Dublin, Ireland: OpenTee has acquired GolfSwitch, the pioneer in on-line tee-time sales. Using GolfSwitch’s interface-technology course operators will have the ability to present their tee-time inventory on the new OpenTee platform.
This union combines proven effective technology with far-reaching database marketing to put the control back in the hands of the golf course operators.
GolfSwitch has partnerships with over 3,700 golf courses worldwide, generates over US$60 million annually in tee-time revenue for its clients and integrates with over 60 tee sheet providers worldwide.
The combination of GolfSwitch and OpenTee technologies and marketing databases is aimed at making OpenTee the leader in digital tee-time marketing solutions for course operators.
Larry Lippon, Founder and CEO of GolfSwitch, said: “My original vision for GolfSwitch was to provide course operators with the tools they needed to leverage the Internet boom. I think we’ve achieved our original mission and now I’m proud to pass the baton to OpenTee, a team fuelled by new ideas and fresh perspective that will build on GolfSwitch’s success.”
John Fechter, CEO of OpenTee, said: “There is no question this strategic acquisition advances our agenda for driving more rounds to our partner courses. We believe that OpenTee marketing power and technology will only serve to enrich the relationships that GolfSwitch has built with their customers.
“We are also very pleased and impressed with the work already undertaken in Europe and Jo Maes will continue to spearhead our European expansion. The only but significant difference is that we are committed to add significant resources to capitalise on what has already been achieved. Jo will personally assure all excising clients in Europe of our commitment.”
Maes, Managing Director GolfSwitch International Ltd, added: “Continuing on Larry Lippon’s original vision, GolfSwitch have been the pioneers in tee-time internet booking across Europe. After having the opportunity to meet with John Fechter and understand the vision, I have no doubt that the work we have started in Europe will continue and be enhanced for network and golf courses that have inventory on GolfSwitch.
“Those partners will benefit from being exposed to the extensive database of active golfers we can now market to.”
OpenTee is set to launch in June and will be available on both desktop and mobile. Golf course owners and operators who partner with OpenTee benefit from the world’s largest digital database of active golfers (6.4 million).
“We have a clear understanding that the market is in need of a solution that has the best interests of both the consumer and the golf course in mind,” said Fechter. “Our focus with the launch of OpenTee and the acquisition of GolfSwitch is to fill that need and bring better balance back to the golf industry.”