“ I ’ ve had a lot of successful reels . If it ’ s a really good golf shot , I ’ ll get a good number of reactions — but the funny ones always do well ,” he explains .
This combination of skilled golf play and relatable content keeps his audience engaged and coming back for more . For those looking to follow in his – BEN KRUPER footsteps , Kruper emphasizes the importance of consistency . “ That ’ s the tough part , just posting every day and being creative . Always look for something
I ’ ve had a lot of successful reels . If it ’ s a really good golf shot , I ’ ll get a good number of reactions — but the funny ones always do well .”
BRYCE Cope
different ,” he advises . This approach not only helps in building a loyal audience but also keeps the content fresh and exciting .
As for the future , Kruper is keen on expanding his influence beyond Instagram . “ I ’ ve been trying to grow on YouTube , because that has a little bit more longevity opposed to Instagram and the short reels ,” he notes . “ If I get into the You- Tube game a little more , I could be in the influencer world for quite a while .”
he recorded a video of himself doing a drill in his garage . “ Twelve hours later , the video had over 100,000 views . From that point on , I was hooked ,” Cope recounts . “ Over the next few months , my following grew to over 75,000 on TikTok . I decided to start posting on Instagram as well , and that account grew even faster .”
He also expanded his expertise by taking online courses and working with a mentor who coaches tour players . “ This improved my knowledge , which improved the videos I could create and allowed me to help more players ,” he says .
In September 2023 , Cope fully transitioned from the medical field to focus on his passion for golf coaching . He opened an indoor facility called " The Birdhouse " and has since conducted over 2,500 online lessons and hundreds of in-person sessions .
He believes that becoming a golf influencer is extremely accessible today .
“ If you have a cell phone and a tripod , you can produce content . It ’ s all about finding your niche and remaining consistent with posting ,” Cope shares . “ Quick tips online will never trump individualized instruction , but for those who don ’ t have access to a coach , social media content is a great way to learn and try new tips at no cost .”
|
@ brycecopegolf |
|
|
|
@ brycecopegolf |
|
|
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRYCE COPE |
Bryce Cope ' s journey to becoming a prominent golf influencer is a tale of passion , dedication , and a bit of serendipity . With more than 200,000 followers , he has successfully leveraged his expertise to offer online lessons and tips , making golf more accessible to a broader audience .
In 2021 , Cope was working as a physician assistant in pediatric orthopedic surgery at a children ' s hospital in Hampton Roads . However , his love for golf , which began at the age of four and saw him competing in many VSGA junior championships , never faded .
“ A college career was always the goal , but I became burnt out and realized I
|
probably didn ’ t have the skillset to become pro ,” Cope says . After completing his education at Old Dominion University and earning a master ' s degree in Richmond , he returned to Virginia Beach , where he rekindled his passion for golf .
During the COVID-19 pandemic , Cope ’ s wife convinced him to download TikTok .
“ I started seeing golf content and instructional videos pop up on the app ,” he explains . “ Playing all of my life , I thought it could be something fun to do — to get outside and share some tips I ’ ve learned along the way .”
His initial videos didn ’ t garner much attention , but a breakthrough came when
|
Bryce Cope |
vsga . org S EPTEMBER / O CTOBER 2024 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 27