Smudged Media: Supporting Covesea Links and Golf Businesses Across the Highlands
Golf in the Highlands continues to grow in both popularity and reputation. While the quality of the courses has always been there, the ability for clubs to present themselves consistently online is becoming increasingly important in attracting visitors, promoting events and sharing the everyday life of the course.
At Covesea Links Golf Club on the Moray coast, that story is being supported behind the scenes by David Wilson of Smudged Media, a Forres-based creative marketing studio working with golf and tourism businesses across the Highlands.
Supporting Covesea Links Through Consistent Social Media and Content Planning
David began working with Covesea Links in late 2024, providing social media management and content planning designed to keep the club visible year-round while allowing the team to focus on running the course and welcoming visitors.
Rather than reacting to events as they happen, content is planned in advance around competitions, seasonal changes and key dates in the golfing calendar. This ensures the club maintains a steady and authentic presence online, reflecting both the playing experience and the character of the course.
The work includes:
- Short-form video content
- Repurposing visitor and member imagery
- Graphic design for club communications
- Website updates and digital support
- Promoting competitions, events and visitor experiences
A key focus is ensuring that Covesea Links is represented honestly — a traditional Moray coast links offering natural golf, distinctive character and a memorable visitor experience.
Championing Clubs with Small Teams
Like many Highland golf clubs, Covesea operates with a small, dedicated team and no full-time marketing department. Having external support allows the club to maintain a consistent voice and presence without increasing internal workload.
It also provides an opportunity to present the club more confidently to wider audiences. This has included supporting entries into national recognition such as the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards and helping ensure Covesea Links receives the attention it deserves.
For many clubs, having someone who understands both golf and modern digital communication can make a significant difference.
A Lifelong Connection to Golf in Moray
David’s connection to golf began early. Growing up in Moray, where his father worked as a greenkeeper across several local courses, he developed a deep understanding of the work that goes into maintaining and presenting a golf course.
Living on a golf course during his childhood provided a unique perspective on the game and the environment surrounding it. That familiarity continues to shape how he approaches content today, ensuring the story of each course reflects its identity and setting.
Understanding Golf as Part of the Highland Visitor Experience
With a professional background in destination marketing, including work with Visit Moray Speyside, David understands how golf fits into the wider tourism landscape.
Golf in the Highlands is closely connected to the region’s coastline, whisky distilleries, local food and independent businesses. Visitors come not just to play, but to experience the place itself.
Through thoughtful content planning and storytelling, Smudged Media helps communicate that wider experience, allowing clubs like Covesea Links to connect more effectively with both local golfers and visiting players.
Smudged Media: Supporting Golf and Tourism Businesses Across the Highlands
Based in Forres, Smudged Media works with golf clubs and tourism businesses across the Highlands, providing social media management, branding and content creation tailored to each business.
The goal is simple to help clubs and organisations communicate clearly, maintain consistency and showcase what makes them unique.
David’s work with Covesea Links demonstrates how consistent, thoughtful digital support can strengthen a club’s presence and help it connect with new audiences while staying true to its identity.
For golf clubs, tourism providers and hospitality businesses across the Highlands looking to improve their digital presence, Smudged Media offers knowledgeable support from someone with a genuine understanding of both golf and the region.
