Connecticut’s own Chris Cote has been making waves in the golf world since the early 2000s, revolutionising golf retail and practice facilities with his innovative approach.
Chris Cote Golf Shops in Portland and Southington have become go-to destinations for golf enthusiasts, thanks to Cote’s foresight in combining expert club fitting, top-tier instruction, and the latest equipment under one roof.
Cote’s secret? It’s a blend of P.T. Barnum’s showmanship and Jeff Bezos’ relentless pursuit of excellence.
But according to Cote, the formula for a successful golf practice facility is straightforward, though non-negotiable.
“One of the keys for businesses is that we are always trying to improve and get better daily. I have done that since I opened.
I think a driving range today that wants to thrive and grow its business but doesn’t have Power Tee, Toptracer and good range balls – those three essentials – is missing the boat.
You can add superior quality targets, music and food and beverages, but you need the technology of Toptracer and Power Tee, along with good, new range balls, to stand apart in this business and create customer loyalty,” Cote says.
Catering to a Modern, Diverse Audience
The post-pandemic golf boom has brought a younger, more diverse crowd to Cote’s facilities.
With programming like the Get Outta Jail clinic and Wedge Wednesdays, along with state-of-the-art features like Power Tee and Toptracer Range, Cote’s establishments cater to all ages and skill levels.
The result? A vibrant, destination-like atmosphere that appeals to families and young professionals alike.
“Our clientele has definitely gotten younger since this post-pandemic boom kicked in.
We have kids, teenagers, men, and women in their 20s and 30s that probably make up 75 per cent of our new customers and they’re smart consumers who embrace the technology and they really like working on their games.
This is great for our business and the industry as a whole,” Cote says. “Women and seniors are still a growing part of our customer base, so we feel like golf is in a great place.”
Innovative Practices for a New Era of Golf
Cote’s vision for a successful golf practice facility includes providing a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the game on their terms.
Facilities like TopGolf, simulator bars, and deluxe range complexes have played a pivotal role in making golf more accessible and appealing to new demographics.
“All the data I have seen over the last couple of years says there are more off-course rounds played than on-course rounds, and we know the golf courses are booming, too.
That tells me we can continue to grow the game and get people across multiple demographics to come and enjoy the game on their terms,” Cote says.
“Either with gamified golf on a range with Toptracer and Power Tee, in an indoor simulator like we have at our properties, or on the course, people have ways to enjoy golf that matches their lifestyle and budget.
Some people just want to wear what they want and not have to follow the rules and etiquette on a golf course.
Finding golf in a more relaxed, welcoming setting has been a game-changer for so many newer golfers.”
The Essentials: Toptracer, Power Tee, and Quality Range Balls
Cote emphasizes that the foundation of a successful golf practice facility lies in a few key essentials.
Toptracer technology offers interactive experiences, Power Tee systems ensure a realistic and efficient practice environment, and high-quality, new range balls enhance the overall experience.
“Our old mats were rubber-based and constantly shifting and did not feel realistic. Power Tee is always aligned and the mats always either feel like you are playing from the fairway or from the perfect tee height that you’ve chosen.
People notice that the tee line looks really nice and clean, and they never complain about the performance of the hitting surface,” Cote says.
“Power Tee brings value and quality to the range experiences and the efficiency of auto-teeing helps us earn more revenue as golfers have smoother, quicker range sessions.
They hit more balls, and our clientele is willing to pay a little more for a premium experience.
Working with Power Tee has been a great enhancement to our ranges aesthetically, but it also boosts our business efficiency and profit.”
The Future of Golf Practice Facilities
Cote is keenly aware of the temptation to continually up the ante with new attractions like live music and gourmet food, but he remains steadfast in his belief that the core elements of a successful range must not be overlooked.
“It’s fun to talk about the evolution of ranges and to even be in the middle of it.
The key for attracting and retaining customers these days, though, is you have to have TrackMan or Toptracer Range for the interactive part of the experience.
Power Tee, of course, is particularly important, to keeping the experience clean, realistic and efficient.
Then, always having brand new range balls, I think if you just keep doing that, customers will appreciate the level of quality you provide on a consistent basis.”
Discover More
For those looking to learn more about the innovations at Chris Cote Golf Shops, visit PowerTee.com and ChrisCoteGolf.com.
