GoTeeBox hosting closest-to-the-pin golf competitions at Hoppin’ and Queen City Q — Here’s how it works

Here’s a few quick answers to your GoTeeBox questions.

How much do I pay and how many shots do I get?

It’s free! Bars and venues pay for the rental, so it’s free for golfers like yourself.

That said, GoTeeBox will often host long-drive competitions named “Power Hour” with a $5 entry fee. They’ll also do closest-to-the-pin competitions. Winners receive gift cards to the host venue, T-shirts and other swag. For these competitions, each golfer gets to hit three shots with only the best shot counting.

Since its debut a few months ago, the closest to the pin has been 8 feet (I thought somebody would have stuck it closer) and the longest drive so far is a whopping 365 yards.

Do I hit a real golf ball and do I bring my own clubs?

Yes, you’ll be hitting a real golf ball.

No, you don’t have to bring your own clubs, but you can. They’ve got name-brand righty and lefty clubs available for you to use. It’s kind of nerdy to bring your own clubs, but I’d respect your commitment if you show up to Hoppin’ with a set of golf clubs on your back.

It’s essentially the same setup that you’d find at Dick’s Sporting Goods or Golf Galaxy.

Who is behind the concept and where did the idea come from?

Avid golfers Chase Baldwin, an account executive at XPO Logistics, Inc and Parker Grove, an engineer with Joe Gibbs Racing, are behind the concept. Their wives Mandy Baldwin and Latane Grove have also pitched in to help the business given early their immediate, early traction.

When can I experience GoTeeBox?

Here’s their immediate schedule. Chase told me that they could have around 25 events over the next 60 days, but these are the only spots that have already made their deposit and thus are 100% set in stone.

• March 14 – Queen City Q
• March 15 and 16 – Slate
• March 17 – Tilted Kilt
• March 20 – Hoppin’
• March 21 – Queen City Q
• March 27 – Broken Spoke
• March 28 – Queen City Q

You can view full event details on their Facebook events page.

If I want to rent GoTeeBox, how much does it cost?

If you’re a bar, venue or hosting an event, a full mobile GoTeeBox build-out will run you $100 per hour plus a one hour ($100) set-up fee. Their minimum is three hours.

This fee includes having Chase or Parker onsite, but oftentimes both owners will be there. I’m guessing with demand, this won’t last long, but they’ll always have at least one person onsite managing the GoTeeBox.

GoTeeBox uses a fancy, proprietary custom-engineered kit to reduce set-up time and make everything super turnkey. The setup includes Skytrak launch monitors to capture data and they use a high-end screen to project an HD picture.

I see HUGE corporate event potential for GoTeeBox. For a few hundred dollars, why not have a closest-to-the-pin and long-drive competition to spice up your typical corporate outing?

Can I just buy a GoTeeBox kit instead of renting it?

Custom golf simulator build outs will cost you around $25,000 – $30,000, according to Chase. You can get a basic version for $15,000.

While selling golf simulators isn’t their business, they can help you make the right choice if you’re interested.

I love this business idea, are they franchising?

Currently, Chase and Parker are 100% focused on the engineering and execution of the product. They’re also looking into inflatables, which would allow them to set-up outdoors. In early summer, they’re going to launch in a few other markets with trusted operators — essentially beta testing the franchise concept.

In Q1 of 2019, they plan on launching a formal franchise program.

With the right marketing and technology, I could see GoTeeBox developing a cult-like following and doing some fun promotions like a Bank of America vs Wells Fargo matchup or a city-wide long drive contest.

Overall, I’m bullish on GoTeeBox and love the idea from all perspectives – as a golfer, as a venue, as an event planner and as a potential investor.