X-Golf America has built its brand through X-Golf franchise centers across North America. It operates as an integrator firm, providing products and services for sale to each of its franchisees. More than 110 X-Golf franchises are currently open throughout the U.S., with an additional 30-plus expected to open in 2024.
Knowing that golf is increasingly viewed as entertainment as much as it is sport, X-Golf America looked to partner with companies that had the ability to provide a full spectrum of superior quality commercial displays, projectors and IT support for its franchisees. The need for a complete range of technology solutions, consistent supply chain management, high performance product reliability, and nationwide support led them to two solution providers: Exertis Almo and LG Business Solutions.
Based on past experiences, Exertis Almo says that LG could meet the full scope of X-Golf’s needs, particularly LG’s projection technology used for the simulators. Per the company, the projectors are sold as part of the complete simulator system, which is assembled and installed by X-Golf America once purchased by one of the franchises. Most of the projectors used for the simulators are on for long periods of time – typically 9:00 a.m. to midnight or sometimes later on the weekends.
Given the high demands of the projectors and the aggressive timeline of the new X-Golf locations, X-Golf America needed a one-stop distributor with a single point of contact that could provide high-quality projectors and a reliable, consistent supply of products in a relatively short timeframe.
Outlining the Project
After meeting with LG in Lincolnshire, Ill., integration engineers from X-Golf America attended a local Exertis Almo E4 Experience to learn more about what might be available. “The E4 Experience was the ideal place for the X-Golf America team to locally see a variety of projectors all in use and all at once,” says Mick Gilchrist, director of sales NW, Exertis Almo. “They were able to ask questions and spend time with the manufacturers to learn more about the projection service and support options as well,” adds Gilchrist.
He further notes that the projectors would be kept in stock at X-Golf America for deployment to the new franchises and for those existing locations in need of replacement units.
Building the Solution
Photo courtesy: Exertis Almo.
Exertis Almo says it worked with X-Golf America and LG Business Solutions to determine the LG ProBeam BF50NST and ProBeam BF60PST Laser Projectors for the project. Here, the projectors provided the best range of features, pricing and availability for the installs including a compact design, high brightness, longevity, reliability and easy functionality.
Given the longstanding distribution relationship between LG and Exertis Almo, these projectors are stocked in several of Exertis Almo’s warehouse locations, says the company. Moreover, they are ready for distribution as the need becomes available. Thus, there would never be a delay in opening a new X-Golf franchise or replacing a projector should the need arise, says Exertis Almo.
Approximately seven-to-10 simulators are now present at each X-Golf, depending on space. It takes X-Golf America integrators approximately 40 minutes to install each projection simulator system.
Working through Exertis Almo to obtain the projectors ensures that they are available on time. As Gina Lee, purchasing director, X-Golf America, attests, “The quick response time, reliability and resourcefulness of Exertis Almo and LG makes the whole process run smoothly and successfully. Because of the strength of this partnership between Exertis Almo and LG, X-Golf franchisees can deliver the most realistic, life-like golfing experience to customers.”
Final Results
X-Golf America experienced immense success since the Exertis Almo/LG relationship began that the LG LCD TV 49XE4F-M and ProBeam BU70QGA projector (with 4K UHD, 7000 lumens) were selected for a new X-Golf mobile outdoor simulator designed to bring the golfing experience to golf enthusiasts around the nation. What’s more, X-Golf America is now looking to transition to the new LG ProBeam RG series Laser Projectors to make their venues even more compelling.
According to a statement, the X-Golf franchises also continue to thrive, offering leagues, lessons, events and tournaments. Everything from corporate team building and holiday parties to graduation celebrations and fundraisers can happen at an X-Golf. The need for additional AV equipment increases as the locations continue to open and thrive.
Per the company, the strong foundation between Exertis Almo and LG and the new partnership with X-Golf America can only expect to grow with new opportunities already on the horizon.
