NGCOA CEO Jay Karen once said in 2018:
“I believe the golf course of the future will be indoor and outdoor, if only we can find ways to embrace virtual reality and gamification of golf, which includes simulators (like GOLFZON) and other high-tech concepts (like NextLinks and Toptracer Range).”
It appears that he accurately foresaw this trend. The on-course participation in golf increased by 2% from 2021 to 2022, and off-course participation in the game rose by 13% in that same time period (Source: The National Golf Foundation’s latest annual state-of-industry Graffis Report).
Millennials and Generation Z they’re more likely to socialize, such as through games, than their older peers. I expect indoor golf facilities or even golf clubs to start offering esport services in the near future.
Esport service can be a very lucrative revenue source for a golf club, thanks to the growing popularity of online gaming. For similar reasons, Callaway Golf partnered with AAA Games Studios in 2020.
Gen Z’s interest in gaming is undeniable. In fact, 87% of Gen Z said they play video games on devices such as smartphones, gaming consoles, or computers at least weekly.
As you follow my written work, you can notice I write (too) much more than before on topics like golf simulators, indoor golf technologies, and driving range technologies and innovations.
Troon & Golfzon – strategic partnership – Golfzon Social
Troon is leading the trend by teaming up with Golfzon to launch Golfzon Social, a one-of-a-kind indoor golf center and driving range facility.
In October 2021, Troon and Golfzon announced a strategic partnership wherein Troon has invested in Golfzon and their market-leading technology.
Golfzon and Troon have an aggressive plan to roll out additional Golfzon Social locations in multiple cities across North America in the coming years.
RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design, a core Troon operating brand, is in charge of the food and beverage development and design for Golfzon Social locations.
Food is available for either dine-in or takeout and is reflective of a variety of pan-global culinary influences while also including locally sourced fare.
The beverage menu will feature a selection of craft cocktails and craft beers, including the 64 oz. Golfzon growler.
2nd Golfzon Social venue
Troon and Golfzon will open tomorrow the second Golfzon Social venue in Scarsdale, N.Y. Located at 691 Central Park Ave. Golfzon Social brings together the most technologically advanced golf simulators on the market – Golfzon’s TwoVision – with a stylish, energetic atmosphere for the ultimate social experience.
Attracting avid, casual, and non-golfers alike, it features a creative, chef-driven menu, hand-crafted cocktails, and craft beers.
An industry-leading audio-visual package makes Golfzon Social the destination for sports viewing and for those looking to go beyond the local sports bar.
The Scarsdale location features 16 TwoVision simulator bays and flat-screen TVs throughout. The vibe is modern, and is designed to be an excellent venue for hosting events or a night out.
Golfzon TwoVision – features
- high-speed sensors that capture club head and ball flight data for incredibly realistic performance feedback,
- a 24-way directional moving swing plate that recreates true stand and lie conditions,
- an auto-tee and ball retrieval system,
- a virtual caddie to give players advice and multi-surface mats to imitate the fairway, rough, and bunkers.
The system also boasts incredibly realistic graphics that are 130% crisper than previous generations and an LED putting guide to read greens.
Golfzon Social’s first location opened at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, N.Y., this past February.