Founded by two tech entrepreneurs, Golfapedia offers a unique and valuable tool for golfers
who can view 36,000 golf courses worldwide in 3D.
Imagine exploring a golf course in stunning 3D from the comfort of your home, previewing
every hazard, green, and fairway as if you were physically there. Now, there is a portal that
offers this transformative experience to golf enthusiasts around the globe.
Founded by two tech entrepreneurs, Florida-based Robert J. Nelsen and Indian American
Shukoor Ahmed, Golfapedia features over 36,000 golf courses worldwide. With its three-
dimensional tours and interactive features, Golfapedia is not just reshaping the way golfers
discover and plan their next round but also setting a new standard in the realm of sports
technology.
Launched in 2017 as Golfflyover with a modest database, the site has rapidly evolved into a
premier digital resource.
Nelsen, a golf enthusiast and the driving force behind Golfapedia, shared insights into the
platform’s evolution. The U.S. Air Force veteran, who has a bachelor’s in computer science and a master’s in aeronautical science, has extensive experience in computer programming and air traffic control. It was the convergence of his love for the game and professional expertise that led to the creation of Golfapedia.
“We started with a simple idea,” Nelsen explained. “About 15 years ago, I discovered how to
map out golf courses using Google Earth. It was a cost-effective way to capture course layouts.
At that time, I started Golfflyover, mapping out 13,000 courses with a dedicated team in India.
This experience laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Golfapedia.”
Golfapedia’s growth from Golfflyover is a testament to the platform’s evolution and the vision
of Nelsen and Ahmed.
The platform’s transition to 3D tours was a significant milestone. Nelsen leveraged his skills in computer programming to turn these layouts into interactive 3D tours. “The aim was to provide users with a more immersive experience, allowing them to explore every detail of a golf course before they even set foot on it,” he said.
Co-founder Ahmed said Golfapedia’s standout feature, the 3D tours, allows users to explore
golf courses in stunning detail from anywhere in the world. “These immersive tours are
designed to work seamlessly across devices, including both phones and laptops, eliminating the need for a separate app,” he said. “With this cutting-edge technology, Golfapedia offers an unparalleled digital experience for planning trips, scouting new courses, or simply indulging in a passion for the game.”
The co-founders also spoke about Golfapedia’s growth plans and approach to competition.
The market for golf applications and course layout tools is very crowded. Speaking about the
competitive landscape, Nelsen noted, “There are many golf applications out there showing
course layouts. What sets us apart is our 3D, interactive approach. We cover over 36,000 golf courses, almost the entire globe. This extensive coverage and our unique presentation make us distinct.”
From American Samoa to Zimbabwe, Golfapedia has visually mapped courses from 172
countries. The country with the greatest number of courses mapped on the site is the United
States with 16,194 courses, followed by England (2,159) and Canada (2,154).
Asked about Golfapedia’s monetization plan, a crucial element for any digital platform, the co-founders said the platform has several strategies in place. “We’re exploring various revenue streams,” said Nelsen. “These include advertising on our site, forming partnerships, and offering subscriptions to our API for course layouts. Currently, we’re seeking partnership
opportunities and additional funding to enhance our marketing efforts and further improve our software.”
“At this point, we're trying to reach out to all the mapping solutions companies available to team up with them and also individually reach out to golf courses to have our three-
dimensional tour linked with their individual websites,” said Ahmed, founder of the Bowie, MD, technology company V-Empower. “In the long run, we're looking into exploring immersive experiences using devices from companies such as Apple and Meta.”
Nelsen said that there are no immediate plans for a dedicated app. “Our website and 3D tours are optimized to work seamlessly across all devices,” he explained. “In fact, the 3D tours look amazing on cell phones. We don’t see a need for a separate app at this time.”
Golf is a widely enjoyed recreational activity. According to a 2023 report produced by the
American Golf Industry Coalition and published by the National Golf Foundation, around 14
percent of people in the United States participated in the game in 2022. It has a broad
economic impact across various sectors, including golf courses, retail, construction, tourism,
real estate, and charity.
In 2022, golf generated $101.7 billion in direct economic activity in the U.S., a 20 percent
increase from $84.1 billion in 2016. The industry also has a substantial ripple effect on related
sectors, with indirect and induced impacts totaling $124.9 billion. Overall, golf’s total economic contribution in the U.S. amounts to $226.5 billion, supporting over 1.65 million jobs, including more than 1 million directly within the industry, the report said.
Nelsen is an alumnus of the University of South Carolina and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University. Ahmed is a serial entrepreneur who has launched a number of companies.
Besides Golfapedia and V-Empower, he has founded or co-founded the video-conferencing platform Meet Hour and Wakuk, a ride-sharing app.