• Awesome Golf integrates with Square Golf
Awesome Golf announce that their innovative golf simulator software will now be available on the Square Golf launch monitor. This new integration has been driven by demand from both Awesome Golf and Square Golf customers who were excited to see the two work in combination.
“Square Golf has had a great impact in the golf simulator market since its recent launch,” commented Gavin Hamer, Founder of Awesome Golf. “ We’re pleased to be able to work with Square Golf to enhance their users’ indoor golf experience. Expanding the number of launch monitors our software is compatible with is a great indicator to the rising potential of simulator golf, and we are happy to be one of the few brands at the forefront of that growth.”
Square Golf customers will automatically receive a 14-day free trial of Awesome Golf Simulator. After the trial has ended, customers have a choice of a monthly subscription ($14.99), an annual subscription ($159.99), or investing in a lifetime license for $299.99 as part of their January sale (UK pricing TBC). The Awesome Golf software includes game improvement, competitive and family friendly modes, ‘real’ and virtual courses including The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai which plays host to the DP World Tour Hero Dubai Desert Classic this week.
“Awesome Golf is a fantastic product that allows golfers of all ages and abilities to explore and improve their game,” said Jinhyuk Yang, CEO of Square Golf. “We want to make sure that Square Golf users have access to products that will enhance their enjoyment of our launch monitor, which is why this integration has been so important.”
Awesome Golf Simulator is available on iOS, Android and PC across six leading hardware brands, making it one of the most used and popular simulator software solutions globally.
For more information please visit: https://www.awesome-golf.com/simulator/
• Close House Announces Jess Baker as Attached Ladies Tour Professional
Close House is proud to announce Jess Baker as their new attached Ladies Tour Professional. A Newcastle native and recent graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BSc in Psychology, Jess has returned home to focus on her professional golf career on the Ladies European and Access Tours.
Jess achieved the pinnacle of her amateur career by winning the prestigious 2022 Women’s Amateur Championship at Hunstanton Golf Club. This victory earned her entry into four Major Championships and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2023. Jess has also represented England at both U18 and senior levels, including a strong performance at the European Ladies Team Championships in 2023.
Since turning professional in August, Jess has made an immediate impression on the LET Access Tour, securing her playing status for 2025 in just six starts. In December, she delivered a standout performance at Q-School in Morocco, where birdies on her final three holes earned her category 16 status on the Ladies European Tour. This status provides Jess the opportunity to compete against Europe’s best players throughout the 2025 season.
Reflecting on her new attachment, Jess said, “Returning from America, I was offered the chance to use Close House’s incredible facilities to practice and prepare for tournaments. Competing on a championship course like Close House has been instrumental in my development on the LET. I’m excited to represent the club and look forward to being part of the exciting events hosted here. I’m truly grateful for the support Close House has provided.”
Sir Graham Wylie, owner of Close House, shared his excitement about the partnership, “We are thrilled to support Jess as she continues her already impressive golfing journey. Having played with Jess, I was struck by her talent and determination - key attributes for success. It’s an honour to have her as an ambassador for Close House.”
Close House is renowned for its commitment to developing young talent, and Jess joins a prestigious list of attached professionals, including Lee Westwood. Her passion for inspiring the next generation of golfers aligns with the club’s vision. In her role, Jess will actively support junior development by assisting the coaching team with clinics and events, offering invaluable insights to aspiring players.
This partnership reflects Close House’s ongoing dedication to fostering talent and hosting world-class golf, further cementing its status as a leading destination for the game.
• Toptracer Set to Launch Largest Activation in PGA Show History
Range Tech Giant to Showcase All Available Products in Orlando for First Time
Toptracer, the world’s number 1 range technology and official range technology of the PGA of America, is set to launch its largest activation to date at the 2025 PGA Show. At next week’s PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, Toptracer will showcase its entire suite of products in one space for the very first time.
Via the largest booth on the show floor, Toptracer has built its own tech-enabled “golf club”, where PGA professionals, golf club operators, media, and golf enthusiasts alike can experience Toptracer Range and demo tools that accompany the system for maximum engagement to enhance their businesses. It will be the biggest booth in the show’s history.
“Our customers tell us that they want technology across their entire property to engage with every segment of their customer base,” says Oskar Asgard, Senior Product Manager. “We believe we have the capabilities to transform each aspect of any facility, whether it be indoor or outdoor ranges, clubhouses or teaching academies. Our team is excited to share how Toptracer can enhance any experience, while driving tangible business results.”
To further stake its claim as the leader in range technology, Toptracer is ready to unveil its most accessible platform yet at the PGA Show’s Demo Day. The new technology will give golfers at Toptracer Range grass tee driving ranges the ability to simply scan a QR code in their bay, and gain instant access to their shot distance, ball speed and curve, offering their customers their own launch monitor in their pocket.
Also this year is a new application of Toptracer Range, a new indoor solution designed for smaller spaces. Operators and golfers alike will have access the full suite of Toptracer Range games and practice modes, which can also be linked to Toptracer Coach, to allow for objective data-driven practice insights, for instructors to improve student accountability and progress tracking.
“According to the NGF, Americans participating exclusively away from the course increased 4x over the past decade and Toptracer is proud to lead this surge in participation,” says Scott Blevins, general manager of Toptracer. “To now have the ability to transform every facility into a year-round hub for golf coaching, learning and entertainment shows our commitment to inspiring new golfers in every capacity.
Toptracer is already the technology driver for over 1,000 ranges across 35 countries. In 2024, the company announced a partnership with the Angry Birds franchise and secured a five-year partnership to be the official ball-tracking technology supplier at The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. Additionally, the brand was confirmed as the official ball-tracing partner for TGL presented by SoFi, the new innovative team golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR that is fusing advanced tech and live action in prime time.
For more information on how Toptracer can enhance your facility, you can book an appointment for a demonstration at the PGA Show by contacting info@toptracer.com
• GMS Welcomes Two Senior International Hires
Golf Marketing Services Ltd (GMS), a global leader in golf marketing and consultancy, is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Wooters as Account Director, North America, and Ashley Ross Ropaie as Senior Manager, MENA and APAC Markets.
Dan Wooters brings a decade of marketing and public relations expertise to his role as Account Director, North America. Most recently, he served as Manager at Buffalo Groupe, where he led media relations and client communications for prestigious partners such as Pinehurst Resort, Omni Resorts & Hotels, and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Dan’s deep understanding of media strategy, event management, and influencer collaboration – alongside his outstanding contacts base - positions him perfectly to assist GMS’s expansion into the North American market.
Based in the agency’s new Dubai location, Ashley Ross Ropaie joins as Senior Manager, MENA and APAC Markets, with extensive experience driving sales, marketing, and brand development in the golf and leisure industries. Ashley’s career spans leadership roles at world-class destinations, including The Els Club in Dubai and Malaysia, where his innovative strategies and partnership-building expertise garnered impressive accolades and sales growth for the facilities.
Most recently, Ashley served as Director of Sales & Marketing for Sindalah Golf Club, NEOM, where he spearheaded pre-opening initiatives for this groundbreaking project in Saudi Arabia.
Co-CEO Sam Elder commented: “We are delighted to welcome Dan and Ashley to our team and in doing so, build on our foundations in both the Middle East and North America. Dan’s significant experience and expertise in North America and Ashley’s unparalleled understanding of the Asian markets will play a pivotal role in our strategic growth for years to come. Their experience and passion for the sport of golf align perfectly with our mission to deliver best in class marketing services for our clients worldwide.”
These appointments underscore GMS’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent and delivering exceptional results for clients across key global markets.For immediate release:
• Sotogrande forms strategic partnership with Seventy2 Golf
Sotogrande has appointed Seventy2 Golf as its official sales agency, effective next week. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen Sotogrande’s golf tourism offering, particularly with the forthcoming launch of the Golf Academy at the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort.
Rita Jordão, Director of Marketing at Sotogrande, commented: “Partnering with Seventy2 Golf will allow us to leverage their expertise in engaging with golf tour operators and promoting golf destinations. This collaboration will help us to further promote the new Golf Academy and the world-class golf packages that we have available through the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort to a global audience.”
Giles Greenwood, Managing Director of Seventy2 Golf, added: “We are excited to work with Sotogrande to promote their impressive golf facilities. With our extensive experience in golf tourism sales and marketing, we are confident that we can help Sotogrande expand its reach in the global market and increase bookings for their hotel packages and golf offerings.”
Sotogrande will work with Seventy2 Golf to increase sales through trade and B2B tourism networks, including the introduction of bespoke events with professionals who will offer coaching trips for consumers.
The new Golf Academy is set to complete the golf offering in Sotogrande, and become a premier destination for golfers of all skill levels to practice and learn the game. Featuring a nine-hole par-3 course designed by renowned golfer Manuel Piñero, state-of-the-art practice facilities, and professional coaching zones, the academy will complement the existing 18-hole Golf course at the SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort.
For more information about Sotogrande, visit: www.sotogrande.com