Golf Business Technology Podcast

Episode Summary:What does it take to maintain championship-quality playing conditions 365 days a year—without a traditional membership base?

In this episode of The GBT Podcast, we sit down with Sam Reid, Golf Course Manager at The Grove, to dive deep into the unique operational and agronomic strategies powering one of the UK’s premier daily-fee luxury venues.

Sam shares his journey from a farming background to managing high-demand championship turf, breaking down:

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The "No-Members" Philosophy: Balancing high-volume public play with tournament-standard course conditioning.

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Cutting-Edge Agronomy: Inside Europe’s first hydroponic tee installation and the integrated pest management strategies (including biological controls like parasitic nematodes) used to keep turf pristine.

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Sustainability in Action: How The Grove achieved GEO Certified status while reducing synthetic inputs and optimizing water usage.

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The Future of Turf Tech: Practical insights on autonomous mowing, RTK GPS precision spraying, and building resilient agronomic teams.

Whether you're a course manager, venue operator, or golf industry professional looking to modernize your turf strategy and operational ROI, this conversation offers an essential masterclass in elite course management.

Listen & Subscribe: Don't forget to rate the show, subscribe on Spotify, and check out https://golfbusinesstechnology.com for full show notes and industry insights.

Season 6, Episode 7: Unlocking Global Resort Growth & Operations with DJ Flanders (Troon Golf)

In this episode of The Golf Business Technology Podcast, we sit down with DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, to explore how world-class facility management is evolving in the modern era.

DJ breaks down the operational playbooks powering some of the world’s most renowned golf destinations, sharing insights on:

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Technology Adoption: How Troon leverages data, modern booking systems, and venue technology to optimize course operations and elevate guest experiences.

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Global Scale & Consistency: Maintaining premium standards across diverse international markets and varying facility models.

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Yield & Revenue Strategy: The shifting dynamics of tee-sheet management, dynamic pricing, and non-traditional revenue streams in 2026.

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Future-Proofing Venues: What forward-thinking course operators and resort owners need to prioritize to stay competitive over the next decade.

Whether you run a private club, manage a resort destination, or track the business side of the game, this conversation offers a masterclass in modern golf operations.

In Season 6, Episode 6 of The GBT Podcast, host Aboo Tayub sits down with Sean Pyun, CEO of GOLFZON America and Head of Global Business, to unpack the massive global shift toward off-course and simulator-driven golf.

Following a distinguished 16-year career as a senior executive at the LPGA—where he spearheaded global strategy and brand expansion—Sean now leads the charge for one of the world's premier golf technology companies. In this deep-dive conversation, we examine how GOLFZON is expanding the sport's global footprint and transforming indoor golf from a seasonal alternative into a high-yield, year-round commercial enterprise.

In this episode, we cover:

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The Evolution of Indoor Golf: How South Korea’s booming screen golf culture is being localized and scaled for Western operators, developers, and green-grass facilities.

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Commercial Real Estate & Revenue Mechanics: Maximizing yield per square foot, unlocking food & beverage upside, and structuring high-margin indoor entertainment models.

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Cutting-Edge Hardware & Software: The engineering behind GOLFZON’s signature 64-directional moving swing plates, multi-surface hitting mats, automated ball retrieval systems, and realistic graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5.

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Global Competition & League Play: Utilizing GOLFZON Network Play to connect up to 10,000 simultaneous users worldwide for dynamic leagues, tour events, and corporate activations.

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Lowering Barriers to Entry: Why off-course technology isn't competing with green-grass courses—and how it serves as the ultimate onboarding engine for new players.

Whether you are a golf course owner looking to diversify your revenue streams, an entrepreneur evaluating indoor venue spaces, or a golf industry professional tracking the future of sports technology, this episode offers an essential roadmap for navigating golf's digital expansion.

Episode Links & Resources:

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Learn more about GOLFZON: golfzonamerica.com

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Explore Golf Business Technology: https://www.golfbusinesstechnology.com/

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Subscribe to GBT World for exclusive industry analysis and executive interviews. Membership | Golf Business Technology

The GBT Podcast: Season 6, Episode 5

Guests: Anthony Medaglia & Ron Gring (V1 Sports)

Host: Aboo Tayub

Spotify Episode Description:

Can technology fundamentally change how we teach and learn the golf swing—without making the game more complicated?

In Season 6, Episode 5 of The GBT Podcast, host Aboo Tayub sits down with Anthony Medaglia and Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher Ron Gring from V1 Sports. Together, they dive into the rapid evolution of video diagnostics, skeletal tracking, and ground pressure mechanics that are driving the next generation of performance coaching.

Ron shares his first-hand perspective on transitioning from decades on the lesson tee to building a thriving, scalable online coaching practice. Meanwhile, Anthony reveals how multi-sensor ecosystems—combining high-speed video, ball tracing, and pressure data—are bridging the gap between high-level sports science and clear, actionable feedback for everyday golfers.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

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From Tee to Screen: How veteran instructors are leveraging modern digital platforms to build sustainable online coaching models.

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Simplifying the Data: Translating complex biomechanics, ground force, and video analytics into simple swing feel for students.

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Next-Gen Analysis: The role of skeletal tracking, ball flight path visualization, and pressure mats in everyday lessons.

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Commercial Impact: How golf academies, driving ranges, and resort facilities use V1 Sports technology to boost coach productivity and player retention.

Whether you're a golf coach looking to modernize your practice, a facility manager evaluating tech investments, or a golfer curious about the future of swing mechanics, this conversation offers a comprehensive blueprint for the modern game.

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to The GBT Podcast on Spotify for the latest insights in golf business and technology!

Season 6, Episode 4: The Tech-Driven Future of Golf with Platform Golf (Live from the 2026 PGA Show)

Filmed live on location at the 2026 PGA Show, host Aboo Tayub catches up with Rory Flanagan and Thomas Hackett, the visionary team behind Platform Golf, straight from the floor of golf’s biggest stage.

Together, they explore how digital innovation, smart data integration, and modern tech infrastructure are redefining the golf business landscape. From streamlining facility operations to enhancing player engagement on and off the course, Rory and Thomas share exclusive insights into what it takes to build forward-thinking solutions for the modern golf ecosystem.

Whether you’re a club manager, PGA professional, golf entrepreneur, or industry innovator, this conversation from the heart of the PGA Show is packed with actionable insights on where golf technology is headed next.

Key Topics Covered:

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Live impressions and major tech takeaways from the 2026 PGA Show floor

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The origin story and mission behind Platform Golf

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Overcoming adoption hurdles in traditional golf environments

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How data and connectivity are elevating player and venue experiences

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What's next for golf tech and industry-wide digital transformation

Hit Subscribe or Follow to stay ahead of the curve with the latest in golf business and technology!

Episode Title:

S6 E3: Disruption in Golf Tech — Drew Koehler on Scaling Blue Tees Golf

How does a startup take on legacy giants in golf technology and win over the modern player? In this episode of the Golf Business Technology Podcast, we sit down with Drew Koehler, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Blue Tees Golf.

Drew breaks down the origin story of Blue Tees—moving from corporate tech strategy at Gartner to bootstrapping a direct-to-consumer brand that revolutionized affordable, high-design tech for everyday golfers. We discuss the business of DTC vs. green-grass retail distribution, building a connected hardware ecosystem, and how Blue Tees continues to innovate in distance-measuring technology.

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00:00 – Welcome to Season 6, Episode 3 of the GBT Podcast

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03:15 – The Spark: Transitioning from Gartner tech consulting to founding Blue Tees

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10:40 – Challenging Legacy Brands: Offering premium design at an accessible price point

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18:25 – Retail Strategy: Balancing DTC success with pro shop and major retail distribution

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27:10 – The Product Ecosystem: Expanding from laser rangefinders to GPS speakers and software

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36:00 – What’s next for Blue Tees Golf and the future of consumer golf tech

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Golf Business Technology: https://golfbusinesstechnology.com/

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Blue Tees Golf: https://www.blueteesgolf.com/

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Follow Drew Koehler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-koehler/

Don't forget to follow the show and leave a 5-star rating if you enjoyed the conversation!

The GBT Podcast | S6 E2: Scaling Destination Instruction & Business Acquisition with Tyler O'Connor

What does it take for a military veteran and self-funded searcher to acquire, run, and rapidly scale a premier 20+ location golf instruction brand?

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler O'Connor, CEO of Bird Golf Academy, to explore his transition from Army officer to business owner, the strategy behind self-funded acquisitions, and how Bird Golf’s high-touch 1-on-1 and 2-on-1 private coaching model is expanding into top-tier resort markets like Golf Summerlin and Horseshoe Bay.

In this episode, we cover:

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The Acquisition Journey: Navigating self-funded search funds to buy a classic golf business.

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Modernizing Tradition: Preserving 350+ years of collective teaching experience while innovating guest acquisition.

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Strategic Resort Partnerships: Expanding destination golf academies at premier resort properties.

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The Future of Golf Instruction: Bridging personalized, on-course coaching with digital follow-up technology.

🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or listen direct at golfbusinesstechnology.com

Season 6, Episode 1: "Democratizing the Range — Inside Toptracer Go"

Guest: Oskar Åsgård (Senior Manager of Product Management & Marketing, Toptracer)

How do you bring elite ball-tracking technology to a 10-bay standalone facility or a traditional grass-tee range without six-figure infrastructure budgets? In the Season 6 premiere of The GBT Podcast, the team sits down with Toptracer’s Head of Product, Oskar Åsgård, to break down the launch of Toptracer Go.

Historically, deploying high-end tracking meant investing heavily in hardwired, in-bay touchscreen monitors. Toptracer Go completely flips the script by turning the golfer's smartphone into a "launch monitor in their pocket." For just £829 ($979) per month, a single camera unit can cover up to 50 meters of tee line, allowing facilities to eliminate heavy hardware costs while immediately unlocking instant distance, ball speed, and launch angle data for practice sessions.

Oskar dives into the product’s origin story—from testing on the practice ranges of major championships like The Open and the Ryder Cup—to how it is designed to remove friction for both the operator and the consumer. If you are a facility owner, general manager, or PGA professional looking to drive revenue and keep players on your mats longer, this deep dive is essential listening.

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The "Launch Monitor in Your Pocket": How Toptracer Go eliminates the need for expensive in-bay hardware monitors by utilizing high-density camera systems and standard QR-code phone synchronization.

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The Low-Barrier Price Point: Breaking down the business case of the £829/month model, giving head pros and golf directors the autonomy to upgrade their practice facilities within standard discretionary budgets.

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Fast, Fun, Frictionless: Why speed of connectivity is crucial for modern players warming up before a round, and how streamlined data builds instant player engagement.

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From the Major Stages to the Local Range: How the tech scaled from fan-experience testing at elite events like the PGA Championship straight into standalone community driving ranges.

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The Broader Ecosystem: A look at how Toptracer Go co-exists with their new AI-driven business intelligence tool, Toptracer IQ, to give operators total visibility into customer behavior.

"We built Toptracer Go to remove friction. We’re opening the door for smaller facilities to offer a premium, tech-enabled experience that might have previously been completely out of reach." — Oskar Åsgård

Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms. Head to Golf Business Technology online for the full video version and expanded show notes.

The GBT Podcast | Season 5, Episode 10: Transforming Instruction with Data ft. Bernie Najar

What happens when elite coaching meets cutting-edge golf technology?

In this episode, we sit down with Bernie Najar, Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club and recognized as one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers in America. Bernie has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into athletic development, combining a deep understanding of biomechanics with modern data tracking tools to elevate players at every level.

We dive into:

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The Tech Stack of an Elite Coach: How Bernie leverages 3D motion analysis, launch monitors, and pressure plates to decode the golf swing.

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Data vs. Feel: The art of translating complex data into simple, actionable cues that players can actually use on the course.

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The Future of Instruction: How emerging AI and wearable tech are shifting how academies operate and how coaches build scalable businesses.

Whether you're an instructor looking to upgrade your facility's technology or a golf enthusiast fascinated by the science of the swing, this conversation offers an inside look at the modern frontier of golf instruction.

👉 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoy the episode, please drop us a 5-star rating!🌐 Learn more: Visit golfbusinesstechnology.com for deeper industry insights.

Eliminating the No-Show Dilemma with Josh Segal

No-shows, last-minute cancellations, and the messy logistics of rain checks have plagued golf course operators for decades. In this episode of The GBT Podcast, we sit down with Josh Segal, Co-CEO of Golf District, to discuss how his company is introducing a modern, risk-free prepaid model to golf courses—inspired by the ticketing systems of major league sports.

If you are an operator looking to secure your revenue, protect your tee sheet, and improve player experience without adding friction, this interview is a masterclass in modern demand engineering.

In Season 5, Episode 9, the Golf Business Technology team dives deep into the operational headaches of traditional booking systems. Josh Segal breaks down how Golf District integrates directly into a course's existing tee sheet to offer a 100% prepaid, non-refundable booking platform.

But here is the twist: rather than trapping golfers in rigid bookings, the platform introduces a "SeatGeek/StubHub" style secondary resale market under the course’s absolute control. If a golfer can’t make it, they can safely resell their slot to another player. The golfer gets their money back, the new player gets a tee time, and the course captures a premium—eliminating the dreaded "short-show" or empty slot entirely.

"Prepaid isn't just a revenue conversation, it's an experience conversation." — Josh Segal

Traditionally, golf courses have resisted 100% prepaid booking because of the customer friction it causes when plans change. Golf District solves this by keeping the course's upfront revenue non-refundable, but providing golfers an operator-defined marketplace to list their tee times for resale.

Courses utilizing this tech-driven demand engine are seeing dramatic shifts in their day-to-day metrics:

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Zero Lost Revenue: 0% no-shows and short-shows.

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Higher ADR: An increase of 30% to 40% in Average Daily Rate on prepaid times.

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Early Visibility: Tee sheets are filling up much earlier, allowing operators to forecast inventory and labor weeks in advance.

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Pro Shop Relief: Automated waitlists and AI booking features drastically cut down on phone inquiries, freeing up staff to focus on hospitality and high-value player interactions.

A major hurdle for golf tech adoption is the pain of changing software or paying hefty implementation fees. Josh highlights that Golf District is free for courses to implement and seamlessly bridges into the majority of major U.S. tee sheet systems, maintaining the course's exact brand identity on their own website.

The golf industry is moving away from the era of fragile reservations toward guaranteed inventory asset management. By shifting the financial risk away from the course while empowering the golfer with liquidity, Golf District is proving that what works for stadium ticketing can maximize yield for golf courses.

Where to Listen:

Catch the full interview on The GBT Podcast via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. To learn more about unlocking your tee sheet’s true capacity, visit GolfDistrict.com.

Golf 2.0: How Technology is Shaping the Next Wave of Golf Experiences and Revenue Opportunities

Recorded Live: The 2026 PGA Show, Orlando, FL

Host: Golf Business Technology (GBT)

Guests:

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Jill Walsh – Toptracer

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Johan Rogebrant – Sweetspot

The 2026 PGA Show floor made one thing abundantly clear: golf technology is no longer just a luxury add-on for high-end resorts. It has become the core infrastructure driving player engagement and venue survival.

In this live-on-the-floor episode of The GBT Podcast, we sit down with two industry heavyweights pushing the boundaries of "Golf 2.0." Jill Walsh from Toptracer and Johan Rogebrandt from SweetSpot join the panel to discuss how gamified tracking technology and intelligent commerce systems are converging. Together, they map out the exact blueprint golf facilities must follow to transform modern entertainment into measurable, bottom-line revenue.

Golf is experiencing a massive cultural shift toward accessibility, lifestyle integration, and entertainment. "Golf 2.0" represents a world where the line between traditional on-course play and off-course, simulator-driven entertainment is completely blurred. Venues are evolving into hybrid social and wellness spaces that appeal to a younger, digitally native audience.

Jill Walsh breaks down how Toptracer is redefining the modern driving range. By turning a repetitive practice session into a data-driven, gamified experience, facilities can dramatically increase dwell time and food-and-beverage (F&B) sales.

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The Hook: Tracing ball flight keeps players engaged longer.

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The Business Impact: Higher bay utilization rates and an entry point for non-golfers who view the sport as an evening social activity rather than an intimidating 18-hole commitment.

Great experiences only matter if you can efficiently capture their value. Johan Rogebrandt highlights the backend revolution happening via SweetSpot’s golf commerce platform.

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Dynamic Pricing: Moving away from static, "gut-feeling" green fees. Facilities are leveraging data to shift prices based on real-time demand, weather, and capacity gaps.

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Unified Operations: A successful "Golf 2.0" venue needs its booking systems, bay technology, automated ball dispensers, and F&B points-of-sale to talk to each other seamlessly. If checkout features friction, conversion drops.

The ultimate synergy of the panel highlights a unified trend: tracking tech captures the player's interest, while commerce tech optimizes the venue's revenue pipeline. The guests share real-world advice on how operators can audit their current tech stack to ensure their systems deliver clear ROI within 6 months.

"Golf is becoming less insular and more culturally porous. It’s a lifestyle choice now, and the venues succeeding are those wrapping technology around that social experience."

— Golf Business Technology

"It’s about lowering the barrier to entry. When you give a player immediate, visual data feedback, you turn standard practice into an addictive game that keeps them in the bay—and ordering food—longer."

— Jill Walsh, Toptracer

"If you don’t have clear, real-time visibility into your bookings and player behavior, every new tech investment is just a gamble. Optimization means replacing guess-work with true data."

— Johan Rogebrandt, Sweetspot

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe to The GBT Podcast, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with fellow golf operators looking to maximize their facility's potential in 2026!

In this episode of The GBT Podcast, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of international golf management and technology with Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc, CCM, the Chief Executive Officer of UGOLF International.

As Europe's largest golf club management company and the fifth-largest globally, UGOLF (owned by the Duval Group) is rewriting the rulebook on how golf courses operate, expand, and leverage technology. Nathanaël sits down with the team at Golf Business Technology to discuss the brand’s aggressive global expansion, their data-driven approach to player retention, and how they manage over 100 courses worldwide with an owner-centric mindset.

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Driving Global Growth: The strategic vision behind spinning off UGOLF International and breaking into emerging markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa (including their massive success story in Rwanda).

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The Tech of Scale: How multi-course operators use shared technology infrastructure and cluster-management models to optimize golf course operations, marketing, and B2B buying power.

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Growing the Game: The secrets behind the highly successful UGOLF Academy model, affordable youth initiatives, and their "Road to Dallas" program.

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The Power of the Network: How the "Le Club Golf" network connects over 800 courses globally, offering independent clubs major B2C and B2B advantages.

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Modern Operational Challenges: How UGOLF is preparing its portfolio for a shifting environment, navigating strict water regulations, and adapting to chemical-free turf management.

"From the beginning, UGOLF has been an operating company used to managing golf courses in difficult financial environments. We know how to adapt and think like an owner." — Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc

Whether you are a golf club owner, director, or an industry professional curious about the future of commercial golf management, this conversation offers an invaluable blueprint for modernizing golf operations.

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**** Introduction & Nathanaël’s journey from Golf Director to CEO.

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**** The merger with BlueGreen and the birth of UGOLF International.

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**** Overcoming environmental and tech challenges in the European golf sector.

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**** Replicating the academy model globally and fostering new golfers.

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**** What's next for UGOLF's mission to break into the world's top three golf operators.

Follow & Connect:

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Learn more about UGOLF: The leader in France and Europe - Ugolf

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Connect with Nathanaël Pietrzak-Swirc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathana%C3%ABl-pietrzak-swirc-ccm-5209b161/

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Subscribe to the GBT Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode tracking the tech and business trends reshaping the green. https://open.spotify.com/show/4cWbpnxzVy8WyM16IMwTTv?si=7d9c1bfdf9e6431e

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most innovative minds in modern golf course architecture: Agustín Pizá, founder of Pizá Golf. Celebrated by Forbes as one of the top creative minds from Mexico, Agustín is redefining the game across three continents by seamlessly blending art, sustainability, and disruption. We dive deep into his "out-of-the-box" design concepts, including Wellness Golf® and Lounge Golf, and discuss his groundbreaking work bridging the physical and digital worlds—from co-designing luxury mountain resorts with Nicklaus Design to crafting the iconic, hyper-creative virtual holes for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL tech-infused league. Tune in to hear how progressive architecture, intentional storytelling, and next-gen technology are shaping the future of golf facilities.

The co-founder and CEO of GOLF.AI, building the world’s leading vertical AI platform connecting golfers, golf courses, and brands through intelligence.A global entrepreneur between Australia and the United States, he is shaping the future of golf by embedding AI into bookings, rules, media, and the on-course experience.With a community of more than 150,000 golfers and thousands of golf courses worldwide, GOLF.AI is recognised as the world’s #1 GOLF AI company.

The co-founder and CEO of GOLF.AI, building the world’s leading vertical AI platform connecting golfers, golf courses, and brands through intelligence.A global entrepreneur between Australia and the United States, he is shaping the future of golf by embedding AI into bookings, rules, media, and the on-course experience.With a community of more than 150,000 golfers and thousands of golf courses worldwide, GOLF.AI is recognised as the world’s #1 GOLF AI company.

Lightspeed’s Fraser Marriott Unveils Data-Driven Vision for Golf Operations at 2026 PGA Show

ORLANDO, FL (April 1, 2026) — Speaking exclusively from the floor of the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, Fraser Marriott, Head of Golf at Lightspeed Commerce (NYSE: LSPD), outlined a transformative roadmap for the golf industry, emphasizing operational efficiency and measurable growth through data-driven innovation.

Marriott, who oversees Lightspeed’s golf go-to-market teams and product initiatives, shared insights into the brand’s record-breaking year. Under his leadership, the division has successfully doubled its EBITDA margin while achieving an unprecedented 125% team-wide attainment. These results underscore Lightspeed’s commitment to not only providing software but driving tangible financial outcomes for course operators.

"Our focus is on moving beyond legacy systems to provide a unified platform that mirrors the modern golfer's expectations," said Fraser Marriott. "By implementing strategic processes and meticulous planning, we are enabling operators to optimize their sales operations and foster sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market."

With over 12 years of expertise in sales management and data analysis, Marriott has spearheaded the integration of high-level sales operations with localized golf course needs. Key highlights from his address at the PGA Show include:

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Operational Efficiency: Leveraging Lightspeed’s cloud-based ecosystem to streamline pro-shop, food and beverage, and tee-sheet management into one cohesive data stream.

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Data-Driven Strategies: Utilizing advanced analytics to help courses identify revenue leakage and optimize pricing models in real-time.

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Collaborative Growth: A focus on building cohesive, high-performing teams that bridge the gap between technical product development and on-the-ground course management.

The interview highlighted Lightspeed’s role as more than a vendor, but a strategic partner. Marriott emphasized that the recent success of the golf division is rooted in a "startup mindset" supported by enterprise-grade infrastructure. This approach has allowed the team to remain nimble, responding to industry shifts with precision while maintaining the stability of a global commerce leader.

"The goal is simple: enable success through clarity," Marriott added. "When operators have access to the right data and a streamlined process, they can spend less time behind a desk and more time enhancing the member experience."

For more information on Lightspeed Golf and its latest initiatives, visit www.lightspeedhq.com/golf.

Powering the businesses that are the backbone of the global economy, Lightspeed's one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution transforms and unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial services, and connection to supplier networks.

Noteefy (pronounced 'Notify') is a technology company that accelerates golf course revenue, while improving the golfer and operator experience. Noteefy's proprietary software helps courses fill more times and golfers play more, when and where they want.Co-Founder & CEO of Noteefy - the #1 demand automation platform for golf courses & resorts. Noteefy helps tens of thousands of golfers play more easily, and over 800+ golf course & resort operators fill every available tee time.
Former college wrestler turned obsessive golfer (trying to get the handicap down). Background is in corporate venture, previously helping to lead the Accenture Ventures team in the Northeast US.

Old Tom Capital is an investment holding company shaping the future of golf and providing outsized returns to our investors. Our team invests across all stages and asset classes. We provide our portfolio companies unparalleled insights, extensive relationships, capital, and robust strategic resources.

How we invest

Domain Focused

At Old Tom Capital, we focus on what we know best – golf. We invest in markets around the globe where golf is changing and growing, leveraging our deep industry expertise to drive impactful innovation and outsized returns.

Stage Agnostic

We adopt a flexible investment approach, avoiding rigid asset class constraints. Our investment sizes range depending on the needs of the businesses we support, allowing us to be opportunistic in finding objectively great businesses.

Thesis-Driven

Our investment decisions are guided by a well-defined thesis about the future of golf. We develop strong points-of-view that shape our strategy, ensuring that every investment aligns with our vision of driving the golf industry forward.

Dan Naudo is the club manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a leading golf and lifestyle destination in Dubai. With a strong background in managing world-class golf and leisure venues in both the UK and the Middle East, Dan brings a wealth of operational experience and a passion for creating exceptional member and guest experiences. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at London Golf Club, Fairmont St Andrews and Sindalah Golf Club in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Now at the helm of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dan is focused on enhancing its vibrant community spirit, expanding lifestyle offerings and further building on the reputation of the prestigious venue that hosts the DP World Tour Championship and two award-winning golf courses.

SpeakSport, a unique new venture in innovative AI-Voice Technology solutions for golf facilities. SpeakSport is a cutting-edge AI-Voice Technology, designed to transform golf course operations, enhance customer engagement, and streamline efficiencies around the clock.

SpeakSport’s proprietary AI-Voice Technology allows daily-fee, resort and private facilities alike to:

• Drive Efficiencies: Automate routine phone calls 24 hours a day with a personalized touch – including tee-time bookings and common inquiries, allowing staff to focus on providing exceptional guest/member experiences and prioritize the customer in front of them.
• Capture Customer Data: Leverage detailed insights into customer behavior to drive smarter decision-making and expand the loyalty marketing funnel with more data.
• Cut Costs: Reduce overhead with 24/7 support capabilities, eliminating the need for additional staffing and resources.
• Build Customer Loyalty: Offer a seamless, consistent, and personalized experience, fostering long-term relationships with golfers – and even upselling additional events/offerings at the facility.