Golfzon Urban Golf Course Opening as a Strategic Move for Overseas Expansion
Putting Practice on Actual Greens Around the Green Area
China Open Tournament at Tianjin City Golf in China
"It is the first space where customers can play both screen golf and on an actual green."
A golfer is taking a bunker shot on the green area at City Golf in Tianjin, China. [Photo by Golfzon]
This is the meeting of screen golf and field golf. It is the story of CITY GOLF, ambitiously launched by Golfzon, a global total golf platform company. Golfzon, a subsidiary of Golfzon Newdin Holdings, developed this new business for the global market for the first time in the world. They introduced a hybrid golf platform aiming to be a premium golf course enjoyed in the city. CITY GOLF combines screen golf with field greens. It has relocated an 18-hole golf course into the city.
The first start is in China. On the 1st, ‘Tianjin CITY GOLF’ opened at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention Center. It is a private membership golf course. In an indoor space of over 16,500㎡ (about 5,000 pyeong), 18 screens and greens were installed for 18 holes. Players can enjoy rounds with natural lighting under an open 18m high ceiling. To ensure the smooth launch of the CITY GOLF new business in the Chinese market, Golfzon’s development team from Korea traveled back and forth to China to directly manage the project. Hong Jin-pyo, head of the Golfzon CITY GOLF TF, explained, "Applying the actually implemented greens to the game was the most important. We perfectly built the system through cooperation with Golfzon China, which is operating locally."
The operation of CITY GOLF in China is handled by Golfzon’s joint venture, ‘Golfzon China.’ Golfzon China operates about 300 screen golf courses in China. In the Chinese market, where golf is relatively less popular, they plan to lead a new golf culture through the new golf platform CITY GOLF. Golfzon plans to actively promote the CITY GOLF new business, targeting entry into major global cities starting with the Chinese market. They are preparing strategies tailored to each country and space characteristics.
CITY GOLF proceeds from tee shots to approach shots on the screen. From play around the green, the screen opens and play continues in the actual green area. Depending on the hole, approach shots and bunker shots are also possible in the green area. Without weather or time restrictions, golfers can have a vivid experience of playing on an actual field outside the screen even in the heart of the city.
This is an overview of Tianjin City Golf, an urban golf course created by Golfzon at the Meijiang Convention Center in Tianjin, China. [Photo by Golfzon]
The core of CITY GOLF is the green. It was developed by a professional green design company that designed greens for famous domestic golf courses. Each of the 18 holes has a differently designed green. Players can fully enjoy the feeling of playing rounds at various golf courses. Although it is a golf course built in the city, it combines the advantages of screen and field golf. It is an eco-friendly golf course that does not damage nature.
Convenience facilities are also included. Upon entering, there is a pro shop selling various golf equipment and a shaded rest area where visitors can relax. All facilities are decorated with high-quality materials. The convention center also secures ample parking space. It is a comprehensive golf entertainment space. Various services such as golf, fitness, and food can be enjoyed in one place. It secures a consumer base centered on golf.
Golfzon also holds tournaments using the CITY GOLF platform. On the 13th, the ‘Golfzon CITY GOLF China Open’ will be held at Tianjin CITY GOLF with a total prize pool of 5 million yuan (about 900 million KRW) and a first prize of 1.5 million yuan (about 200 million KRW). It will introduce the new model of urban golf courses prepared by Golfzon to golfers worldwide. The China Open will be broadcast through various channels including Chinese regional broadcasters.
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