Iconic British venue, The Belfry, has renewed its agreement with Toptracer for a further five years, continuing a partnership that has delivered significant commercial success, consumer engagement growth, and strengthened The Belfry’s position as one of the UK’s leading modern golf destinations. The renewed agreement follows five years of strong commercial performance and sustained golfer engagement growth across the facility. The Belfry recorded 3.6 million balls hit during its first 12 months with Toptracer, rising to 5.9 million in the corresponding final 12 months of the agreement, reinforcing the venue’s commitment to innovation and premium golfer experiences. The partnership also…
Author: Jane Turner
Jane Turner
Jane Turner is the Editor of Golf Business Technology and has worked in the Education and Consulting sector for over two decades.
Origin & Founding Insight 1. Take us back to 2017 and that first Fifth Avenue location. What told you there was a real business here, not just a passion project? When we opened that first location, I don’t think any of us were sitting around talking about building a global company. We were trying to build a place we’d actually want to spend time ourselves. We loved golf, but it didn’t always fit into everyday life. You needed half a day, good weather and a tee time. We thought there had to be another way to make golf a more regular part of people’s lives. What gave us confidence wasn’t one big…
From hidden canals and medieval art to inland dunes and boutique hospitality, Bernardus highlights what visitors can experience beyond the fairways A round at Bernardus may be the reason to travel, but the historic city of Den Bosch and the wider landscapes of North Brabant offer plenty of reasons to extend the stay. Located in Cromvoirt, just 15 minutes from Den Bosch, Bernardus provides an ideal base for travellers looking to combine championship golf with culture, gastronomy, nature and a more relaxed side of the Netherlands. The experience begins at Bernardus, where the distinctive Day Membership concept turns a tee…
Record 196 exhibiting brands, more than 1,000 golf industry professionals and immersive education and networking experiences highlight annual summer golf business event The 2026 PGA Buying Summit helped shape the future of golf retail after bringing together more than 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, golf buyers, industry executives and exhibiting brands for four days of product discovery, professional education and business networking, July 26-29 at PGA Frisco. The event delivered an unmatched summer marketplace featuring sold-out exhibit space and a record 196 participating companies, including 85 first-time exhibitors, while providing retailers with one of the earliest opportunities to evaluate…
Following early UK success, Apex Sports Distribution appointed European distributor for revolutionary new junior golf equipment platform Following a successful UK launch, Apex Sports Distribution has been appointed the exclusive European distributor for UpSwing Golf, bringing the award-winning Grow Like a Pro™ Junior Golf System to retailers and distributors across Europe. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the rapidly growing junior golf brand, with Apex Sports Distribution now seeking distribution partners throughout Europe to introduce and grow the innovative equipment platform in new markets. Unlike conventional junior golf clubs that quickly become unsuitable as young players grow, UpSwing Golf has…
Tech Transformation on the Tee: Platform Golf Live at the 2026 PGA Show Executive Overview The traditional golf sector is experiencing a massive tech renaissance—and at the forefront of this shift are innovators like Rory Flanagan and Thomas Hackett of Platform Golf. In Season 6, Episode 4 of The GBT Podcast, recorded live on location at the 2026 PGA Show, host Aboo Tayub connects with Flanagan and Hackett directly from the exhibition floor to dive into how modern software platforms, connected ecosystems, and data intelligence are tackling long-standing friction points for venue operators, PGA pros, and players alike. Episode Summary…
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a leading global provider of solutions for the outdoor environment, today announced a leadership transition as part of its long-term, succession planning process. On July 21, 2026, the company’s board of directors elected president and chief operating officer Edric C. Funk to the position of president and chief executive officer, effective November 1, 2026. He will also join the board of directors, effective immediately. Funk will succeed Richard M. Olson, who will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board following more than four decades with the company, most recently as chief executive officer since 2016. “Edric is…
La Reserva Club, located in Spain’s golf capital, Sotogrande, has achieved its highest-ever placing in Golf Digest’s Spanish golf course ranking, being named the 6th best golf course in the country. This position further cements Sotogrande’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier modern golf destinations. The influential ranking places La Reserva Club alongside some of the most celebrated golf courses in the country and marks the highest position the course has attained in the publication’s rankings. The course sits alongside Real Club Valderrama at No. 1 and Real Club Sotogrande at No. 3, both also located within the private Sotogrande estate. Designed by acclaimed American architect, Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 2003, La Reserva Club has steadily risen through the rankings over the last decade…
Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club has selected Husqvarna autonomous mowing technology, marking a significant endorsement of robotic turf management at one of golf’s most historic championship venues. The club, who will play host to this year’s AIG Women’s Open, has purchased four Husqvarna CEORA 546 EPOS units and one Automower 580L EPOS, supplied by authorised Pro Partner dealer Balmers GM Ltd. Husqvarna is providing a further two CEORA units to support preparations ahead of the championship. The installation reflects a broader shift in how elite venues are approaching the demands of major championship preparation, with consistent surface quality…
Disrupting Golf Hardware: How Drew Koehler & Blue Tees Golf Redefined Rangefinder Tech For decades, the golf technology sector was dominated by a handful of legacy giants. Buying a high-precision laser rangefinder meant making a significant financial investment, often pricing out casual players, junior golfers, and everyday club members. That dynamic shifted when Blue Tees Golf entered the market. By pairing sleek, modern industrial design with high-end optics at an accessible price point, the brand quickly carved out a massive footprint across both direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels and traditional green-grass retail. In Season 6, Episode 3 of the GBT Podcast, host…