Harper Lin
FlingGolf is a new sport that combines lacrosse and golf. Instead of hitting a golf ball with a club, players use a FlingStick—a single club with a basket at the end—to hurl the ball. The sport was created by Alex Van Alen, who wanted to be able to throw a golf ball 200 yards. After 18 months of prototyping, he achieved his goal. FlingGolf was then soft-launched in 2014 and debuted at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2015. The sport has seen booming sales, especially after its appearance on Shark Tank, where the company closed a deal with Kind snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky, valuing the company at $1.2 million. FlingGolf can be played on any golf course and the company keeps a map of the 1000+ courses where it has been played.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of the business | FlingGolf is a new spin on the traditional game of golf where players use a FlingStick to hurl a golf ball instead of hitting it with a club. |
| Customer base | FlingGolf is targeted towards people who aren't into regular golf but still want to get out on the course. It is also popular among families and groups looking for a fun outdoor activity. |
| Sales | FlingGolf saw booming sales after appearing on Shark Tank and closed a deal with the Kind snacks founder, valuing the company at $1.2 million. They have expanded their warehouse to stock more inventory and project revenues of over $1 million for 2021. |
| Courses | FlingGolf can be played on any golf course. There are over 2,000 courses in 35-37 countries that have been "liberated" with FlingSticks available on-site. |
| Marketing | FlingGolf provides free marketing assets to course owners and maintains a course locator map on its website. |
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What You'll Learn
FlingGolf's appearance on Shark Tank
FlingGolf made an appearance on Shark Tank in 2021, during Season 12, Episode 24 of the show. John Pruellage and Alex Van Allen pitched their new way to enjoy a golf course, seeking $300,000 for 10% equity in the company. The FlingGolf Flingstick is a golf club with a tiny, rigid lacrosse basket instead of a club head, allowing players to hurl golf balls with precision.
During their pitch, John and Alex invited a Shark, Daniel Lubetzky, onstage to try out the Flingstick. Robert Herjavec commented that they had brought lacrosse to the golf course, while Kevin O'Leary, ever the skeptic, suggested that golf courses would not allow this new sport. Alex assured him that the majority of the golf courses they had asked did not mind if players used the Flingstick instead of traditional golf clubs.
After the episode aired, FlingGolf experienced a significant boost in sales and brand awareness. In the 48 hours following the show, the company had its "best month ever", selling more products than they usually would in a month. FlingGolf also gained traction on golf courses, with players asking courses if they allowed Fling Golf, and the company saw its sales for 2021 projected to exceed $1 million.
The exposure from Shark Tank also led to further opportunities for FlingGolf. In 2022, ESPN reached out to partner with FlingGolf on a tournament, which was such a success that ESPN asked for more. This resulted in the creation of the WLF New Swarm Tour, with national tournaments taking place in multiple states and countries. By July 2024, FlingGolf had over $6 million in lifetime revenue and a dedicated community called the "FlingGolf Players Club".
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FlingGolf's sales and revenue
FlingGolf is a new spin on the traditional game of golf, where players hurl golf balls using a FlingStick—a single club with a basket at one end. The company, founded by Alex Van Alen, CEO, and John Pruellage, debuted at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2015. In the same year, the company soft-launched the FlingStick.
The FlingStick can be purchased directly by consumers or rented at select golf courses. FlingGolf has a course locator map on its website, showing over 1000 courses worldwide where the game has been played. They encourage players to liberate new courses by bringing their FlingSticks and adding them to the map.
The FlingStick's performance, durability, and style have been well-received by customers, who appreciate the ease of use and the athletic nature of the game. FlingGolf has also partnered with golf courses to offer Golf Course Packs, which include FlingSticks, putting slugs, marketing kits, and more.
FlingGolf's unique blend of lacrosse and golf has attracted a diverse range of players, including those who may not be interested in traditional golf but enjoy the outdoor experience and exercise that FlingGolf offers. The game's simplicity and seamless integration with traditional golf have made it a popular addition to golf courses, helping to attract new players and fill empty tee times.
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FlingGolf's marketing and customer testimonials
FlingGolf is an innovative new way to play golf that is attracting new players to courses worldwide. With FlingGolf, there is no need to carry 14 clubs, as one FlingStick works for every shot. It blends seamlessly with traditional golf, using a regular golf ball and similar rules, making it an easy way to attract new players and fill empty tee times.
FlingGolf is marketed as an exciting, dynamic, and inclusive alternative to traditional golf, appealing to a younger, diverse audience. It is described as "the future of the fairway", with a focus on performance, durability, and style. The FlingGolf marketing kit includes a library of high-resolution photos, basic techniques with visuals, a quick-and-easy scorecard, social media content ideas, editable posters, and even a radio ad copy to help promote the sport at local courses.
The FlingGolf website features testimonials from players and course owners, highlighting the benefits and appeal of the game. For example, a player named Jonathan C. from St. Charles, MO, who is also a Lt. in the United States Navy, shares his positive experience with FlingGolf. Another testimonial from Britt. M Lewes, DE, expresses how FlingGolf has encouraged them to get outside and exercise with a group consistently every week, something they probably wouldn't have done without FlingGolf.
Course owners also share their positive experiences with FlingGolf, such as James B. from Erie, PA, who highlights the great customer service and how FlingGolf has encouraged him and his buddies to purchase memberships, something he hadn't considered for traditional golf. The testimonials showcase the appeal of FlingGolf for players who may not be interested in regular golf but still want to enjoy the course and get some exercise. It's also presented as a great family activity, with one testimonial describing the joy of playing a round with their daughter.
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FlingGolf's rules and gameplay
FlingGolf is a golf variant that can be played on any golf course. Instead of using a golf club, players use a FlingStick—a single lacrosse-like stick with a basket on the end—to hurl the ball. The FlingStick can be used for every shot, from tee to green, and is suitable for players of all skill levels.
The rules of FlingGolf are much simpler than those of traditional golf. The scoring system is the same—the fewer the FlingShots, the better the score—but there are fewer rules to follow. For example, players can take as many steps as they like while hurling the ball toward the hole, as long as they launch it before reaching the tee marker.
When taking a shot, players can retreat up to five paces away from the hole and must take their shot before reaching their previous lie. To putt the ball, players position it alongside the striker pad on the FlingStick head and then putt toward the hole.
If a ball goes out of bounds, players must take a 1-stroke penalty and play the next shot from a spot within two FlingSticks back from where the ball went out of bounds, no closer to the hole. Alternatively, they can choose to play the ball as it lies without taking a penalty.
FlingGolf can be played on any course with a tee and a hole, and players can use the FlingGolf website to find courses near them where they can play.
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FlingGolf's equipment
FlingGolf is a new sport that can be played on any golf course. Instead of using a club, players use a FlingStick to hurl the ball. FlingSticks are available in a variety of designs and price ranges. The Launch is a no-frills option for beginners, while the Stinger is a high-performance FlingStick made of 100% carbon fiber that can be customized with different shaft colours and head designs. The Ballistick is for those seeking the best performance but is better suited to taller and more athletic players. FlingGolf also offers specials on unique FlingSticks with special designs and patterns, as well as custom FlingSticks.
The FlingStick weighs less than a pound, so it is easy to carry around the course. However, some courses require a bag, and FlingGolf recommends their Sunday Bag as a great option. FlingGolf also sells a FlingStick Holder for $60.
FlingGolfers can play on any of the 34,000+ golf courses worldwide, and many of these courses actively welcome FlingGolfers. Hundreds of courses rent FlingStick throwers, and thousands of customers have brought their own FlingSticks to courses. FlingGolf guarantees that customers will be able to find a course near them to play with their FlingStick, and they will provide a full refund if this is not the case.
FlingGolf offers a variety of accessories and merchandise, including striker pads for $4, insulated drinkware for $39, and a unisex polo shirt from $32. They also offer Golf Course Packs in bulk quantities, ranging from $730 to $780.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fling Golf is still in business and thriving.
Fling Golf can be played on any golf course. There are over 2,000 courses in 35+ countries that have been liberated, meaning FlingSticks are available on-site.
Fling Golf is a new spin on the traditional game of golf. Instead of using a club to hit the ball, players use a FlingStick to hurl the ball. The rules are much simpler than traditional golf, and the pace of play is quicker.
Hundreds of courses in America rent FlingSticks, but you can also buy your own from the Fling Golf website.
With some practice, strength, and skill, players can hit a ball over 200 yards with a FlingStick.
