May–June 2004
Tee Time: Industry News

First Tee Imparts Life Skills, Research Finds
In 2003, two years after its chapters implemented the Life Skills Education Curriculum, the First Tee conducted separate scientific reviews to study the program’s effectiveness. Preliminary research found that the curriculum is providing participants with benefits that may last a lifetime. For example, among youth participating an average of six weeks in the first level (Par) of training
• parents observed positive changes in their children’s behavior;
• participants increased their knowledge and understanding of communication, respect for others, a positive attitude, emotional management and goal setting; and
• the degree of trust in coaches among participants increased 18 percent.
These early findings support the goal of the First Tee program, which is to provide youth an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values. Researchers at the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Florida and at the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas conducted the studies.

PGA Merchandise Show Attendance Increases
Released in late March, the final audited attendance figure for the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show is 44,679, a 2.5 percent increase over the 2003 show attendance figure of 42,809. Several categories of significance saw growth including PGA buyers (6 percent), golf buyers/non-PGA pros (14 percent) and all buyer categories combined (11 percent).
PGA Golf Exhibitions attributes many new and returning ancillary show programs for increased buyer attendance. Demo Day participation increased to more than 4,000 attendees; the education conference doubled attendance from last year’s inaugural effort as did the PGA’s Business of Golf Conference; the Pro-Pro Series of five tournaments for PGA members sold out; daily fashion shows had standing-room only attendance; and the Equipment Testing Center saw some 400,000 balls hit during the four-day show.
The PGA Merchandise Show returns to the Orange County Convention Center Jan. 24-27, 2005.

Lomma Miniature Golf Course Ships to China
Lomma Miniature Golf Co. recently shipped a 19-hole Pro-Am Lomma Championship Miniature Golf Course to Beijing, the second prefabricated course the Scranton, Pa., manufacturer has sold in China. The course, a miniature-size regulation golf course, has sand and water traps built into the fairways and greens, and will be open to public play, as well as serve as a model for Lomma’s Chinese distributor.

Philadelphia Welcomes First Tee
The First Tee of Philadelphia opened April 6 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Golf Course. The facility features a new driving range with 12 tee stations and a 4,000-square-foot learning center that houses a 10-station computer lab, a classroom with seating for 30, an office and a club storage room. There are also two new synthetic putting greens, one inside and one outside, to accommodate year-round instruction. Through partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Crime Prevention Association, the Police Athletic League and area churches, the First Tee of Philadelphia expects to teach more than 1,000 youth annually.

Rain Bird Moves Golf Division
Rain Bird Corp.’s golf division has relocated to Tucson, Ariz., joining the company’s commercial division, which has resided there for 12 years. The company says the move will allow it to take advantage of knowledge-sharing opportunities and increase synergies throughout the organization. The golf division can be reached at 6991 E. Southpoint, Tucson, AZ 85706; 520-741-6100, fax 520-741-6522; rbgolf@rainbird.com.

New Products

Range-Play Introduces Entry-Level Target System
Boulder, Colo.-based Range-Play Entertainment Corp. introduces the Range-Play High Five Target System. An entry-level interactive target system, High Five features a series of wireless interactive targets that provide audiovisual feedback when hit; a sound system for computer-generated feedback provides additional entertainment value. Range owners can choose any number of targets, but three are recommended for facilitating game playing and interaction. A game computer and software allows golfers to practice/play on their own or to go head-to-head with a friend, using the computer system as scorekeeper. The High Five system comes standard with a 90-day warranty and an optional extended warranty. In addition, the system can be upgraded to the company’s Scramble game system, which includes advanced options such as a scoreboard, group and league-oriented games and marketing program. (Range-Play Entertainment Corp., 303-442-9993, 303-516-4843, www.range-play.com)

Dryrainge Portable Shelter Keeps Golfers Dry
Dryrainge Equipment Co. offers the Dryrainge semi-permanent, portable all-weather driving range shelter, which can be used over natural grass or artificial tee surfaces to protect golfers from sun or rain. Available in one-, two- and three-person units, the shelter features a 2 3/8-inch round galvanized steel tubing frame that resists corrosion, abrasion and fading; a 12 1/2-ounce woven polyethylene cover; and a 2-foot by 10-foot banner that can be used to promote range events or sold as advertising space. Optional equipment includes 360-degree casters for easier movement and a backdrop (two- and three-person units only) to provide additional protection and privacy. (Dryrainge Equipment Co., 877-918-3888, www.dryrainge.com)