In a significant move aimed at enhancing its payment and commerce infrastructure, GOLFTEC, the world's largest provider of golf lessons and premium club fittings, has announced its partnership with Square, a leader in commerce solutions. This collaboration will streamline operations across more than 200 locations in the United States, allowing GOLFTEC to integrate its in-center and online commerce seamlessly.

1. Revolutionizing Golf Instruction with Advanced Technology

Since its inception, GOLFTEC has been at the forefront of golf improvement, having assisted over 1.8 million golfers by delivering more than 20 million lessons. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as 3D motion capture and AI-driven coaching plans, GOLFTEC has consistently elevated the standard of golf instruction. With a network of over 1,000 trained coaches, the company focuses on precision and personalization to help students improve their game, averaging a reduction of seven strokes.

Chris Koske, Chief Marketing Officer at GOLFTEC, expressed the necessity for a commerce platform that could match the advanced technological experiences GOLFTEC offers its players. "We needed a commerce platform that could keep up – one that was just as seamless, flexible, and intuitive as the experience we deliver to our players," Koske remarked.

2. A Seamless Integration Experience

Prior to partnering with Square, GOLFTEC faced several challenges with its existing payment systems. Coaches often found themselves troubleshooting payment issues during lessons, detracting from their primary focus on teaching. Additionally, manual reconciliation processes hindered the finance team’s ability to close the books efficiently. The limited visibility into chargebacks and customer data further complicated timely decision-making.

Joe Calabria, Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance at GOLFTEC, highlighted the need for a more integrated system. “If we want to be a data-driven company, we need to be a data-driven company everywhere,” he stated. The transition to Square was completed in just four weeks, allowing GOLFTEC to modernize its operations quickly and without disruption.

Key Features of the Square Platform

The integration of Square's unified commerce platform offers GOLFTEC numerous advantages:

Mobile-Friendly Payments: Facilitating seamless transactions across various channels, including in-center, retail, and e-commerce.

Real-Time Data Insights: Providing immediate visibility into transactions and customer interactions across all locations.

Streamlined Operations: Enhancing refunds, reconciliation, and dispute management processes.

Flexible Payment Options: Including buy now, pay later (BNPL), which maintains a familiar experience for customers.

This new system enables GOLFTEC coaches to focus their efforts on delivering quality instruction rather than navigating payment processing challenges. Koske emphasized this shift, stating, “Square gives them the freedom to keep their attention where it should be: on fixing swings and helping players enjoy the game more.”

3. Tangible Improvements and Efficiency Gains

The partnership with Square has already yielded significant improvements in operational efficiency for GOLFTEC:

10,000 Hours Saved: The reduction of administrative work associated with payments and refunds.

Faster Financial Closing: A two-day reduction in the financial closing process, allowing leadership quicker access to performance data.

Cost Savings: Approximately $100,000 saved through improved handling of disputes and chargebacks, facilitated by Square's proactive support in tightening contract structures.

4. A Future of Innovation

With its new commerce platform, GOLFTEC is not only modernizing its operations but also setting the stage for future innovation. Square's flexible infrastructure will allow GOLFTEC to expand its payment capabilities and deepen its understanding of customer behavior and purchasing trends.

Nick Molnar, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Block, praised GOLFTEC's commitment to excellence. “Choosing the right commerce partner means unlocking real impact across all of these fronts. We're seeing thousands of hours saved, faster financial closes, and coaches who are free to focus on what they do best: helping students play better golf.”

5. About GOLFTEC and Square

Founded in 1995, GOLFTEC has become a global leader in golf instruction, boasting over 260 locations worldwide. The company has consistently evolved its offerings, integrating technology to enhance the golfing experience.

Square, established in 2009, revolutionized the payment landscape with its mobile card reader and has since grown into a comprehensive business platform. By providing the necessary tools for businesses of all sizes to thrive, Square continues to empower sellers and enhance customer experiences.

As GOLFTEC embraces this partnership with Square, the future looks bright for both organizations as they strive to redefine excellence in the sports training and commerce sectors.

Original press release