My Golf

The inspiration for ‘My Golf Ball’ vending machines evolved from the laboured process of personalising golf balls, which, primarily, can only be done online. A customer must search for the company that best fits their requirements, fill in an application form and input their text or upload an image. They must also purchase a minimum quantity of new golf balls as part of the order. Once completed, the order is processed, and delivery takes between 5-10 working days, which incurs additional costs. While this process will suit companies with large orders, it is expensive, time-consuming, and inconvenient for the average golfer. Wouldn’t life be much easier if you could walk into your local golf club before a round of golf and have your golf balls personalised within 45 seconds?

My Golf Ball’ will integrate UV printing technology with vending machines for personalising golf balls. A touchscreen pad will invite the customer to upload text, photos or digital images into the machine. The golf balls are inserted into a hopper for sorting, and once payment is processed, the printing process commences. The personalised golf balls will exit the machine into a holding tray. The custom-designed vending machines will also incorporate a HD video screen, which will generate additional revenue through advertising.

Aside from the fact that golf rule 6-5 states: “Each player should put an identification mark on his/her ball,” the concept of printing individual names or company logos onto golf balls has become increasingly popular with golfers who want to personalise their golf ball to distinguish theirs from other players. Additionally, individuals, companies, clubs, and event organisers commonly have balls printed with their logo for promotions, events, and gifts.

Golf is a universal activity appealing to men and women of all ages and is played in 209 of the world’s 249 countries, equating to 38,864 golf facilities. North America is the largest market with 16,752 of the world’s courses. Sixty million people play golf every year, with over 1 billion golf balls lost annually.

Unlike the current printing services that require customers to order large volumes online, ‘My Golf Ball’ vending machines will be located in golf clubs and golf stores worldwide and will deliver a more efficient and cost-effective alternative for golfers. There are NO vending machines currently providing the service that is being proposed.