Golf Channel service now available in more than 50 U.S. markets
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 1, 2010) – GolfNow.com moved one step closer to nationwide coverage with the launch of its online tee time reservation service in the Northeast United States.
Since the introduction in late 2009 of GolfNow.com into the region, more than 180 courses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware and Pennsylvania have begun participating in the Internet’s largest and most comprehensive online tee-time booking service.
A service of Golf Channel, GolfNow.com uses its broad marketing and distribution resources to promote and sell tee times online for golf courses and helps golfers search for available tee times and make reservations that fit their schedules and budgets.
“We’re already seeing a dramatic increase in rounds, particularly on what normally would be some of our slower days,” said Brian Curtin, clubhouse manager at Great Rock GC, a semi-private course in Wading Rock, N.Y.
Curtin said the ability to make rate adjustments based on changing demand is helping the course increase rounds and revenues. Curtin is forecasting a 10 to 15 percent increase in rounds this year, based largely on the GolfNow service. In a crowded Long Island market – five courses are within a 15-mile radius of Great Rock – Curtin said the “name recognition alone” is worth the one daily tee time the course gives back to GolfNow as part of the marketing agreement.
“I have a real problem with course owners who say this is going to cheapen the game. In this day and age, I don’t think we can be that selective about who plays at what time and at what price,” Curtin said. “It’s a dogfight out there, and you’ve got to do everything you can to get them in the door.”
In 2009, golfers booked 3.8 million rounds through the GolfNow.com site, generating more than $121 million in online revenues for partner courses. The service is now available in more than 50 U.S. markets.
About GolfNow.com
GolfNow.com is the Internet’s largest and most comprehensive online tee time booking service. Since its launch in 2001, GolfNow.com has expanded to more than 50 U.S. markets and now provides tee time access to more than 2,200 courses for nearly 1 million registered users. The site’s demand-based Dynamic Pricing Engine™ puts operators in complete control of their tee sheets and pricing. GolfNow.com is powered by Golf Channel, which is seen in 82.1 million homes and by 15 million monthly viewers; as well as by GolfChannel.com, the Internet’s No. 1 golf destination. The service is part of GolfChannel.com’s online platform of Internet sites designed to help the recreational player enjoy every aspect of the game.
Contact:
Dan Higgins
407-355-4018
dhiggins@golfchannel.com
