Topgolf acquires Protracer

[nevets88]

I wonder. Maybe this gives Topgolf a leg up over mom & pop ranges, it can charge them an arm and a leg for Protracer, not that anyone is using it now (there are some), thinking more about future long term. Probably adds more to the relationship to the PGA Tour?

Quote

“Technology has been at the heart of Topgolf® since day one. This addition to our portfolio continues our mission to grow the game of golf by using technology to make the game more engaging and accessible,” said TEG Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson. “This acquisition furthers our relationship with the professional sports organizations, and we will invest in this technology to advance our mission to create extraordinary sports and entertainment experiences.”

 

[newtogolf]

Could mean a lot of free advertising for TopGolf, if they call it the TopGolf Protracer

[Missouri Swede]

13 minutes ago, newtogolf said:

Could mean a lot of free advertising for TopGolf, if they call it the TopGolf Protracer

That would be much too short for Kostis to say.  Gotta come up with TopGolf WorldGolfTour MediaHubBiz PostSwing Protracer or something.  Every. Time.

[gregsandiego]

6 hours ago, nevets88 said:

I wonder. Maybe this gives Topgolf a leg up over mom & pop ranges, it can charge them an arm and a leg for Protracer, not that anyone is using it now (there are some), thinking more about future long term. Probably adds more to the relationship to the PGA Tour?

 

I had to Google Protracer so now I know it's a shot tracking system. Seems like a perfect fit.

But I don't see Topgolf as a replacement for the regular range. Too expensive and for most of us probably too much trouble: driving there, checking in, etc etc

 

 

[xcott]

I think on one hand it ups TopGolfs opportunity for instruction. They can utilize protracer at their facilities for instructors to help. 

 

Additionally it could add additional games to their casual lineup, or make the whole thing cheaper by not having to use the giant holes in the ground. Basically they coulld install protracer and have the topgolf experience at any range.

I think there are lots of opportunities for them here. 

[Rainmaker]

I've only been to TopGolf twice but I don't see it as related to instruction or practice or anything like that.  Maybe during their slow hours, if they had any.  It's more of a cross between bowling and golf.  Golf instruction, practice or improvement just doesn't seem to be what they're about.  But having protracer on the screen for the Top Golf games would make it that much more fun.  As it is now, you get your score on the big screen . .not unlike bowling . but it would be even cooler with a protracer image on it.  I was actually thinking, the last time I was there, why don't they have trackman or something to put stats on the screen along with your score . .but that's because I didn't think of protracer . .which is even better (for TopGolf).    

[newtogolf]

Disclaimer:  I have never been to a Top Golf location so my comments are strictly limited to videos I've seen, reviews I've read and their website

Top Golf seems to be to golf what midnight bowling in the dark with glow in the dark balls  and pins is to league bowling.  They involve similar equipment while consuming copious amounts of alcohol but they don't do much to simulate the actual game.  It would be a pretty big reach for Top Golf to step into golf instruction unless they reinvent themselves to spin off ProTracer as a separate business focused on instruction.

[Golfingdad]

15 minutes ago, newtogolf said:

Disclaimer:  I have never been to a Top Golf location so my comments are strictly limited to videos I've seen, reviews I've read and their website

Top Golf seems to be to golf what midnight bowling in the dark with glow in the dark balls  and pins is to league bowling.  They involve similar equipment while consuming copious amounts of alcohol but they don't do much to simulate the actual game.  It would be a pretty big reach for Top Golf to step into golf instruction unless they reinvent themselves to spin off ProTracer as a separate business focused on instruction.

More high end than that, but yeah.  Like the Lucky Strike bowling alleys that are more like night clubs where you can also bowl, rather than bowling alleys where you can enjoy a drink.

But I just read a GD article (probably on Facebook - they're half my feed these days) that said that the new Vegas location has three or four separate levels and one is specifically geared towards serious golfers and even has a callaway fitting studio.

So maybe they're going for both markets.  No personal experience tho - still waiting for an OC location. :(

[Missouri Swede]

3 hours ago, newtogolf said:

It would be a pretty big reach for Top Golf to step into golf instruction unless they reinvent themselves to spin off ProTracer as a separate business focused on instruction.

It's already going on:

[mcanadiens]

Just heard on the radio, that they are putting a Top Golf in just south of us here. A place called West Chester, north of Cincinnati.

It looks like a fun night out. Food and booze to go with the golf game. Bay rental prices actually look pretty reasonable if you split it up with three or four others.

Who knows. It might get some people swinging golf clubs that never would otherwise.