GBR Tuesday | Designing the Golf Club of the Future: Lessons from Real Case Studies
Every Tuesday and Friday, we connect the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR,
I hope you are all well and enjoyed a good start to your week. If you are attending this week’s PGA Buying Summit, enjoy, as we reported on Friday, this year’s edition is set to be the biggest yet.
As we move into this week, President Trump has had a not-so-quiet trip to Scotland to open his new course on the Aberdeenshire coast, as well as popping into Turnberry for a round. If only he could escape these pesky British and European leaders, he could have enjoyed his time in more peace!
Today, we cover a new report from ResearchAndMarkets outlining the size of the electric golf cart market and future projections.
Sam Hahn’s L.A.B. Putters has been sold to private equity for $200 million. The rise of L.A.B. Putters is astonishing. Since Hahn took over in 2018, sales have risen 18,000%.
Our main story today follows on from our post last Tuesday, where we looked at the various software management tools in the marketplace.
Taking that theme a step further, today, we look at how golf clubs could effectively integrate technology throughout their setup and how they might go about doing this.
If you’ve had experience of integrating new software or AI into your club’s day-to-day operations, we’d be interested to hear from you.
Our index for today features:
Industry news
Circuits/Professional Game
Equipment
People To Watch
How To Build The Perfect Golf Club IT Infrastructure (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)
Enjoy your week, we’ll catch up again on Friday.
INDUSTRY
ELECTRIC GOLF CART MARKET IN U.S. SET TO HIT $886.7 MILLION BY 2033
The U.S. electric golf cart market is on track for significant expansion, with revenue projected to grow from $529.4 million in 2024 to $886.7 million by 2033, according to new research from ResearchAndMarkets.com.
A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% is forecast through the next decade, fueled by growing adoption in gated communities, resorts, retirement villages, and municipal fleets.
As sustainability becomes a core priority across planned developments and recreational sites, electric carts—offering quieter, low-emission alternatives to gas-powered models—are being embraced for short-range mobility.
Advances in lithium-ion and LiFePO₄ battery technologies are improving safety, energy density, and charging speeds, making electric carts more viable for extended recreational use, commercial applications, and local fleet deployment.
Key market drivers and developments include:
Increased demand in active adult communities and resort towns prioritizing eco-friendly transport.
Strategic partnerships, such as the March 2025 agreement between Golf Carts and More and ICON Electric Vehicles to deliver customizable, street-legal electric carts across San Diego County.
Battery innovation, enabling longer run times and faster charging with improved thermal stability.
The rising popularity of customizable Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is suited for neighborhood commuting and light utility use.
However, inconsistent state-level LSV regulations continue to challenge market uniformity. While states like Florida and California permit road use on streets with limits up to 35 mph, others, such as Pennsylvania and New York, enforce stricter limitations, requiring region-specific compliance strategies and slowing broader adoption. Purchasing details to access the full ResearchAndMarkets report can be found here.
TRUMP UNVEILS SECOND ABERDEEN COURSE BEFORE RETURNING TO GLOBAL AFFAIRS
U.S. President Donald Trump officially opened a second 18-hole golf course at his Trump International resort near Aberdeen, Scotland, on Tuesday, capping a five-day visit to the country.
Joined by his sons Eric and Donald Jr., several grandchildren, and a host of guests from sport and business, Trump cut the ribbon before taking a quick round on the new links-style layout nestled in the dunes of northeastern Scotland.
“We’re going to play it very quickly, and then I go back to D.C. and we put out fires all over the world,” Trump said, referencing global conflicts, including a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney was present, as were Jaguar Land Rover CEO Adrian Mardell and Lord Mayor of London Alastair King, underscoring the event’s political and commercial significance. Andrea Shalal and Alistair Smout, Reuters News Agency
LVMH-BACKED FIRM BUYS MAJORITY STAKE IN L.A.B. GOLF IN DEAL VALUED OVER $200 MILLION
L.A.B. Golf, the fast-rising putter brand whose popularity has surged on Tour and among amateurs alike, has sold a majority stake to L Catterton, the private-equity firm backed by luxury giant LVMH, in a deal reportedly valuing the company at over $200 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The move marks a significant milestone for CEO Sam Hahn, who took over the then-fledgling business in 2018 and led it to an 18,000% increase in sales.
Once a struggling startup, L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) Golf now ranks among the top five putter brands by market share, with an average retail price near $500. Golf Datatech data shows the company’s market share has quintupled in just 18 months. The June U.S. Open win by J.J. Spaun, sealed with a 64-foot putt using a L.A.B. putter, was a defining moment for the brand. Andrew Beaton and Ben Glickman’s Wall Street Journal article can be found here.
FORE GROUP PARTNERS WITH TGI GOLF TO BRING LIGHTSPEED RETAIL TO PGA PROFESSIONALS
Fore Group has joined the TGI Golf Partnership as an official service supplier, offering its retail technology expertise and Lightspeed Retail Point Of Sale (POS) to PGA professionals across the UK and Ireland.
The collaboration gives TGI Partners access to Lightspeed’s cloud-based retail system, which streamlines stock management, sales tracking, multi-shop operations, and e-commerce integration.
Fore Group will handle the full implementation and ongoing support, ensuring that TGI pros can focus on business growth without the burden of manual admin.
“We’re proud to provide TGI partners with a modern retail platform that evolves with their needs,” said Cameron Probert, CEO of Fore Group. TGI Golf managing director Adele McLean noted that the partnership was in direct response to demand from members for more choice in POS systems, praising Fore Group’s fit with the network’s commitment to helping partners thrive.
PGA professionals can now expect personalised consultation, system training, and remote account support tailored to the demands of today’s golf retail environment. More details on the new partnership between Fore Group and TGI Golf can be found here.
GOLF TOURISM FUELS COSTA BLANCA’S REAL ESTATE AND OFF-SEASON ECONOMY
Golf tourism has become a cornerstone of economic development in Alicante, in Southern Spain, generating nearly €1 billion in activity and playing a key role in year-round visitor attraction and international property sales.
According to the Costa Blanca and Valencia Region Golf Course Association, around 85% of golfing tourists in the province hail from the UK and Nordic countries—many of whom are second-home owners lured by the region’s mild climate, strong golf infrastructure, and excellent international connectivity.
Association president Salvador Lucas emphasized golf’s value in countering seasonality, with peak play occurring between February–May and again from September–December, boosting the local economy during traditionally quieter months. “Only one out of every ten euros goes to the golf course,” Lucas noted, citing broader gains for transport, hospitality, retail, and dining.
With over 15 courses within an hour’s drive, visitors are increasingly opting for varied itineraries rather than staying put at single resorts. The association is now targeting major global events to elevate the region’s profile, while also challenging outdated perceptions of the sport’s environmental and social impact. Santiago Carneri’s article for European Weekly News can be found here.
CIRCUITS/PROFESSIONAL GAME
WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP OFFERS FINAL CHANCE TO SECURE FEDEXCUP PLAYOFF SPOT
The PGA TOUR’s regular season reaches its climax this week at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina, with FedExCup positioning—and postseason futures—on the line.
All players ranked between No. 60 and No. 109 in the standings are in the field, as only the top 70 after this event will qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs, while the top 100 will retain full TOUR status for next season.
Defending champion Aaron Rai, currently ranked No. 58, returns in search of back-to-back wins—a feat not achieved since Sam Snead in the 1950s. Big names, including Jordan Spieth (No. 50), Keegan Bradley (No. 10), and last week’s 3M Open winner Kurt Kitayama (now No. 53), are all set to compete, while Adam Scott, sitting at No. 85, hopes to rekindle past Wyndham success. All the latest news on the Wyndham Championship can be found on the PGA Tour’s website.
LIV GOLF SET FOR AFRICAN DEBUT WITH 2026 TOURNAMENT AT STEYN CITY
LIV Golf will stage its first-ever African event at Steyn City in Johannesburg from 20–22 March 2026, adding a fifth continent to its competitive schedule.
The multi-year agreement brings LIV Golf South Africa to one of the continent’s most prestigious courses—The Club at Steyn City, designed by Nicklaus Design and known for its dramatic layout and tournament pedigree. The tournament will showcase Stinger GC, LIV’s all-South African team led by Louis Oosthuizen and featuring Branden Grace, Dean Burmester, and Charl Schwartzel, all competing on home soil for individual and team honours.
Early bird tickets, including Club 54 hospitality and three-day passes, are now on sale.
Backed by the South African Government and Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie, the event is expected to generate significant tourism and economic impact. More details and early bird access can be found here.
LIV GOLF TO BOOST WEEKLY PURSES TO $30 MILLION IN 2026
LIV Golf will raise its weekly tournament purses to $30 million starting in 2026, according to a report by Sports Business Journal, marking a $5 million increase over current levels.
The updated structure will see $20 million remain allocated to the individual stroke-play competition. In comparison, the team format—central to LIV’s league model—will receive a significant boost with $10 million in prize money.
The increase positions LIV’s regular events ahead of the PGA Tour’s signature events, which offer $20 million purses, and even above The Players Championship, currently the PGA Tour’s most lucrative tournament at $25 million.
As the league shifts from its initial phase of heavy signing bonuses, responsibility for player recruitment now falls mainly on the 13 team captains, each of whom manages their own commercial operations and roster building. Josh Carpenter’s Sports Business Journal article can be viewed here.
COGNIZANT CLASSIC FACES 2026 SCHEDULING SETBACK AMID STACKED PGA TOUR LINEUP
The 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches is set to lose the scheduling advantage that helped elevate its field in recent years, as the PGA Tour calendar tightens once again.
With no buffer week between the West Coast swing and Florida events—as enjoyed in 2024 and 2025—the tournament will return to its 2023 slot, wedged between four signature events with purses of $20 million or more.
Scheduled for February 26–March 1 at PGA National, Cognizant will follow Pebble Beach and the Genesis Invitational, and precede the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship, the latter boasting a $25 million purse. By contrast, Cognizant’s 2025 purse stands at $9.2 million, putting it at a competitive disadvantage.
While recent editions have seen improved fields—including Rory McIlroy’s 2024 appearance and 28 of the top 70 players teeing it up in 2025—retaining that momentum may prove difficult next year, several top-ranked players residing in Palm Beach County have already opted out in the past, and persuading them to commit in 2026 will be an uphill battle. Further insight on the future of the Cognizant Classic can be found inTom D’Angelo’s article for the Palm Beach Post.
EQUIPMENT
PXG LAUNCHES HELLCAT ZT PUTTER WITH FACE-STABILIZING TECHNOLOGY
PXG has expanded its Zero Torque (ZT) putter lineup with the introduction of the Hellcat ZT, a blade-style model engineered to offer the same face-stabilizing performance found in the brand’s larger mallet and mid-mallet putters.
Key features include PXG’s patented Zero Torque balance design, which aligns the shaft axis directly over the putter’s center of gravity to minimize face manipulation during the stroke.
Constructed from MIM 303 stainless steel for a soft yet solid feel, the Hellcat ZT also features a pyramid face pattern for consistent roll and improved feedback across the face. The putter is equipped with PXG’s signature S-hosel, a 4° measured loft that plays like 3° due to a built-in degree of forward press, and comes standard at 34 inches with a Slant 1.5 grip.
Priced at $249.99 (£189.99, €219.99), the Hellcat ZT is available for both right- and left-handed players and can be purchased now through PXG.com, PXG retail locations, or certified PXG fitters.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
LOTTIE WOAD CLAIMED HER FIRST PROFESSIONAL WIN AT THE ISPS HANDA WOMEN’S SCOTTISH OPEN ON SUNDAY. The 21-year-old triumphed by three shots and took home a $300,000 winner’s check.
Her breakthrough comes just weeks after winning the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as an amateur, where she was ineligible to collect the $79,000 prize. LPGA Tour news.THE REVENUE CLUB HAS PROMOTED THREE TEAM MEMBERS TO ACCOUNT DIRECTOR ROLES AS IT EXPANDS ACROSS THE BRITISH ISLES. Cam Tarbet will now lead operations in Scotland and Ireland, while Scott Woodhead steps up to oversee the North of England and North Wales. Jordan Hind has been named Account Director for the Midlands following his standout work supporting golf clubs in the region. The company also welcomed Olivia Head and Amy Bray as Account Executives to support its growing client base and enhanced CRM service. Golf Business News.
BLAINE SEITZ HAS BEEN AWARDED PGA MASTER PROFESSIONAL STATUS, THE HIGHEST HONOUR IN PGA OF AMERICA EDUCATION.
Seitz, Owner and Director of Instruction at TourShotGolf and Master Club Fitter at 2nd Swing in Frisco, Texas, becomes the 475th PGA Master Professional. A member of the Northern Texas PGA Section, he earned the designation in Teaching and Coaching. North Texas PGA.
HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT GOLF CLUB IT INFRASTRUCTURE (AND WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER)
We often cover many tech-related stories within GBR.
The golf industry overall is a fascinating blend of technology and tradition.
We see this in our golf clubs.
We have such a variety of clubs, ranging from the near mythical/hallowed grounds of clubs that have rich histories interwoven throughout from the first tee to the locker room (possible sore point for Wyndham Clark) to modern championship layouts.
What these clubs share is the need to stay relevant and provide a service to their members and guests that works on different levels.
Last week, we looked at software specifically designed to enhance a golf club’s management of its membership, providing opportunities to engage and improve the interaction between club and member.
This week, we thought we would explore a little deeper and look at what an ideal setup might look like to run a golf club effectively.
We are always interested in hearing from our readers and their experiences.
If you would like to contribute from your own experiences, this can prove incredibly valuable for other readers within the GBR community. Please reach out to us.
Let’s start our scenario.
Say you're running a golf club—dealing with disjointed systems, frustrated members, manual processes, and a general sense that your technology belongs in 2009, not 2025. You want smoother operations. Smarter insights. And a member experience that makes people say, “That’s the best club I’ve ever played."
So hypothetically: what if you wanted to fix that?
What would the perfect IT/AI infrastructure for a golf club actually look like? And what would happen if you got it right?
1. THE BLUEPRINT: WHAT A GREAT INFRASTRUCTURE LOOKS LIKE
First, let’s define the ideal setup. In 2025, golf clubs should no longer rely on one-size-fits-all platforms that lock them into rigid systems. The modern approach is modular, cloud-based, and API-friendly—allowing you to choose best-in-class tools and connect them seamlessly.
Your core stack should include:
Booking Engine: real-time tee sheet with smart suggestions
CRM: detailed member/guest profiles and communication history
POS & F&B: fully integrated point-of-sale system
Event Tools: tournaments, social events, lesson bookings
Feedback Module: surveys tied to moments of engagement
Analytics & BI: dashboards for usage, spend, NPS, and trends
These tools should be mobile-first, scalable, and user-friendly for both staff and members.
Subscribe to continue reading and discover:
Two real-world case studies showing tech in action
A step-by-step member journey powered by smart infrastructure
A practical implementation roadmap and rollout phases
Our take on where AI delivers the biggest impact
