EXCLUSIVE - Toptracer can 'help to grow the game'

Paul Lawrie says new range technology could rid golf of its stuffy image 

DAVID CUNNINGHAME

FORMER Open champion Paul Lawrie has told UK Club Golfer that he was "blown away" by Toptracer Range technology having installed the tech in his own driving range facility in the North East of Scotland.

The Ryder Cup star, who is now playing on the senior circuit, operates the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in Aberdeen and recently installed the technology to improve the service he provides to local golfers.

The technology is designed to revolutionise the traditional trip to the range thanks to its modern features and games.

Toptracer Range is a golf ball tracking system that uses a minimum of two sensors/cameras in combination with state of the art analysis software to detect your shots.

Your shots are tracked and made available to you on the touchscreens in real time. There is a host of modes and games for you to choose from, which are suitable for all ages and levels of experience.

You can simply use the launch monitor function to track your shots, or you can choose to play on a selection of courses from across the globe and even compete in games and challenges such as long drive and closest to the pin.

"We want to bring more people to the game of golf and this technology is certainly going to help us do that," Lawrie said.

"I was blown away by the accuracy of the technology, how easy it is to use and how much fun it is. We are delighted to have it here."

Growing the game and helping young golfers is something close to Lawrie's heart, with his foundation's main aim being to get as many young people playing golf as possible. This is one of the key reasons why he wanted this new range technology installed at his facility.

"For a long time, golf has struggled with its perceived stuffy image and this new technology shows that it can be completely the opposite.

"The games are so much fun to play and will certainly help make the trip to the range more enjoyable for all golfers, especially juniors. It makes the range a more family-friendly place. You can share a bay with a group of friends whilst playing on the golf course and it brings a real sense of camaraderie to what would usually be a solitary endeavour."

Sean Brady, a consultant for Toptracer and an influential figure in Lawrie's decision to install the technology, said: "Paul and I have known each other for 20-plus years. When we got talking about Toptracer, he felt that the boundary-pushing technology would be a perfect fit for his facility.

"We have installed this technology throughout the country and we are not only seeing footfall increase but also dwell time. People are more excited to come to the range, use Toptracer and have some more fun. Groups of people are coming to these facilities and competing with their friends and family across our different game modes."

Brady added: "At its core, our technology is designed to make the trip to the range more enjoyable, better for your game and help bring golf to a new audience. Whether you are a serious golfer looking to improve or simply want to have a bit of fun, we have you covered."

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