First Australian ‘Power Tee’ location debuts in Newscastle
Rippit Golf in Newcastle, Australia is a multi-function golf practice facility, featuring simulators, miniature golf and a driving range. It’s also the country’s first location to install Power Tee, Ponte Vedra, Fla.-based innovator in technology that drives game improvement, golfer engagement and practice facility revenues.
At Rippit, visitors can play mini golf, hit range balls, or play novelty courses in the simulator bays. “For serious golfers, we have the driving range with accurate ball tracking, or quiet simulator bays with detailed shot analysis including side and rear video playback,” says John Scheider, owner of Rippit. “We often see families and groups come in for a giggle on the mini golf course and then see the non-threatening environment on the range and simulators where some will book a follow up. That’s when ‘real golf’ begins to develop.”
But technology has elevated the experience at Rippit. The range offers quality balls, visitors can hit day or night, and they get immediate feedback. It’s netted, so shots can only travel 32 yards. But golfers can look up and see the initial ball flight, and then glance at a dedicated screen to obtain full flight shape and detail along with ball and club data to further analyze the shot. Members can record their session and further review later online at home, too. But the Power Tee enhances the experience by removing the need to fetch balls.
“Our customers tell us they like the certainty of being able to book a set time on the range, and Power Tee assists with this as there is never ‘a few balls left in the bucket’ at the end of a time period,” says Schneider. “When time is up, it’s up. We run on a time base, not on buckets, and the Power Tees help facilitate this. There’s no bay down time while buckets are being refilled, as the Power Tees are constantly refilled. It’s up to the individual to hit 120 balls per hour or be more discerning and hit at a more controlled rate that suits that person’s purpose or capability. And customers appreciate the certainty of a bay being available at the booked time.”
Schneider says he also likes the seamlessly integrated look of Power Tee units. Plus, he says, there’s both a functional and novelty aspect to its appeal. The functional aspect allows serious golfers to hold their position and make fine adjustments to feet, posture and tee height between shots. The novelty is being the first facility with automated tees in Australia.
“Rippit is a fantastic partner and we’re extremely proud the first location to install Power Tee in Australia is this terrific golf and entertainment venue for all ages,” said Power Tee CEO Martin Wyeth.
And because Rippit offers something for everyone from young to old, catering to those with disabilities, and being fun for golfers of every skill level, Power Tee makes a perfect fit here to help tee up the ball for those who need help. Plus it’s just fun. And the resident golf instructors love that they can walk straight into a bay without chasing buckets and refilling hoppers, which makes each teaching session more efficient. Now that’s a clever use of technology.
