Website Builder does have the capability of a community forum built into its functionality. However, some groups may find its capabilities limiting. Here is where Google Groups may help you out with an enhanced golf group community communication tool. As stated at the Google Groups welcome page, "Google Groups is all about helping users connect with people, access information, and communicate effectively over email and on the web."

What can you do with Google Groups?

Google Groups helps golf group administrators distribute information efficiently and effectively by "posting" information which members receive by email or online. Not only that, it allows every member of the group the ability to comment on posts or create a post themselves. It allows a multi-directional conversation rather than one-way communication.

Here are some other features:

• make it public or limited access to only your group
• create and collaborate on web pages hosted within the Google Group site such as a group newsletter
• customize to make it your own group's look and feel
• allows for member profile pages
• share electronic files
• name the group

Learning how to use Google Groups

Complete help on how to set up your group and other information is available at Google Groups Help.

Using Google Groups with Website Builder

Integrating your Google Group into your Website Builder site is a snap once you create a Google Group account. If you've already created an account for your golf group for Google Picasa, Blogger, Docs or YouTube, you can use the same account for your Google Group.

1. Create a Google Group account.
   
   
2. Once you are in your Google Groups account, click on the "manage" link for your group (see circled below). Your Google Group, of course, will have a name other than GolfSoftware.com.
   
   
   
   
3. Next click on the "Group settings" link at the far right hand side (see circled below).
   
   
   
   
4. Now find your group address (blue circle above).
   
   
5. Copy your group web address.
   
   
6. Paste this link on one of your web pages or to put it on your menu...
   
   
7. From within Website Builder, select the "Menu" tab or Pages tab. If you want this page to automatically have a link on the navigation bar, select the Menu tab.

8. From the Menu or Pages tab click on the "Add a page" [] icon.

9. In the Program Tools folder, select the Google Groups page template by highlighting/selecting it (click once with left mouse button) and clicking on the Next button.
   
   

10. Enter information into "Page Properties" window and click Save & Close button.
    
    

11. Your new web page template is now on the navigation menu (if you used the Menu tab).
    
    
12. Paste your Google Groups address (See Step 7 above) to the Group Address box (green arrow below).