GBR Special | AI in Golf Operations 2026: The Year Everything Changed
AI is moving from novelty to a core operating layer in golf, with GOLF.AI’s AI Concierge leading the shift. The technology automates front‑door interactions, captures demand, and provides real‑time insights, already deployed at over 100 courses worldwide, including U.S. clubs and La Cala Resort in Spain. Industry data shows 48 million U.S. golfers and more than $1 billion in annual lost revenue from no‑shows, while voice‑AI funding topped $2.1 billion in 2024. Regulatory pressure from the EU AI Act, with fines up to $38 million, adds urgency for compliant solutions.
GBR Friday | Acushnet Q1 2026: Sales Growth Returns Ahead of Key Equipment Cycle
Acushnet reported Q1 2026 net sales of $753 million, a 7.1% year‑over‑year increase, driven by solid performance across Titleist balls, clubs and gear. Growth was broad‑based, with the United States, EMEA, Japan and the Rest of World all posting gains, while Korea...
GBR Friday | What PIF’s New Strategy Means for LIV Golf Funding and Its Search for New Investors
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will cease funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season, aligning with its new five‑year strategy focused on value creation, efficiency and returns. The league’s CEO, Scott O’Neil, warned the organization must now...
B. Draddy Announces Partnership With Sweetens Cove Golf Club, Introducing “Camp Draddy at Sweetens Cove”
B. Draddy has partnered with Sweetens Cove Golf Club to open a permanent on‑property installation called Camp Draddy. The activation features the brand’s original Draddy Camper, now serving as a permanent screen‑print studio, alongside a dedicated apparel tent, firepit and...
The Competitive Range: How the Inrange World Tour Is Driving Business Results
Inrange Golf is rolling out Season 3 of its World Tour on May 1, extending the competition to more than 85 venues in 17 countries. The new edition adds divisional scoring, an invitation‑only Tour Elites tier, and a Solheim Cup‑style team activation...
GBR Wednesday | GOLF’S GROWTH STORY DEEPENS: NGF SEES 21 MILLION READY TO PLAY AS THE R&A TARGETS 22 MILLION...
The National Golf Foundation reports that more than 21 million Americans are eager to play on‑course golf, pushing total on‑course participants to 29.1 million—a 20% rise and the highest level in two decades. Overall participation has surged over 40% since 2019, yet...
The Revenue-Per-Bay Race: Why Multi-Customer Ranges Are Winning in 2026
The golf‑driving‑range industry is shifting focus to revenue per bay as the primary profitability metric. Operators that convert single‑customer bays into multi‑customer zones are seeing revenue lifts of 25‑35% without expanding acreage. Tightening cost structures, volatile weather patterns, and evolving...
The Economic Anatomy of Rory's Second Masters
Rory McIlroy captured a historic back‑to‑back Masters victory, becoming only the fourth player to win consecutive Green Jackets and the first to do so in 24 years. Sportico’s April 2026 valuation now lists him as the golf industry’s most commercially...
GBR Special Masters Week | Augusta Dispatch: The Business Behind the Ropes
Old Tom Capital relaunched its private investor syndicate, The Club, giving accredited investors access to golf‑tech, real‑estate and hospitality deals for a $500 annual fee and a $10,000 minimum per deal. Australian family‑run T&S Medals is promoting hand‑fired hard‑enamel golf...
The Pro Shop Just Got Its Time Back: How GOLF.AI's AI Concierge Is Transforming Golf Operations — And Saving Courses...
Golf courses face productivity losses from frequent pro shop phone calls, with missed bookings costing up to $53,000 annually per course. GOLF.AI introduced an AI Concierge Agent that answers all inbound calls, integrates instantly with existing booking systems, and requires...
B. Draddy Introduces Camper Van Experience for Tournaments and Club Events
B. Draddy, a Summit Golf Brands label, has launched the B. Draddy Camper—a purpose‑built mobile unit that blends premium retail, on‑site customization, and hospitality for member‑guest tournaments and club events. The camper features expanded interior space, custom shelving, a built‑in...