joins the international crowd ahead of his instruction clinic at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

He took each player in a well-contested ‘Beat The Pro’ competition on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s par-3, 6th hole.

The amateur golfers were treated to playing experiences at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (it is the only beachfront course in Abu Dhabi) as well as Yas Links (the only links proposition in the UAE) and Abu Dhabi Golf Club (the host of the world’s best players at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship).

Some ideas to consider:

If Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) the driving force behind the Golf in Abu Dhabi initiative really want to develop the international reputation of Abu Dhabi as a golfing destination then they should not underestimate the importance of social media. Namely, how to maximize hashtags on Facebook (it is also possible on Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest):

  • Ask the participants to tag themselves on the photos that Saadiyat Beach Golf Club uploaded to its Facebook page;
  • I would ask also from the participant when they share their photos in social media to use a specific hashtag text (e.g. #GolfinAbuDhabi)
  • By enabling and facilitating hashtagging they could achieve:
    • Expand their online communication’s reach –> win crowds!
    • Amplify your brand;

What Matteo Manassero can do is:

  • To retweet these golfers on Twitter, reply to them on Facebook etc.
  • Send a Thank you message in a Tweet / Facebook post / SMS etc.

I think in these days real-time online video watching gaining momentum. Thus the usage of SnapChat Live Story (was implemented early this year in Waste Management Phoenix Open) or Periscope should not be neglected. So with a little extra effort marketer can win a lot. Needless to say, this assumes that these golf clubs are mobile friendly.

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Matteo in action on the Par 3 Beat the Pro at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

In the coming days I would start a “post-event” communication (almost in the same manner as in post-purchase programs) to win back these people for the Abu Dhabi golf clubs. Let’s start with some friendly consideration (e.g. pictures from the event; gift package, etc.) It can be a good opportunity for instance to promote your New Year’s Eve package as well. So don’t leave them alone, since these participants can be ideal prospects for your golf club.