Summary:
Jake Gordon created Noteefy to solve the tee time booking crisis in L.A.
The startup alerts golfers about real-time availability at courses.
Noteefy has expanded to over 500 courses across the U.S.
Course operators are seeing significant revenue increases due to last-minute cancellations being filled.
The technology aims to combat the issues caused by bots and brokers in the reservation system.
The Tee Time Dilemma
Like many golfers in the Los Angeles area, Jake Gordon faced a common struggle: securing tee times. With the pandemic boosting golf's popularity, the competition for slots intensified.
Gordon recalls, “I was the designated reservationist in our group. If you caught me on a Friday, I was that guy constantly refreshing the page for every course in the area.” The situation was exacerbated by the rise of bots and brokers, who snatched up reservations and often canceled last minute, leading to chaotic tee sheets.
The Birth of Noteefy
Realizing the inefficiencies, Gordon, alongside software engineer Dathan Wong, decided to create a solution. They envisioned a digital tee time assistant that would alert golfers about available slots in real-time, similar to platforms like OpenTable and Google Flights. In Spring 2022, they launched Noteefy, designed primarily for golf course operators rather than directly targeting golfers.
How It Works
Noteefy operates by syncing real-time inventory with golfer demand. As soon as a slot opens, golfers receive an automatic alert, and if their chosen course is booked, the system suggests nearby alternatives. This approach not only benefits golfers but also helps course operators fill last-minute cancellations, ultimately boosting their revenue.
The first to adopt Noteefy was Brian Reed, general manager of Simi Hills Golf Course. After implementing the system, Reed reported a noticeable decrease in empty slots and an increase in revenue, with Noteefy bookings generating over $40,000 in additional income in just the first year.
Rapid Growth
As word spread, other operators joined in, including KemperSports, which installed Noteefy across multiple properties. Within 18 months, Noteefy expanded to over 500 golf courses nationwide, from local rural tracks to prestigious venues like TPC Scottsdale.
Addressing the Bot Issue
While initially not designed as a bot deterrent, Gordon noted that the technology’s transparency reduces the advantage for those using bots. In response to growing public frustration, Los Angeles began implementing fees aimed at curbing bot activity, further aligning with Noteefy’s mission to enhance accessibility.
Future Outlook
Gordon believes that the technology can address inefficiencies in other industries, projecting a potential expansion of Noteefy into sectors like hotels and spas. He estimates that golf courses alone are missing out on over $100,000 annually due to unfilled cancellations, a problem he aims to solve across various markets.
In summary, while securing tee times in L.A. remains challenging, Noteefy is paving a new path for golfers and course operators alike, ensuring a smoother experience for all involved.
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