We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hayden Boutwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hayden, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I’ve been mostly self-taught when it comes to managing my social media and creating content. I didn’t take any formal courses or hire an agency to manage my socials. Instead, I started by observing other successful influencers, analyzing their content, and using resources like YouTube and Instagram to learn the ins and outs of the platforms. I’m still learning every day, as things are constantly evolving.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

One thing I could have done to speed up my learning process would be to try and find a mentor or someone with more experience who could’ve guided me early on. There’s a lot of trial and error involved, and having someone with firsthand experience might have helped me navigate the learning curve a little faster.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Video editing has definitely been one of the most essential skills. It’s not just about shooting good footage; it’s about knowing what story you want to tell and capturing the right moments to bring that story to life. Having the mindset of an editor while filming is key. You need to know what shots will work, what’s important for your narrative, and how to make the content stand out.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

The biggest obstacle I’ve encountered is that the available resources usually tell you how to post the final version of your content, but they don’t always give insight into what you should post in the first place. Understanding what type of content resonates with your audience, how to engage followers, and how to balance creating content and maintaining engagement has been one of the harder parts to figure out. But with trial and error, you start to learn what works best for your audience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Hayden Boutwell, also known as The Orlando Golfer. My journey as a golf content creator began with my passion for exploring Orlando’s vibrant golf scene. After competing as a World Amateur Golfer, I set out to play and showcase Orlando’s impressive array of over 200 golf courses, capturing everything that makes each one unique and exciting.

I’m proud of creating content that brings viewers right onto the course with me. My videos range from the Orlando Golf Course Showcase, where I feature local courses and highlight their standout aspects, to my Travel Golf Series, where I take a spin-the-globe approach. I hit a ball at a map, and wherever it lands, I travel to that destination to play and spotlight a local course. One of my favorite series, the Pro Shop Challenge, lets me connect with people at each course. I challenge someone from the pro shop to a one-on-one match on the course’s best hole. If I win, I get a free round of golf, and if they win, they score a fun prize. It’s all about sharing the spirit and fun of the game with my viewers.

Each video is carefully planned and filmed to offer an authentic look at the course and the sport. It’s been amazing to see how viewers respond, and I’m excited to continue exploring and sharing Orlando’s best golf spots with them.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience on social media by sharing my journey through Orlando’s golf scene, starting with simple posts of each new course I visited. Over time, I began exploring popular trends and creating series like the One Club Challenge, my Golf Debate Series, and the Orlando Course Showcase. Each series brought in followers, not just from Orlando but from across the globe, and it’s been incredible to connect with such a diverse community of golf enthusiasts.

For anyone starting out, my biggest advice is to find a mentor—just reach out! I’ve learned a lot by asking questions and collaborating with other influencers. Seek out other creators in your niche, ask if they’d like to work on a video together, and don’t be afraid to ask for tips along the way. It’s all about building a network that helps you grow.

Another piece of advice I’d give is to respond to everyone—every message, every comment. Be authentic, and take the time to talk to people who are engaging with your content. These are the people who make up your community! Don’t be afraid to make friends with strangers, either. Some of the people I now play golf with and regularly film alongside were once just followers who reached out to say hello and mentioned they’d love to play a round together. Building these connections is what makes social media truly rewarding.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part for me is the community it creates. When people reach out, whether it’s to say they love the videos or to invite me for a round, it makes all the work feel worth it. I’ve built genuine friendships and now have regular conversations with people all over the world, all because we share a love for golf. Getting messages from people who connect with the content—whether they find it relatable, funny, or just entertaining—reminds me that I’m not just creating videos but building a community. It’s that sense of connection, the back-and-forth with people who really get the passion for golf, that’s the best part of what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/theorlandogolfer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theorlandogolfer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOrlandoGolfer/
• Youtube: www.tiktok.com/@theorlandogolfer
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theorlandogolfer

Image Credits

The Orlando Golfer