When golf-based family hospitality venue Golf It! opened next to Glasgow’s Hogganfield Loch earlier this year, the target for its full first year in the catered driving-range business was four million balls.
Two months after that August opening, it had already racked up over 60,000 visitors and two million balls struck, and it had become clear that the constant ball collection was impacting on the ground of the range.
So the decision was taken to temporarily pull down the shutters to enable an upgrade that would better cope with the unexpectedly high demand for its offering.
As of last weekend, the balls are once again flying at Golf It! across a ‘pristine’ driving range that has benefitted from major investment in improved drainage and groundworks, as well as a new solution for constant ball collection – four high-tech robots.
The upgrade also allowed for the creation of a newly insulated, heated Hub to give players and families a warm, cosy indoor area, complete with fireplace, within which to enjoy the food and drinks on offer from the Big Feed street food collective.
Team leader Russ Smith said: “Since opening in August the reaction from the people of Glasgow in general and especially our friends in the local community has been mind-blowing.
“No-one could have hoped for let alone predicted the numbers we had through the doors and hitting balls all day every day – so we had to act. It’s vital to us to have the absolute best of facilities at all times for our players and visitors so we have invested heavily to ensure things stay that way.
“The range is looking beautiful – we’re really excited to show it off to everyone and we’re thrilled to be open for bookings as normal.”
Russ added: “We have so much happening through December to really bring the festive season alive for our players – from Christmas movies to Santa’s grotto, plus Christmas quiz nights on Wednesdays, free board games, live music Fridays and special seasonal cocktails and menus from the best street food traders in the country.
“Golf It! is Glasgow’s new home of Christmas – so come along and kick start your festive celebrations with us.”
