While the indoor golf industry is very new, organizations have taken next steps in order to create more awareness. Through these various events, individuals with very little experience have been able to test their abilities in tournaments that can be conducted both in person and online. Additionally, the professional golfers have experienced what an indoor golf simulator tournament is like. In this section, there is an opportunity for the community to explore the plethora of events that have occurred and assess if it is beneficial for their business. From the perspective of indoor golf consumers, would these tournaments or events be something they are interested in and could compete in.
Golf Etc. & HD Golf Tournament
HD Golf Tournament play offers a variety of options for indoor golf enthusiasts. Their simulator technology provides the opportunity for consumers to play at home, at their local golf center, or while they are on a vacation. You can set up your own tournament or join an existing one, with plenty of flexibility. This is a great way to enjoy some golf, regardless of weather conditions and you are able to meet some new people. As the consumer, your main priority is to play your round of golf anytime within the designated time slot and your score will get on the leaderboard.
Golf Etc. located in Bismarck, North Dakota ran an indoor golf tournament where everyone was able to compete against each other. Golf Etc. General Manager Gen Smith said that it was such a success, that everyone is talking about when the next tournament is. The golfers played on the Pebble Beach course and there were three teams that left with a cash prize; first place getting $1000, second place getting $500, and third place getting $250.
If you are looking for a good technology to run your tournament through, HD Golf provides a plethora of features and options for golf enthusiasts to have a great time!
Visit the links below for more information.
Golfzon Virual Golf Tournament 2021
With Golfzon being one of the better indoor golf technologies on the market, they decided it would make sense for them to create a tournament. From March 20th to April 25th of 2021, they ran the largest virtual golf tournament in the western hemisphere. 36 commercial facilities across North America were enlisted by Golfzon to compete in this tournament. There were 27 individual prizes which in total accumulated to about $12,000, with the grand prize winner walking away with a $2,000 gift card and a customer Golfzon blazer.
This could be a reoccurring event going forward and should be something indoor golf enthusiasts are anticipating.
Visit the links below to learn more about this tournament!
The Golfers Academy: Indoor Pro SimTour
The Golfer’s Academy created the first ever professional indoor golf tour called “Indoor Pro SimTour.” It was developed to target the competitive golfers that have limited time, but still want to have the opportunity to compete and earn money. Throughout the year 2021, there was 13 different events from April until December with a combined purse of approximately $90,000. These tournaments last anywhere between three and four weeks long, playing the same courses as the PGA, European and Champions tours.
With the frequency of these events occurring in the year 2021, this is something the community should be anticipating in the upcoming months and years.
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BMW Indoor Trackman Invitational
BMW Indoor Trackman Invitational is an event that was created to involve some of the best golfers in the world for a great cause. In May and June of 2020, this tournament saw 62 European Tour players from across 17 countries playing against eachother in a safe, home simulator environment. This event saw players such as Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and many more athletes. Each week within the tournament, the winner was rewarded with $10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. This event not only brought some of the best talent in the world together, but it was done safely during the pandemic and the purses went to a great cause.
With the great success of this event, this could be something that these brands decide is mutually beneficial to organize again. Regardless, this event provided a framework for how other professional indoor tournaments can be implemented.
Visit the link below for more information on this event.
The North Swing Open
The North Swing Open is an event located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. It was created in 2019 and has been running for three straight years, with October of 2022 being its fourth annual indoor tournament. There is over $3,000 in cash prizes, with the winner of the event being guaranteed a minimum of $1,000. People interested will sign up in teams of two and they will have to play a qualifying round of 18 holes. If your team finishes in the top 8, you will return for the championship round for a chance to compete for the grand prize.
With this event occurring the last three years, this even will most likely stay consistent and take place in the year 2022.
Visit the link below for more information if you are interested!