Looking for a way to drum up interest for the men's golf program and drive traffic to the athletic department's Web site, Miami (Ohio) University struck gold: Provide free golf lessons over the Internet.

In April, Miami unveiled "Golf Tips in Casey's Corner," a series of video tutorials featuring Head Coach Casey Lubahn. A new lesson was posted each Wednesday for three months and publicized through the athletic department's Web site and Facebook and Twitter accounts.

"The goal was to put Miami's golf program out there and promote it as much as possible," says Athletic Director Brad Bates. "Capitalizing on Casey's knowledge and skills has really resonated well with our alumni and constituents."

Sports Information Director Michael Pearson approached Lubahn with the idea, and the coach produced lessons on short putts, draw shots, bunker shots, and other topics. Broadcasting Director Steve Baker filmed and edited the lessons, and tried to shoot the video at times when Lubahn was already on the course. Having appeared in 2008 on the Golf Channel's "The Big Break Michigan," with his wife, Lubahn was already comfortable in front of the camera.

"We've gotten good feedback from alumni, prospective students, fans, and financial supporters," says Bates.

Based on its initial success, the school plans to continue the lessons in future seasons and pursue other video projects for its Web site. "Video allows your constituents to really get to know your staff in intimate ways," says Bates. "The more video you can incorporate into your Web site, the more people are going to feel invested in the athletic department's success."