Radar Golf Inc. has launched a system for finding golf balls within seconds. Golfers will be able to avoid many two-stroke “lost ball” penalties, enjoy a faster pace of play and derive greater satisfaction from the game. The system consists of a USGA-conforming golf ball that contains the Radar Golf radio-frequency “tag” and a compact ball finder unit that attaches to a golf bag.
Guy Peters, former director of U.S. marketing for TaylorMade-adidas Golf and marketing strategist behind the launch of the Maxfli Noodle, as well as an advisor to Radar Golf, said, “If someone told me they had a product that could improve the pace of play, avoid some lost ball penalties, and reduce golfer frustration, I would be extremely interested!”
According to Steve Harari, CEO of Radar Golf, the handheld ball finder “beeps” when pointed at the ball and is effective at a distance of 40 to 100 feet. Harari said the electronic tag is included in the ball at the time of manufacture and can be included in any standard construction commercial golf ball. The company has been meeting with major manufacturers to license the technology and resell the handheld units.
In July 2003, Radar Golf commissioned The Darrell Survey, the leading golf industry market research firm, to conduct face-to-face interviews with close to 500 golfers. Of those interviewed, 44.3% said they would be interested in trying the product, saying its greatest benefits would be its ability to speed up play, reduce frustration and improve scores. Minimizing the number of lost balls was also considered important, but not as significant as increasing enjoyment of the game.
Radar Golf Inc. headquarters are in Los Altos, California. The company may be contacted at 309 Second Street, Suite 5, Los Altos, 94022; phone 650-949-1317, fax 650-949-1321
Radar Golf www.radargolf.com