Robust, Low-Cost Golf GPS System Taking Industry by Storm
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (December 7, 2005) — ProTrac Franchise Systems, Inc., the emerging leader in golf GPS systems, announced today the opening of franchise territories in Jacksonville, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
The company, in its first year of granting franchises, now has 12 territories open. The others are located in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio and Texas.
Tyce Fitzmorris, ProTrac CEO, also announced that the company has installed its GPS system, ProTracGPS, at two major courses that host PGA events, Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens and Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
"To have two courses of this stature choose ProTracGPS over any other system on the market speaks volumes about ProTrac and the benefits it provides to both the course and its golfers," said Tyce Fitzmorris, chief executive officer.
The ProTrac franchise opportunity was launched in January at the PGA Show in Orlando. "We timed the launch of the franchise to the introduction of our full-color touch screen system," said Fitzmorris. "With its enhanced features and low cost, we were ready to begin offering ProTracGPS to courses nationwide."
Franchisees are able to provide ProTrac to courses with no upfront costs and no long-term commitments, and on a per-round fee basis that every course can afford.
"Combined with the recent announcement by the USGA regarding its decision to permit the use of GPS in tournament play beginning in 2006, we are more confident than ever that we are at the right place at the right time in this industry," said Fitzmorris.
Fitzmorris said the company decided to franchise rather than attempt to operate markets as a corporate function "to ensure we had individuals operating each market that were more than employees."
"We wanted people overseeing each territory that had a passion to make golf even better for both golf facilities and golfers, and a desire to provide the level of service we believe necessary to properly serve this industry," he said.
ProTracGPS features full-color graphics and a simple "no-touch" operating option that enables golfers of all ages and skill levels to benefit from cutting-edge GPS technology. ProTrac automatically displays a full-color overview of a hole when the golfer reaches the tee. In addition, distances to hazards and other reachable points from the tee are displayed without requiring interaction from the golfer. Upon leaving the tee, distances to the front, middle, and back of the green are automatically displayed on the screen for easy viewing.
ProTracGPS also provides advanced capabilities including the interactive "Virtual Caddy," which offers:
Each of these features translates into outstanding revenue-generating potential and higher player retention for golf courses. The faster play associated with the ProTracGPS system also equates to a higher yield of daily rounds for the golf course, increasing greens fee revenue. In addition, the ProTracGPS system offers wireless course management features including cart-tracking and instant messaging with the carts, which helps courses more easily manage the pace of play and communicate with golfers when necessary.
ProTrac Franchise System, Inc. now has 12 territories open. The others are located in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. Franchise opportunities are available throughout the United States. For additional product information and to learn more about the ProTracGPS franchise opportunity, visit www.protracgps.com.
Contact:
Steve Vandegrift, President
ProTrac Franchise Systems, Inc.
Direct: (330) 418-1945
Email: steve@protracgps.com
