PrimePutt Founder Explains Why More Accessibility Is Driving the Golf Boom
The game of golf is in the middle of a boom that is just getting started. In 2020, more than 24.8 million people played golf in the U.S, up more than 2% year-over-year and the largest net increase in 17 years, according to The National Golf Foundation. The Covid-19 pandemic further propelled growth in the golf industry because a round of golf was one of the few recreational activities available during the height of the public health crisis.
PrimePutt founder Steve Perri explains why golf’s popularity can continue to grow beyond the pandemic by making the game more accessible to amateur golfers of all ages.
What do you think your company’s mission and vision are?
Encourage golfers and soon-to-be-golfers to do more of what they love by giving them the ability to play, practice, and enjoy golf more often.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Two things: my family and my love of golf.
I have two young children and a third on the way and I want them to see me as someone who loved what he does, loved solving problems, and loved creating things. I hope I can show them that they can have a great life by pursuing the things they are passionate about.
As for golf, golf is therapy for me - it has brought so much value to my life. I want to share this game with as many people - especially kids - as I can. I want to help grow the game.
What is your daily routine?
Well, with two toddlers and another on the way, things are a bit…unpredictable! But, when in a routine, it looks something like:
- Wake up very early and workout (I love being active)
- Enjoy some quality time with the kids and enjoy a coffee with my wife
- Take the kids to school
- Take the dog for a quick walk or play in the backyard
- Get to work on PrimePutt
- Pick the kids up late afternoon
- Come home, help with dinner and evening errands
- Quality time with the kids and bedtime routine
- Settle in for some evening “focus” work
- Unwind for a bit, then off to bed
What is the most innovative product or service you’ve worked on at a previous company?
Ironically, I worked at a large FinTech company prior to founding PrimePutt. FinTech was (and still is) changing so rapidly. I worked on a team that did some really great work in looking at current trends and building a visionary product off of it. Fast forward a few years, the product is live and much of the market is following suit. We were thinking so far ahead of the competition; we had to take some chances and place some bets, but why were smart bets and they paid off. It was really cool to be a part of.
Why is now the right time to start the company?
Those that follow golf know that it’s booming. But the part that inspired me was the influx of awesome artisanal brands that were focused on creating super high quality, high performing products for golfers. I saw a need for that in the putting mat space and set out to become that company.
What trends do you see in the market?
The intense focus on making the game of golf more accessible is so amazing, and something we at PrimePutt want to contribute to. It’s so great to see almost every governing body of the game investing in and committing to growing the game.
How did you come up with the idea for PrimePutt?
My life is busy. I don’t play nearly as much golf as I used to (or would like to!). I wanted a way to practice my putting while at home. I tried some mats that were available, but just knew that there had to be a better quality option. After doing some research, I know I could make something great for golfers.
What problem does your product solve?
Putting accounts for up to 40% of your total strokes in a round of golf. It is recommended that you spend twice as much time practice putting than practicing full swings. Putting mats give golfers a way to increase the time spent practicing putting but in a convenient environment, but what good is it to spend all that money and commit time to practicing if the mat you use gives completely unhelpful (and sometimes hurtful) feedback. PrimePutt is built to make sure that your practice at home transitions perfectly to the course, meaning less putts and lower scores.
Why should users care about the PrimePutt?
We are golfers building for golfers. We have incredibly high standards and we won’t stop tweaking and tinkering with our products until they are absolutely perfect. Also, we believe that premium products like ourselves need to have premium service. We genuinely care about our customers’ happiness and we love talking with our customers.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Take a shot.” If you don’t know something, that’s great, give it a chance, mess up, and learn something new.
PrimePutt indoor putting mats improve your technique and lower your score from the comfort and convenience of home. Their premium, tour-grade turf provide the most realistic putting mat and can be easily stored and set up in seconds.