January-February 2005

News & Notes

Industry News | New Products

Science Determines Netting Height
West Coast Netting, a Kingman, Ariz., netting and pole manufacturer, has answered the age-old question, “How tall should my netting be?” In conjunction with an independent research institution, the company has developed a scientifically based trajectory calculator that predicts the flight path of golf balls; knowing how balls will fly on the range helps determine the height of barrier netting to install. Customers receive customized printouts that take into account myriad factors such as width and length of the range, predominant cross or head wind, elevation above sea level, position of golfers (ground-level or two-tiered tee line), hook and slice and club selection. In addition, concerns such as a school to the right of the landing area or a convalescent center behind the back of the property can be built into the calculations. West Coast Netting will demonstrate its product at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 27-30. Contact West Coast Netting, 800-854-5741, 928-692-1144, www.westcoastnetting.com.

Ball Flight Monitor Works by Subscription
A new subscription-based ball flight monitor allows range owners to earn as much as $1,500 per equipped tee station, according to RangeStats Inc. The company’s RangeMonitor combines a golf ball flight monitor with wireless Internet technology to collect and analyze information during practice sessions. Golfers purchase trial subscriptions from the range to access the monitors and can upgrade to an annual subscription via the RangeStats web site. At the tee, golfers can view the distance for each driver and see the average distance for each club they use. After the practice session, the data is automatically transmitted to the RangeStats web site, where golfers can view an analysis of all their sessions. Participating range owners receive e-marketing tools to promote use of the monitors, including a contest component and e-mail coupons. The all-weather monitors can be installed permanently or moved around on grass tees, and operate either by electricity or solar power.
Contact RangeStats Inc., 877-378-3233, www.rangestats.com.

Miniature Golf Network Connects Course Owners
The Miniature Golf Network, a web site for miniature golf course owners and operators, offers subscribers resources for reducing costs, increasing sales and improving their courses. Online workshops with expert guests cover topics such as pricing, coupons, budgeting and maintenance. Operators also can visit a chat room for regularly scheduled owner-to-owner meetings and access a resource library to review articles and workshop transcripts, archived by subject. Also featured are a 16-page operations manual and a photo gallery of more than 1,000 images of miniature golf facilities. Members can use the free classified ads and find suppliers in a virtual trade show organized by products and services.
For a free tour of the site, log on to www.miniaturegolfnetwork.com.

Acquisition Benefits Jacobsen Customers in Midwest
Davis Equipment Corp. in Johnston, Iowa, has purchased Sun Turf. The new company, Davis Sun Turf, will sell Jacobsen golf and commercial ground equipment in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Service to customers will be improved with a parts inventory level nearly triple the size of that maintained by the former Sun Turf, and same-day shipping parts delivery will be available for critical downtime situations.
For more information, contact Tim Bauer at 800-592-9513 or tbauer@davissunturf.com.

First Tee Opens at Back Nine Pitch & Putt
The First Tee of Montgomery (Alabama) opened in late October at the Back Nine Pitch & Putt. The facility features a nine-hole, par-3 golf course with lights, and a practice area including a driving range and putting green. The First Tee of Montgomery expects to reach more than 1,000 youth each year.

In Memoriam: Steve Mazner
The Golf Range Times staff extends sympathies to the family and friends of Steve Mazner, who died Nov. 9, 2004. Mazner was president of sales and marketing for Integrity Marketing in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Styx Capital Introduces ‘Sticks’ Leasing
Styx Capital LLC’s residual lease financing program allows range owners and head professionals to provide rental sets of clubs to their customers. The company’s rental rotation program gives ranges the ability to acquire premium configuration golf club sets using short-term lease financing. With a primary lease term of 12 months, the Styx Capital program provides member companies an annual upgrade cycle to change out their rental sets. The program also will replace missing or damaged clubs within days. In addition, ranges can receive cash infusions by selling existing inventories to Styx Capital and leasing them back. For more information, visit www.styxcapital.com or call 512-833-5818.

New Products

Mini Links Course Offers Mobility
Adventure Golf Services, a Traverse City, Mich., miniature golf course designer, builder and consultant, introduces Mini Links, a modular miniature golf course manufactured by Tour Links. A spin-off of the Tour Links practice putting greens, Mini Links is mobile and can be assembled by one person in minutes. According to the manufacturer, the supporting framework for each golf hole consists of a compression-molded plastic grid made from 100 percent recycled TPO. Interlocking panels, each weighing 7 pounds, overlap from top to bottom and bolt together to provide strength and alignment. The weather-resistant putting surface is UV protected and color safe from fading. The 18-hole modular miniature golf course can be purchased or leased, with powder-coated aluminum obstacles available. Nine-hole models or configurations of three holes or less also are available.
Contact Adventure Golf Services, 231-922-8166, www.adventureandfun.com.

Send your news and information on new products to info@golfrangetimes.com.