ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2021) – NBC Sports Next and its leading golf technology and services brand, GolfNow, today announced it has extended its longstanding, enterprise-wide partnership with Troon, the leader in golf club management, development and marketing.
Within the new, multi-year agreement, NBC Sports Next will remain a preferred partner for the more than 590 Troon locations around the world, which will have access to a full menu of innovative technology solutions and services offered by GolfNow and its subsidiary brands, including EZLinks Golf, G1, GolfPass, and more. Highlights of the extended partnership include:
- Point-of-sale technology
- Booking engines and electronic tee sheets
- World’s largest tee-time distribution portal
- Proprietary revenue management and benchmarking technologies
- Expanded national/global marketing via GOLF Channel and GolfPass
“As a recognized front-runner and leader in the golf industry, Troon has been a cornerstone partner for our golf businesses within NBC Sports Next,” said Will McIntosh, executive vice president, NBC Sports Next. “We’re proud not only to be extending our association with such a first-class organization that manages one of the industry’s most impressive portfolios of golf properties, but also to be continuing a true partnership role that contributes to their ongoing success.”
“We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding collaboration with NBC Sports Next, which is an important part of our clients' success,” said Tim Schantz, president and chief executive officer, Troon. “With NBC Sports Next’s innovative technology, distribution and support, Troon is well positioned to provide both current and future clients with the tools they need to provide golfers a tremendous experience and to move their businesses forward in the right direction.”
Partnership Improves the Golf Experience Through Technology
As innovative concepts continue to improve the golf playing experience, Troon properties have access to NBC Sports Next’s SmartPlay application technology, which allows a golfer to search for, book and pay for a tee time in advance, as well as pre-purchase golf shop merchandise. During play, golfers can place food and beverage orders through the app and either pick up their order at the turn or have it delivered anywhere on the course through GPS technology.
Additionally, Troon facilities will have access to credit-card processing benefits at preferred Troon pricing via GolfNow Payments, which also will allow the locations to easily utilize pre-paid tee times as an added option.
Collectively, NBC Sports Next and Troon will be dedicated to enhancing integration, innovation and feature sets that deliver technology solutions that both curate experiential golfer experiences and provide cutting-edge tools for golf/club operations. As an example, both companies are creating an integrated experience to identify and grow Troon Rewards, the premier loyalty program in golf, through building club databases and loyalty to Troon locations around the world.
“The benefits our courses will receive from this continued relationship with NBC Sports Next will be greatly enhanced with the best-in-class operational technology, along with the tools that will help them better manage day-to-day,” said Mike Ryan, chief operating officer, Troon.
“Our partnership with Troon has been successful because of our shared attitudes toward the management of golf and how to take care of the golfer,” said Jerramy Hainline, senior vice president and general manager, Golf, NBC Sports Next. “The future is an exciting prospect as we continue to innovate and offer value through our sales, support and technology teams, providing Troon with the tools necessary to deliver on their longer-term vision and strategies for their courses.”
Vacations Business Sets Milestones
The extended partnership also will retain NBC Sports Next as the official licensee of Troon Golf Vacations, managing marketing and fulfillment to deliver golf vacation travelers to Troon’s family of courses, resort partners and destinations. The business, which currently features 53 golf vacation packages across 20 North American destinations, has realized year-over-year growth exceeding 200 percent since the partnership began in 2019.
About NBC Sports Next
NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within its three groups: Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Betting & Gaming. NBC Sports Next, known for its sports technology product innovation, equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, a youth sports club, league and team management platform; GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass, the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; TeamUnify swim team management services; GoMotion sports and fitness business software solutions; and NBC Sports Edge, (formerly Rotoworld) a leading platform for fantasy sports information and betting-focused tools. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 590-plus locations around the globe, including managing 640-plus, 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-wining food and beverage division operates and manages 610-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Indigo Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. Troon-affiliated properties include Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, California; Yas Links Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Georgia; and Lake of Isles in North Stonington, Connecticut. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.
-NBC Sports Next-
Dan Higgins
NBC Sports Next
Dan.Higgins@nbcuni.com
407-496-8107
Rob Myers
Troon
rmyers@troon.com
480-477-0506