It may have been one of the least expensive products on display at the PGA Merchandise Show but training aid GolfMission more than held its own against its mega-bucks rivals.
GolfMission was created by award-winning former chef Geoff Chapman, who, alongside his wife Lin, met with dozens of representatives from potential retailers and direct customers, which included one world-renowned household name interested in ‘over-branding’ the product for events it sponsors.
Chapman said: “It was a really great experience being alongside multi-million dollar brands at the show, and it proved a worthwhile exercise.
“The product certainly wasn’t overshadowed despite the huge marketing budgets thrown at many of the other brands. We met with many influential people in the golf world over the three days and GolfMission created a lot of interest, fuelling our belief that very often the simplest ideas are the best.
“Following our attendance we are also in discussion with a blue-chip multi-national and several big-name pro golfers.”
GolfMission is a new and unique training aid in the form of a simple, challenge-based game, played on the course alongside the usual Stableford or stroke-play format.
It was originally designed to add spice and entertainment to an annual social tournament, but it soon became clear that the benefits of the game went way beyond playing for a wager, as it substantially increases focus and concentration. It’s good fun to play but has serious benefits.
At the start of the round each player receives a GolfMission card which demands certain tasks be completed on pre-determined holes during the round. Depending on individual handicaps, players need to complete between three and six missions to win.
The potential for the product to be ‘white-labelled’ and used as a promotional item appears huge and financial giant Zurich was one of the first to capitalise, ordering 5,000 4packs in Chinese, Japanese, German and English, to be used at various events, including last year’s Asia Amateur Championship at Mission Hills, China.
Zurich’s interest came about after the company’s global corporate CEO, Geoff Riddell, played the game and was hooked. He said: “GolfMission is exactly what we look for in golf promotional items and struggle to find: something novel, which is fun, yet helps improve the game and which we can easily brand.
“It is a unique and enjoyable game which any level of golfer can enjoy while improving their focus. It’s a great complement to a corporate golf day both as a gift and as something for individuals or groups to play.”
Chapman added: “Our production methods are such that over-branding, white-labelling and a quick turnaround are easily achievable which makes it an attractive and cost-effective corporate gift. The cards get used constantly and the brand is in front of a client and their playing partners during an entire round.”
GolfMission www.golf-mind.com