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September-October 2006

News & Notes

Industry News | New Products

Studies will examine golf’s impact on economy
A new study to begin in October seeks to rate the economic impact of the golf industry on a state-by-state basis. The study, coordinated by Golf 20/20, will first focus on Virginia and eventually encompass golf resorts nationwide.
Golf Range TimesSimilar economic studies have been completed before, but those didn’t allow for cross-state comparisons. Ruffin Beckwith, executive director of Golf 20/20, says, “We wanted to find a way by which all states could affordably receive reports, in standardized formats, quantifying golf’s economic impact.”
Golf Range TimesHurricane Katrina and the lasting economic effects the storm caused for the Gulf region in 2005 were what prompted this new study. In the wake of Katrina, golf resorts in Louisiana and Mississippi were denied federal tax relief because the golfing industry had been lumped in with the states’ massage and tattoo parlors. Had the golf resorts been able to demonstrate how important a role golf plays in those states’ economies, says Beckwith, the outcome might have been different. “We’d like to see as many states as possible be appropriately armed to deal with the issues they face, whether environmental, legislative or otherwise.”
The report on Virginia will be completed by the end of the year, with results from other states to follow.
Golf Range TimesVisit www.golf2020.com for more information and to view the study results.
McHenry Golf Center Opens in Modesto
One year after construction started on 19 acres in Modesto, Calif., McHenry Golf Center opened May 24. With a 200-yard-wide by 330-yard-deep grass hitting area, three practice greens, six golf professionals and a full-service golf shop with a full-time club fitter and repair services, owner Ken Miller calls it a “whole practice facility.”
Golf Range TimesThe three practice greens—an 11,000-square-foot putting green, a 5,000-square-foot chipping green and a 6,000-square-foot chipping green surrounded by five bunkers—were designed by Brian Ash, golf course superintendent at nearby Del Rio Country Club, to simulate play on a real golf hole.
Golf Range Times“I’ve always prided myself on having perfect range balls and perfect hitting surfaces,” says Miller, who is also president of the Junior Golf Association of Northern California and captain of the Northern California Juniors America’s Cup team.
Golf Range TimesTo that end, Miller invested in a high-end, hands-free ball maintenance system from Range Servant America. Once balls are picked, the operator in the drive unit pushes a button and via hydraulics, the balls are emptied into a grate-covered, water-filled pit, which acts as a presoaker. From there, the balls are funneled to an elevator, which lifts them out of the pit and into the washer. The balls are then transported, again by an elevator, to the ball dispenser.
“I just wanted something simple,” says Miller. “This way I could hire an 80-year-old who doesn’t have to lift” baskets of golf balls.
Golf Range TimesLearn more about McHenry Golf Center at www.mchenrygolfcenter.com.

Three Expos for the Price of One
Attendees to this year’s Fun Expo and AMOA International Expo will get a bonus: free admission to the first-ever Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show. All three shows will be held Sept. 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, giving family entertainment center owners increased business opportunities and potential new suppliers. Set to debut with 400 booths, the gift show will cover a range of products that includes logo merchandise, jewelry/fashion accessories, toys and games and more. Nearly 3,000 buyers are expected to attend the new show, adding to the 6,000 industry professionals who take part in the annual AMOA and Fun Expos.
Golf Range TimesGo to www.funexpo.com for more details on Fun Expo, AMOA Expo, and the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show.

PCS Offers Advanced Fitting Schools
The Professional Clubmakers’ Society is offering a three-day advanced fitting school, Oct. 16-18, at the PCS international headquarters in Louisville. The classes will include discussions on equipment specifications and a comparison of swing analysis equipment, and offer how-to tips for using swing data to make fitting recommendations and turning fitting recommendations into finished clubs. Attendees will receive a take-home instructional DVD of experienced PCS members illustrating the fitting process.
Golf Range TimesFor more information on the fitting school, or to register, visit www.proclubmakers.org.
Range Driver Hits Right or Left
The new ambidextrous driver from Waino Golf Co. reduces the number of drivers needed in inventory and eliminates shortage of left-handed drivers during peak hours. The driver’s head is reinforced to withstand punishing range use, and the short hosel reduces the leverage that bends and breaks shafts.
Golf Range TimesCall Waino Golf for product details, 508-852-2707,
or e-mail emgus@msn.com.

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