Retail chief backs new golf technology
THE former owner of retailer American Golf Discount, has invested in a unique GPS system for golfers launched by a North Yorkshire-based architect.
Tony Norton, former owner of the 60 store company, is backing the project which allows golfers to download graphic information to their touch screen consoles on any course they wish to play to help with their shot selection and reveal hidden hazards.
Creator Ian Ratcliffe, of Stokesley-based OptimizeGolf, said that although GPS systems for golfers have been around for some time and have been recognised by English Golf Union, the ‘Shotmiser’, which retails at £249.99, is the first product to feature moving graphics and be developed in the UK.
It took eight years to perfect and uses ‘Snooper’, a leading car satellite navigation and camera detection device to automatically rotate and zoom to a golfer’s current position.
The high level of downloads has lead to the appointment of four new members of staff to meet demand from as far away as Australia.
Mr Ratcliffe worked with Strata Software & Consultancy in Bradford to design the Shotmiser.
He said: “Shotmiser will revolutionise the game in the same way that the introduction of metal-headed clubs did. We believe that ‘smart golf’ – placing shots more accurately – rather than ‘power golf’ – concentrating on distance – is the best way for anyone to reduce their handicap and enjoy their game more.
“Shotmiser depicts the course so that players can see their position in relation to fairways, greens, roughs and hazards and provides an instant measurement of the distance from ball to green, allowing them to decide on the best strategy for their next shot.
“Yorkshire is one of the keenest golf-playing areas in the UK, with 190 courses across the region, and we are already getting some very positive feedback from golfers using Shotmiser.”
