“Insane coincidence” leads to golf app
Craig Palmer (L) and his co-founder Brendan Glynn (R)
THROUGH “insane coincidence” co-founders of a virtual coaching app for golfers, both realised they were trying to figure out a solution to the same problem, but from a different perspective.
Queenstown based Pro golfer Craig Palmer wanted other revenue streams for coaches and pros, regardless of where they lived. While Queenstown and Perth based amateur golfer Brendan Glynn wanted ease of access to a coach who could slot into his daily routine.
The duo were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, ideas started flowing and Pro Golf Me was born.
“We came together about a two years ago, without knowing each other or knowing what each other was working on, Craig said.
“Turns out we were working on the exact same idea, which is just the most insane coincidence.”
Pro Golf Me is an app where coaches can offer their service virtually, and be paid for it.
While anyone looking for a lesson can choose from the coaches listed, upload their swing, alongside a few details and pay for a lesson.
In return the coach will then send back a video with tips and tricks, outlining what’s good and what could do with some improvement.
“Between the two of us we represent the two different users. It was just a coincidence that we were both working on the same, slightly varied, idea to solve this problem,” Craig said.
The App officially launched in October 2018 and already has roughly 80 coaches signed up ready to roll.
Unlike many other businesses, Covid-19 has had a positive impact for Pro Golf Me.
“Covid has made golfers more aware of the opportunities to be in contact with PGA professionals virtually. You weren’t able to see a golf coach in person so what’s the alternative? Brendan says.
“The pandemic has shone a light on our offering and we’ve seen significant growth in the number of lessons being completed through the platform.”
Brendan has worked as an entrepreneur for some time, launching Queenstown’s LocalCard in 2018, which enables locals to receive deals and discounts across 100+ local, friendly businesses. He was also previously a project manager in the mining industry and planning/designing boat harbours, but his passion is golf.
“The process has been an ultra-marathon, sustaining the hustle with plenty of highs and lows requiring perseverance to get from a prototype to a commercial product, Brendan says.
“You must have an unyielding belief, stay true to your vision and build the best team to deliver what the market wants. Craig and I are equally passionate about ProGolfMe’s potential and I look forward to sharing the journey together wherever that takes us.”
For Craig, who works as the director of golf at The Hills by day, it’s been a steep learning curve having never done anything like this before.
“It’s been a pretty lonely journey – everything costs more than you expect it’s going to, it takes longer, we’ve had challenges with developers who’ve promised things and not pulled through.”
“But it’s really satisfying and I’m proud of the challenges we’ve overcome to create something that we know people like.”
The App has been created so it can be used internationally and Craig and Brendan’s hope is that Pro Golf Me will become the go-to place for people who either can’t afford to see a coach in person, or don’t have the time.
“Establishing a strategic partnership early last year with NZ Golf was an important step for the company, making personal golf coaching accessible in an easy-to-use app aligns well with organisations such as NZ Golf whose aim is to grow the game,”Brendan says.
The coaches who are all PGA qualified set their own rate for a virtual lesson and prices range between $10 and $115, players can signup for free at www.progolfme.com or the app store.
