Municipal Golf Saved by Technology?

Golf has always been on the cutting edge of technology, and according to the NGF, no other sport even comes close! To keep up with some of this stuff however, you almost have to make it your job, so we’ve compiled a short list of our top golf industry tech advancements that are applicable for municipalities looking to garner that competitive edge! We think the ROI for these is worth your consideration.

The Genius Ball

This is the Genius Ball from OnCore Golf. It’s actually not even on the market yet (slated for release later this year), but when it comes out, it could be a real game changer for teaching pros. The ball will run about $20 a piece, so we wouldn’t recommend trying to carry water hazards with it, but the real-time analytics it feeds out to a mobile device are priceless when it comes to evaluating a player’s game. We see teaching pros using this ball with their students over a practice round ON THE COURSE; not on the range or in front of a simulator. Really neat stuff!

Golf Course Apps

Every golf course worth its salt, really ought to have a mobile app of their course for their patrons to utilize. These customizable apps help players learn the course they're playing more intimately, and how to play it better. Better play means better scores, and better scores results in better feelings towards the course. Industry studies show repeatedly that players who enjoy their round and play well, come back to that course more frequently (shocking, we know!). They also have features that let the golf course socially engage with their customers! These apps can range in quality and function from the most basic, to the top-of-the-line. Cost per application ranges from $2,000 - $10,000+.

Indoor Simulators

The industry considers "entertainment golfers" as those who emphasize having fun on the course, over shooting their best score. One trend that we see popping up a lot with courses and clubs looking to accommodate this joyful faction, is the indoor simulator. These are fantastic for playing a friendly, simulated round at a popular golf course (like Pebble Beach, or Augusta National), or getting in some practice during stormy days. These units can be customized for just about any indoor area with the right space, and vary widely in price. A middle of the road unit goes for about $25,000.

TrackMan

Would you be surprised to learn, that some of the best golf training aids were born out of missile tracking technology!? Well it's true, and it's one of the reasons this tech is utilized by just about every professional golfer on tour today. It's also happens to be the same tech the TV networks use to project all those ball flights and accompanying statistics during golf coverage. But what's also true is that one of these little guys are the opposite of cheap, ranging from $12,000 to $20,000. Just make sure to have some demo clubs on hand because increased equipment sales have been known to happen!

TopTracer

Our last bit of tech for this newsletter, piggy-backs on a golf trend that has shown little sign of slowing; the merging of driving ranges, GPS technology, and happy hour. TopGolf likely comes to mind, and for good reason; they’re the undisputed king of these golf-centric social venues. But did you know there's a newly developed product called TopTracer that integrates any existing driving range into a mini TopGolf?

It takes a bit of commitment to establish some additional infrastructure to secure and protect the equipment, but relatively speaking, it’s a very easy addition for most courses looking to capitalize on this fun golf trend. Minimum bays are required, along with annual service packages, but relatively speaking, the investment comes in lower than expected at under $5,000 per bay. It's a very cool option for courses looking to reinvigorate their practice facilities!

Here's What You Need To Know:

- Courses staying ahead of the curve are integrating these technologies and others
- Golf tech opens the door to additional revenue opportunities
- More and more golfers are expecting increased levels of feedback data
- Golfers seeking to just have fun are drawn to these less traditional options

Timing is Everything

We realize that more often than not, everything comes down to timing, so when you're ready for us, we'll be ready for you and your golf course!

Please remember, we present webinars at no charge to stakeholders who oversee facilities looking to improve. If that's of interest to you, please tell us about your golf course byclicking here.

Sincerely,

Andy Staples, ASGCA