[2030 Golini Has Appeared⑥] Golini Booking Method "No Phone Calls, Mobile OK"

Smartphones as 'Golf Problem Solvers', Over 40 App Platforms, KakaoGolf Reservation Surpasses 1.37 Million Members, XGOLF's 18 Years of Management Expertise

Digital-native 2030 golf beginners solve everything related to golf with just a smartphone.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The 2030 generation is familiar with the digital environment.

They prioritize mobile use and seek the latest trends and unique experiences. The 2030 "Gollini" (Golf + beginner), who are attracting attention in the golf industry, are no exception. They use smartphones as a means to realize their values. In particular, they exert strong influence in the golf market through social networking services (SNS). Booking golf courses is also easily accessible through apps rather than phone calls.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, overseas travel has been restricted, and the domestic golf market is rapidly growing. The entry of Gollini is noticeable. According to the population profile analyzed by Golfzon, 65% of new golfers with less than three years of experience are in their 20s to 40s. For Gollini, golf is a sport managed with just a smartphone. Everything is handled through apps. It is possible to book golf courses, check in and out, search for popular restaurants, and order various golf products.

Kakao Golf Reservation is ranked number one among golf reservation apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Currently, there are more than 40 app platforms related to golf course reservations. Not only golf companies but also domestic IT startups have entered the golf platform competition. Representative examples include KakaoVX's Kakao Golf Reservation, XGOLF, TeeScanner, Golfmon, and GolfBooking. The biggest beneficiary of the 2030 Gollini is Kakao Golf Reservation. Since launching a new reservation platform connecting golf courses and golfers in June 2019, it surpassed 1.37 million members last month.

It ranks first among golf reservation apps on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Last month, the number of visitors increased by 80% compared to the same month last year. During the same period, the number of completed tee time reservations rose by 113%, boasting high usage rates. The number of partnered golf courses is steadily increasing, currently at 274. It is a one-stop golf service with chatbot functionality. From exploring golf courses to booking, payment, and real-time traffic guidance, everything is provided within the chat window.

Korea's largest golf booking service, XGOLF, has played a leading role in the industry through 18 years of management expertise.

It offers rich information such as preferred information settings, golf course recommendations, popular tag golf courses, and tour broadcasts. Convenience is maximized with split payments among companions. XGOLF, the largest golf booking service in Korea, boasts 18 years of management know-how and financial stability. It allows reservations at over 300 locations nationwide, including prestigious golf courses in the metropolitan area. With customized management by golf professional concierges, the entire process from golf booking to settlement and purchasing equipment is handled contactlessly.

There is also a free join service for ‘Honggoljok’ (solo golfers) who visit golf courses alone. It connects optimal round companions. It is a customized curation considering the user's desired members, golf courses, and prices. The manager of the Golf Booking Research Institute takes 100% responsibility for reservations. There is no need to check individually with golf courses. XGOLF has gained popularity with 2030 Gollini tailored events such as the "Repaying Kindness" event last year and the new member welcome event this year.