The success of golf entertainment venues can be attributed to their informal offerings and the inclusive experiences they provide, which are designed to appeal to a broad audience, thus challenging the conventional perceptions associated with the game of golf.
Merely adopting the chosen driving range technology (e.g. Toptracer) does not ensure success. The venue operator must engage in various initiatives to achieve effective success (e.g. create positive vibes).
It is evident that Toptracer has gained significant popularity among Generation Z. For this demographic, gaming transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a central means of social interaction and engagement.
According to the Media Culture: Gen Z Decoded study, an impressive 87% of individuals in this generation participate in video gaming at least once weekly.
In 2024, total golf participation in the U.S.—including those who play both on-course and off-course with a real ball, real club, and full swing—reached 47.2 million.
This represents a 5% increase compared to 2023 and a 38% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (Source: National Golf Foundation, January 2025).
Participation in off-course golf exhibited a growth rate of 3.24% in 2024, a decline from the 20% increase observed in 2023.
Nevertheless, this activity is becoming increasingly significant in the golf industry. In numerical terms, approximately 19.1 million Americans engaged in off-course golf the previous year.
Let’s explore the remarkable Toptracer partners who have brilliantly harnessed the potential of this groundbreaking driving range technology.
2024 “Tracie Range Awards” – Toptracer partners
Numerous Toptracer partners enjoyed remarkable successes during the 2024 “Tracie Range Awards” event, which took place at Topgolf Orlando on January 22.
The event was hosted by Don Rea, owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club and president of the PGA of America.
Today, over 400 facilities in North America are enabled with Toptracer technology. Toptracer is already the technology driver for over 1,000 ranges across 35 countries.
The awards showcased an impressive pool of nearly 60 entries from Toptracer Range’s North American partners, with various venues competing for excellence across multiple categories, including:
- Partner of the Year,
- Coach of the Year, and
- Rookie of the Year.
This diverse participation highlights the dedication and talent within the community.
Golf Ranch went home with Partner of the Year for having the best overall integration of Toptracer technology at their four locations in Brookfield, Conn.; Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Richardson, Tex.; and Shoal Creek, Mo.
Joe Cochran from Shadow Wood Country Club in Bonita Springs, Florida, was honored with the Coach of the Year award for his exceptional work with club members.
Shanks Driving Range in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, new to the Toptracer family in 2024, was recognized as the Rookie of the Year for pure ingenuity in introducing Toptracer to guests.
Winners were revealed in eight additional categories:
- Innovation Award (best overall programming): Hang Time Golf in Gastonia, North Carolina.
- Philanthropic Award (most charitable programming): Athens Golf Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Best Picture (best original video highlighting Toptracer): Braemar Golf Dome, Edina, Minnesota.
- Rulers of Engagement (innovative ways to drive member engagement): Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville, Virginia.
- PGA HOPE Award (introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities): Arrowood Golf Course, Oceanside, California.
- Mentor Award: Steve DiMarco & Harry Hammond from The Golf Zone Family Fun Center, Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.
- The Amazing Trace (highest percentage of shots hit using a game mode):
- Daily Fee Facility: Miracle Hill, Omaha, Nebraska.
- Private Club : Washington Golf & Country Club, Arlington, VA
- Standalone Facility : The Range at Cold Springs, Abbeville, SC
- User Friendly (mobile-enabled facility with the highest number of unique users:
- Daily Fee Facility: TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, California.
- Private Club : Wascana Country Club, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- Standalone Facility : Des Moines Driving Range, Des Moines, Iowa.