Oh, The Joy of GolfBoarding!

The feeling you get when you first try GolfBoarding is brilliantly captured in this photo taken at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Tx. Travis Fussell, GolfBoard Sales Representative for the Dallas/Fort Worth area, was conducting a GolfBoard demonstration and noticed Charles Sanders, a 62-year-old gentleman watching the pro and assistant and about half a dozen other players trying out the GolfBoard. He was encouraging everyone as they experienced riding the GolfBoard for the first time.

After everyone tried it and loved it, Travis turned to him and said, "It's your turn, sir!" He politely refused, but everyone persisted. Finally, he hopped on the board and whizzed around like a champ for a good 5 minutes in high speed. Everyone cheered and applauded his efforts when he pulled back up, He laughed and admitted, "I used to ski when I was a young man."

Golf Bored? GolfBoard.

Yet Another New England GolfBoard Opportunity at Crumpin-Fox

From the Crumpin-Fox website comes the announcement they have received their 5 shiny new GolfBoards:

Crumpin-Fox Club is very pleased to announce we have taken delivery of 5 GolfBoards – the PGA of America’s Best New Product for golf for 2014.

The GolfBoard has its roots in surfing and snowboarding. Built specifically for golf from the ground up, the GolfBoard is a four-wheel-drive, gear-driven, posi-traction golf transport vehicle. The user is always in full control of both the speed and direction of the board. The thumb throttle controls the speed of the GolfBoard, while the user controls the direction through body movement. It is as intuitive to operate as it is fun to ride.

Crumpin-Fox is extremely excited to be the first public access golf facilities in the North East to offer GolfBoards for rent. It is safe, fun alternative to using a golf cart, and easy for everyone to learn. Golf will never be the same after using the GolfBoard. All it takes is a few minutes of training before heading out to the first tee.

Having already been featured by media outlets such as Golf Digest, Fox News, CNBC Squawkbox, Bloomberg, and Golf Channel, the popularity of GolfBoard is soaring to new heights and new clubs are taking fleet deliveries nationwide. According to Stina Sternberg, Global Golf Director for Golf Digest, “If every golf course offered GolfBoards, golf would be the most popular sport in the world.”

Unlike some of the other latest innovations geared toward generating renewed interest in the game GolfBoards change the experience of the golf course, without interfering with the spirit and traditions of the game. Golf is still golf. Crumpin-Fox Club Head Professional Michael Zaranek agrees, “I don’t think it takes away from the traditions of golf,” he said. “I see it as a version of walking. I still love playing golf with a caddie and walking, and in some ways this brings that back. But it’s definitely faster than walking.”

The GolfBoard moves just under speed of a golf cart—up to 10 miles an hour. “If you got a foursome out early on them, they could play 18 holes in three hours,” explains Zaranek. “You’re getting from Point A to Point B faster, and unlike a cart, you’re only worried about your ball.”

“It’s a great alternative for those with back issues who can be bothered by sitting in a cart,” said Zaranek “I think those who need to take carts due to knee or back injuries will love it. It’s a great way to get around, and it will eliminate some of that joint pain and allow them to play more often.

“It’s kind of like a moving walkway in an airport. You’re just getting pushed along, and if you want to walk faster you can, added Zaranek. “They can go anywhere a pull cart can go.”

Since it’s the latest technological breakthrough, GolfBoards cost slightly more than cart rentals. Crumpin-Fox Clubs charges $40 for general public and $30 for a member to rent a golf board for 18 holes. However the club feels that the added fun, pace-of-play, and other benefits the GolfBoard brings to your round will be worth it to many people. 

For more information about renting a GolfBoard for your next round at Crumpin-Fox please contact us: crumpinfox@golfthefox.com or 413-648-9101.

Media Day at Bonita Bay Club, Naples, Florida

It was a beautiful Florida summer day as the sun rose on the GolfBoards during media day at Bonita Bay Club in Naples. Check out this excellent report filed by Chris Parks of ABC-7 in Ft. Meyers:

Oregon Speedgolf Open Aug 23 to Feature GolfBoards

This year’s event will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at a Speedgolf event!  First, you’ll be treated to an exclusive, educational and entertaining Train2Trust Speedgolf clinic prior to the tournament hosted by none other than Speedgolf World Record holder Christopher Smith and 2014 Women’s Speedgolf World Champion Gretchen Johnson. Time-tested tips and strategies to lower scores and faster times! The clinic begins at 4:30pm.

Take it really low, in high gear on a GolfBoard!

That’s right. The amazing GolfBoard will be available for anyone who wants to enter into a unique and exciting Speedgolf GolfBoard Division and experience the thrill of surfing the earth!  Learn how to really go low while at top-speed from Christopher, who will be on a GolfBoard during the clinic! If you’ve never seen the GolfBoard in action, check out this video featuring Christopher:

For more information about the event contact John Hamilton at hamiltonj@catlin.edu  or call the Quail Valley Pro Shop at (503) 324-4444.

Magnolia Greens Proves How Easy GolfBoarding Is

"Push the little lever to go forward, lean with your hips, and you've got it."

Truer words were never spoken. Dan Spears of Star News Online filed this report on GolfBoards' arrival at Magnolia Greens in Leland, NC. Check out the video of the experience, and then you can read Dan's piece HERE. Visit magnoliagreensgolf.com to schedule your GolfBoard Tee Time!

GolfBoard Breaks Into Western Canada

Look out South Okanagan!!

Nk 'Mip Canyon Desert Golf Course in Oliver, BC is very excited to be the first golf course in Western Canada to get the GolfBoards! They urge you to call NOW to book your GolfBoard tee times - 800-656 5755  or visit www.nkmipcanyon.ca

Watch the local news about the excitement!

GolfBoard Excitement Comes to Utah's Fox Hollow

The wave of excitement is rolling through Utah as golfers Surf the Earth in American Fork. Fox Hollow Golf Club made the wise choice to order up a fleet of GolfBoards and golfers of all ages are finding out just how easy it is to step on and experience the most fun they've ever had while golfing! Say farewell to the 5-hour round and come say hello to GolfBoard!

'Tough' Chehalem Glenn Tamed by GolfBoards

Inaugural GolfBoarders at Chehalem Glenn

After the overwhelming success of their 30-day 4-board GolfBoard trial, Chehalem added another 2 GolfBoards so golfers who are up for the challenge of Chehalem Glenn in Newberg, Oregon, now have the opportunity to experience the course like never before.

Dramatic elevation changes are no match for the GolfBoard, and as much as the back 9 might add digits to your scorecard, you've never had so much fun! Come try GolfBoarding at Chehalem Glenn today!

A new era of golf dawning at Chehalem Glenn in Newberg, Oregon

GolfBoards Break Ground in Upper Midwests' Clifton Highlands

Chris Long of ABC's Channel 5 Eyewitness News covered the 'Cool Factor' with GolfBoards. 

GolfBoards at Sunriver Resort's Caldera Links

Another Central Oregon Course Joins the GolfBoard Family!

GolfBoards have arrived at Caldera Links, a family-friendly 9-hole Par 3 course which is part of the world-renowned Sunriver Resort in Central Oregon. Developed by legendary architect Bob Cupp, the spirit of Caldera Links is to make the game fun and accessible for any level or age of player. Their fleet of GolfBoards provides an entirely new and unique element of recreation and enjoyment for Sunriver guests to experience. Caldera Links is reserved exclusively for Sunriver Resort guests, Caldera Springs homeowners and Crosswater Club members. 

Call 855-420-8206 or visit Sunriver-Resort.com

GolfBoards Surf the Links at Mauna Kea Resort

GolfBoards are Surfing the Earth at Mauna Kea Resort, the first resort on the Big Island to secure their own fleet.

Aspen Lakes Ups the Ante by Expanding GolfBoard Fleet

From the Aspen Lakes News blog comes this terrific report about the need to expand the GolfBoard offering in an effort to keep up with demand. As one of the first golf facilities in Central Oregon and in the country to offer GolfBoards to their guests, Aspen Lakes sees no letup in sight of the attraction of the GolfBoard.

Read the Aspen Lakes News blog post HERE.

Celebrate Your Independence With GolfBoard

Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV in Boston travelled to Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, the first club in eastern Massachusetts to offer GolfBoarding, and discovered for herself what all the excitement was about. In LESS THAN A MINUTE she was surfing the fairway.

The key to bringing golfers back to the game, and enticing new players, is to make golf faster and more fun. Scott Hinding, GolfBoard Sales Representative, showed Hughes how the GolfBoard is going to make that happen. 

GolfBoard Surfs the Earth in Colorado

While Vail, Colorado has always been an iconic ski destination, GolfBoard Sales Rep Paul Camarco recently had the opportunity to introduce the GolfBoard at the Starting Hearts charity event at the Vail Golf Club. 

VailDaily writer John Laconte was on hand to capture the action and excitement as people were introduced to the GolfBoard for the first time. "People are loving it," Camarco said. "It's a perfect product for this area."

Read the whole story HERE.

Let the (Board) Games Begin

Our good friends over at Golf Digest are serving up another portion of GolfBoard for you. The numbers are growing! Click the pic and head over to GolfDigestix.

Great News for Golfers

GolfBoards to be Showcased by Billy Casper Golf Management

VIENNA, Va. -- Billy Casper Golf (BCG) and Sol Boards have partnered to feature GolfBoard - the first and only substantive, surf-inspired, motorized golf vehicle built specifically for the sport - at numerous BCG owned and operated golf courses, country clubs and resorts across America.

The company will also serve as GolfBoard's exclusive sales agent in central and northern New Jersey, and the greater Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Philadelphia and Washington, DC areas.

Conceived by Bally Total Fitness Founder Don Wildman and legendary big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, GolfBoard allows riders of all ages to "surf the earth," reveling in the fun, fast and active experience of GolfBoarding.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, GolfBoards are easy to use, ultra-durable and built with a safety-first mantra to provide golfers a more active alternative to riding in a cart. The four-wheeled board allows users to turn by intuitively shifting their body weight, and adjusting maximum speed settings from 6 to 14 mph via simple, one-touch stability bar switch. 

"The experience of GolfBoarding is closer to surfing or snowboarding than anything I originally imagined was possible," says Hamilton. "GolfBoards are becoming so much of a main attraction that we believe they will eventually be the transportation norm at courses." 

With GolfBoarders surfing directly to their own balls, pace of play has decreased 30 minutes or more per round, helping course operators shrink tee time intervals, and increase play and revenue without a large capital expenditure. Superintendents report GolfBoards don't cause turf damage like other means of transport.

"GolfBoard is exactly what our BCG Ventures initiative seeks: a contemporary, exciting and differentiating identity to attract and retain players," says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. "Not only is 'GolfBoarding' a thrilling and quick way to get around the course, its turf friendly and delivers ROI to our operations."

Millennials and golf traditionalists are turning to GolfBoard in droves with industry pundits dubbing "GolfBoarding" a paradigm shift akin to introduction of two-piece golf balls, plastic cleats, metal woods and oversized drivers.

Available since April 2014, GolfBoard is now offered at almost 100 courses in the US, Canada, and Mexico. More than 300 additional private, daily-fee and resort courses are scheduled for product delivery over the next 90 days, and hundreds of individual golfers - including PGA Tour stars and A-List celebrities - have purchased units.

"After six years of R&D and 18 months of beta tests, the legend of 'GolfBoarding' has begun," says John Wildman, CEO of Sol Boards. "With Billy Casper Golf taking lead, GolfBoarding will soon be conveniently available to most anyone -- and it's not just for millennials; AARP members are feeling decades younger when surfing fairways."

Developed in conjunction with top engineers with experience building key components for military vehicles, and other highly specialized industrial-strength equipment, GolfBoards are uniquely designed. Features include a proprietary slip resistant 4wd posi-drivetrain for ultimate traction on steep hills and wet environments; a rugged suspension system and "Turf Max" tires for maximum stability; and a state-of-the-art automatic braking system to lock the GolfBoard into place upon stopping (riders just step off and hit their next shot).

Among the additional points of distinction:

• A suspension system that allows the GolfBoard to flex on cart paths, bridges and rough surfaces for smooth and safe rides
• Molded fenders to keep dirt and water from reaching players and gear
• 15,000-watt electronics for full hill climbing power without speed loss
• Zero maintenance lithium ion battery technology with intelligent battery management system
• 4-pole brushed motors for smooth and simple acceleration and deceleration
• Dual grip stability bar for ease of use and added secutity of beginner riders. 

The GolfBoard battery has the capacity for up to 1,600 re-chargings and can be fully charged in just two to three hours. With a maximum range of 15 to 18 miles, a GolfBoard is typically recharged between rounds in one hour or less. 

About Sol Boards / GolfBoard
A product of Sol Boards of Bend, Oregon, GolfBoard is a new, easy-to-ride electric powered 4wd board that adds fun and excitement for golfers of all ages and athletic ability. There are two versions of the GolfBoard: a commercial-grade Courseboard ideal for rental fleet use, and a personal use Sportboard with detachable stability bar that allows users to advance to "freeriding." A wide selection of custom fender colors, decks and graphics and are available as are affordable personal and fleet leasing options via GB Leasing.

More information: www.golfboard.com, 888.328.2841.

About Billy Casper Golf
Founded more than 20 years ago in cooperation with the late golf legend Billy Casper, the company is the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in the U.S. with more than 150 properties in 29 states. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia with regional offices across America, BCG specializes in course and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food-and-beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.

More information: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444.

CONTACT:
David Griffith
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
703.395.0404
dgriffith@buffalobig.com

Here's What Happens

Recently two of our GolfBoard Sales Reps - Mike Phillips and Kevin Ward - visited The Cliffs at Mountain Park in Greenville, South Carolina, for a GolfBoard demonstration. As they were unloading in the parking lot getting ready for their demo, they met a group of ladies who were arriving for their tee time. My guess is - seeing the GolfBoard for the first time and anticipating the chance to ride one for their next round was the most fun they had that day. 

Good Sunday Reading About GolfBoard

From John Paul Newport of the Wall Street Journal comes this great recap of his experience at the first GolfBoard Open at Tetherow ....

"Last weekend, during the first GolfBoard Open at the Tetherow Resort here, there were times I thought Hamilton might be right. I’ve never snowboarded and barely downhill skied, but within five minutes of stepping onto a GolfBoard I felt entirely comfortable carving turns around the driving range. By the back nine of my first GolfBoard round, mounting the scooter-like contraption after each shot had become as natural as sliding into a golf cart seat or hoisting my golf bag over my shoulder."

Check out the whole story of his GolfBoard experience by clicking HERE.

GolfBoards Hit the Golf Coast

From Jean Couser of Golf Coast Magazine:

Surfing the Course has come to Southwest Florida

Looking to add a little more excitement to your round of golf this summer? Hop on a Golfboard at one of five local golf courses on the west coast of Florida.

The winner of the best new product at the 2014 PGA Show, this refreshing innovation is pretty much guaranteed to spike up your fun factor.

The Golfboard is essentially an oversized electric skateboard with 4 wheels (actually a 4 Wheel Posi-Traction Drivetrain ) and a handlebar. Strap your golf clubs to the front, stand on the board and off you go! Well, after you watch the safety video required by the golf course.

I tried the Golfboard at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood, one of the first courses in the area to offer them to golfers. READ MORE

The Sports Club at Four Seasons - Presenting 8 New GolfBoards at Byron Nelson Tournament

From the Instagram account of Four Seasons Sports Club (@fssportsclub) comes this shot capturing the media attention surrounding the excitement of our own Laird Hamilton discussing the virtues of the GolfBoard. If hosting the PGA Byron Nelson Classic wasn't enough, Four Seasons is also excited to become the first club in Texas to be offering a fleet of 8 GolfBoards for their golfing guests.

Laird Hamilton being interviewed by Don Middleton in the Byron Nelson Circle at Four Seasons las Colinas