Who would have guessed our Edison Nation inventor community has such a proclivity toward the great game of golf? Charlie Lumsden notes it’s a game for the ages, and with his Scottish-bred father, had to learn how to swing the club before heading to school. Colonel Steve “Chris” Austin says he’s been playing golf since he was 8 years old, despite the fact that he admits he’s horrible at it. The eGolf Live Product Search even extracted a few laughs as members watched Robin Williams’ golf commentary on YouTube or remembered the first time they watched Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore.
Whether you play the game on your Wii or on the greens, it’s time get inventive! We’ve brought your questions to our friends at eGolf, and have included their insights below.
Can you go into greater detail as to what innovations you are looking for? Are you hoping to find serious innovations that improve the consumers’ golf game or gag-style, golf shop gift ideas?
We are open to all ideas… anything from making the game easier to more enjoyable and if that comes in a serious product then great. If it is funny or a gag type of gift that works, as well. Anything an inventor can dream or think of us is worth taking a look at.
It looks like this is your first step into selling golf-related products. What are your retail and distribution plans?
eGolf has been selling online in the form of a service rather than a product, but we have been selling tee times to consumers for a few years. The same demographic who plays golf and buys tee times is always going to be looking for ways to improve their game or make it more enjoyable.
As for a distribution plan, we would start with enhancing our website to promote and feature these products. We would additionally leverage our network of resources in the golf industry through golf manufacturers, publications and brick & mortar retail outlets to provide an opportunity to have the product positioned in front of as many golfers as possible.
Can members submit ideas for new apparel?
Absolutely. Golf apparel is always changing, from the look to the performance of the clothing. So we welcome all ideas whether it is for men or women, young or old.
Are training aides acceptable?
Yes. This segment will probably produce the most creative and unique ideas. It takes a different perspective to make something that is usually complicated and boil it down into something that is simple. This is where you get that idea/product (when it is good) where people go, wow why didn’t I think of that!
How about ideas for products that help teach children how to play the game?
Sure. We need to engage kids and make sure it is fun for them, so any way that we can keep a child’s attention and have them want to come back for more will certainly be a compelling product.
‘Tis the season for the PGA’s major players’ tournaments; will you consider ideas that perhaps enhance the experience of those viewers and fans on the sidelines?
There are a number of products coming out these days that are tied to hand held devices in providing more information on players, courses, etc. that all enhance the experience. We would love to see what these golf inventors will come up with.
Can you tell us a little more about the eGolf community; who uses the site, what are their golfing needs? What products do they buy?
The eGolf community is a core golfer who regularly plays the game, which is truly the demographic who will purchase products whether that is equipment, apparel, training aids, etc. The majority of these people are coming to our website to either purchase tee times for their next round of golf or are playing in an upcoming tournament in one of our events. We have the ability to engage this community to garner ideas and trends and hopefully we can create a means to provide them products that they will enjoy. We have the ability to be the conduit from the innovator to the marketplace.
From the inside, can you offer our members any advice or tips to help channel their inventive minds for this search?
I don’t want to limit them in anyway… all ideas are good ideas! I am not going to say that we will be able to do something with all the products, but at the very least we will take the time to see if we can do something with each and every idea that comes through Edison Nation and this eGolf Search.
How about tips for non-golfers looking for inspiration?
Golf is a great game for many reasons, but I think especially, it is a game that can be played between any age and any level… all players can walk the same fairways and attempt to hit the same shots. It is a way to spend time with family and friends, just as I look forward to spending time with my grandkids on the golf course for years to come.
