The manufacturer of the world’s best-selling golf simulator, Golfzon, is making a big investment aimed at combining its technology with the instructional side of the game.
South Korea-based Golfzon Newdin Holdings has reached a deal with renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter to acquire Leadbetter Golf Academy (LGA). Financial terms of the deal were not announced.
Park Ki-won, Golfzon Newdin CEO, said the company’s goal is to use its technology with LGA’s golf instruction to transform how golf is taught worldwide.
“We look forward to fully supporting the Leadbetter Golf Academies and continuing to grow the game by furthering the development of professional players, junior golf and amateur golf,” he said. “We look forward to combining Golfzon’s VR technology with LGA’s brand power and coaching know-how to become a leader in the golf industry.”
One of the best-known instructors in the world, Leadbetter operates 40 teaching facilities around the globe. He will remain involved with the company.
Leadbetter described Golfzon as a like-minded company that shares a similar vision for growing the game.
“I fully believe that a combination of Golfzon and LGA’s experience will bring golf to a whole new level,” he said.
Ben Riches, CEO of LGA, said that the deal will help improve the technology used for golf instruction.
“Our goal is to create industry-leading golf technology to break the barriers of how golf is taught and played,” he said.
An estimated 30,000 Golfzon simulators are in use at more than 5,000 golf café-type locations around the world. While relatively new in the U.S., the company currently has simulator play locations in 12 states.