Power Tee helps boost profitability

PGA official supplier Power Tee has helped a North Yorkshire hotel and golf club enjoy a dramatic increase in driving range profitability.

Richard Weekes, director of golf at Hunley Hotel and Golf Club, says sales are up nearly 80 per cent month on month

“It took us a few years to be persuaded to install Power Tee® but now that they are in and working so successfully, we wish we had taken the plunge sooner,” said Weeks.

“Initially we were put off by exaggerations of problems with installation, reliability and maintenance which have turned out to be untrue in reality. Installation was a doddle, maintenance is very straight-forward and the system has worked flawlessly since installation even with twice the number of golfers using the facility.

“Our driving range sales are up nearly 80 per cent month on month and they are continuing to grow as more people enjoy the experience.

“One of the most important benefits of Power Tee® for us is the commercial training that goes along with the installation.

“Matt Foley has so many ideas on how to drive traffic to the range that we have had to ration these out over time and he is there as a sounding board for ideas from our side too. Our golf operations team are buoyed with enthusiasm and are enjoying making the range as welcoming to everyone as possible.

“With the range set a few minutes’ walk away, customers would get frustrated if they arrived without the correct height tee or even any tee at all on the generic mats because they would have to walk back to the pro shop to get one. With Power Tee® customers are spoilt for choice with tee heights.

“The industry is trying to find a way to increase participation and revenues, and our philosophy at Hunley echoes that. For us it is all about growing the game, making it fun, flexible and friendly and encouraging access to those who mistakenly thought it was ‘out of bounds’ for them. New people must be encouraged to try golf and then stay in our sport.

“As a contributor to a sustainable and successful business model there is no doubt that Power Tee® has been the catalyst for our recent success down on the range. Needless to say, we are very happy about that.”