CaddieNow Tops Innovation Leaderboard at 2019 PGA Merchandise Show
Technology brings attention to the industry
CaddieNow, the Nation’s most trusted caddie program, was named one of golf’s “Best Innovators” at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, where the company was also featured on panels and recognized for its robust technology and customization.
CaddieNow won an innovation award at the inaugural Global Golf Innovation Competition, a new “Shark Tank”-style competition for golf startups at the annual PGA show, Jan. 22-25, in Florida. HYPE Sports Innovation, an established global platform, which facilitates connections and investments among the sports innovation ecosystem, hosted the competition. The honor is the latest recognition for the fast-growing and wildly-popular caddie management platform.
Dave Cavossa, CaddieNow CEO and Founder, presented to a panel of industry judges on Tuesday, January 22. His presentation, comparing caddie programs of the past to those of today, shed light on how its technology benefits golfers, clubs and caddies while protecting all parties from liability issues.
He further explained how caddies on the platform are able to take additional jobs in the golf industry, which improves efficiencies for clubs and caddies. The cumulative effects also contribute and promote the growth of the game by appealing to a new generation of Tech-savvy customers and facilitating the resurgence of caddies as part of the gig economy.
“We were honored to be chosen as one of the Top 10 innovator finalists in the golf industry,” Cavossa said. “To be a relatively new service on the scene and have won second place so quickly continues to verify we are on the right track helping bring back caddies to the game of golf.”
CaddieNow also received another accolade while at the PGA show. Golf Digest recognized CaddieNow as one of the Top 9 most tech forward products of 2019.
According to Golf Digest, this year brought more smart technologies and better-than-average offerings that help a golfer’s life become more efficient and enjoyable. The publication noted, “The company has recently signed up with the Dormie Network to be at all partner golf clubs, and it is marketing itself to country clubs as a resource to finding quality caddies and growing their network. Golf Digest expects the model to keep growing. With more top-tier courses around the country signing on to use CaddieNow’s software or to partner in growing their caddie pool, it is certain the adoption of services will exponentially grow CaddieNow in 2019.”
The Golf Innovators Panel, hosted by Colin Weston of The ModGolf Podcast, was another venue where CaddieNow was asked to participate with two other golf innovators. Industry leaders filled the room, including support from CaddieNow advisory board member Sandy Cross, in her newly announced position as Chief People Officer of the PGA of America.
This panel included Donna Hoffman of Women on Course and Jeehae Lee with TopGolf Media. The panelists were asked questions such as, “Sharing your entrepreneurial AHA moment, the discovery of that pain point or neglected opportunity in the golf industry that you grabbed onto as the vision for your business innovation.”
A specific request by Weston to Cavossa was to “Please expand on your CaddieNow business model and the value of tapping into the ‘gig economy’ that aligns with the lifestyle patterns of a younger workforce.” Cavossa expounded on how CaddieNow is bringing a solution to courses who need more help in surge times by tapping into the existing caddie pool to fill those gaps.
“Caddies are not just caddies,” Cavossa said, “They can support maintenance, tournament staff, outside operations, and more. Millennials thrive on these additional opportunities that make up the “Gig economy.”
Topping off a great PGA Merchandise Show for CaddieNow was a program by Golf Business Network panelists on Caddie Program by top clubs, which sang the praises of CaddieNow. Cavossa moderated the panel of industry leaders, which included Jeff Hunter, Head Golf Professional at Colonial Country Club, Tom Rose, Director of Golf Operations at Victoria National, Adam Lash, Head Professional at Victoria National, Alex Meyer, Assistant Golf Professional at Victoria National and Jay Dufty, Head Golf Professional at Washington Golf Country Club.
Cavossa allowed each club to share their reasons for choosing CaddieNow under three different service models. Each panelist shared their own insights as to why they have adopted CaddieNow at their club and how their members will benefit from the services. The room was filled with channel leaders who identified with the panelists and their reasoning.
About CaddieNow
CaddieNow is America’s fastest-growing, most trusted, caddie management platform that pairs golfers with caddies. Founded in 2015 and headquartered outside Washington, DC, its mission is to grow the game of golf through youth caddies and make them widely and easily accessible to golfers of all skill levels at affordable prices. This app offers a quick, easy and affordable way for a golfer to book a caddie, caddies to find work and for courses to customize services based on their needs. The CaddieNow platform is operating at more than 110 courses in eight states with plans to add more this year. It is also used by thousands of golfers and caddies at tournaments and special events. For more information go to http://www.CaddieNow.com
