Range Servant employees from across the globe came together this January to attend the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. It was a great week meeting customers, partners and friends from the US and gaining insight into the industry’s progress and direction. The big theme at this year’s show was technology. From AI and robotic systems to gamification and time management solutions, golf is certainly heading towards a future of technological integration and support.
Attending the PGA Show each year is paramount to our company objective, centred around a shared commonality in the golfing community; to improve the game for players and professionals across the globe.
PGA of America Golf Professionals and industry leaders form a dynamic international community to network and test the newest products, programs and ideas to inspire innovation, create solutions, and build business and passion for the game.
What’s hot this year?
Automation – Robotic Picking
For the golf range operator, there was an increased focus on automation, with range operators focused on distributing time more effectively by reducing the manual elements of ball collection. As a Relox Robotics agent, we supply robotic pickers to our customers with ongoing technical support. Here’s what Relox had to say:
Almost all dangerous and tiresome things we people do every day can be replaced by technology. More specifically: robots. Our Range Picker is an automated golf ball picker that eliminates dangerous tasks and helps people focus on more valuable tasks. With the latest technology and continual support, of course
Fun and Future – Tee Box and Gamification
Gamification is still a hot topic in the industry, with the advancement of companies like Toptracer, Trackman, Inrange, and Foresight Sports increasing driving range popularity and boosting customer visits. With Range Servant’s Tee Box and RSConnect’s open API, you can create a Topgolf like experience at your range! The Tee Box allows you to sell time, for example 30 or 60 minute sessions, replacing the traditional balls and buckets combination to give the customer more autonomy with the number of balls hit. The Tee Box holds up to 2,000 balls and can be customized so that you can give your customers a VIP experience directly from the bay!
Back Office Ball Management
At this year’s show we also noticed an increased awareness in the “back office” of ball management. Many range operators are looking for ways to optimise the picking and washing process so that staff can complete these tasks in less time with less physical labour.
At booth 4043, we had an interactive display showcasing our top-selling products including our ball transportation system. An automated wash and blow system that allows washing and dispensing to happen in two separate locations, linked by Range Servant technology so balls can be sent hundreds of metres from one room to another. This is just one example of how technology can help range operators run a more efficient and profitable golf range, with solutions tailored to their site.
Check out our full range of products and find out how we can help to manage your ball output more efficiently.
