The parent company of golf technology brands Foresight Sports and Bushnell, Vista Outdoor Inc.’s segment Revelyst, has announced the acquisition of PinSeeker, an app that enables golfers worldwide to participate in virtual closest-to-the-pin contests. Integrating PinSeeker into Foresight Sports will enhance the company’s digital games and content platform, catering to the increasing demand for off-course golf experiences and tournaments. Participants can compete for free or choose to play for real money in virtual closest-to-the-pin challenges and other contests.
PinSeeker CEO Rob Guilfoyle highlighted the rising popularity of community-based simulator golf competitions facilitated by the app. With a vision of creating a landscape similar to the World Series of Poker for simulator golf, Guilfoyle sees satellite competitions drawing large player fields competing for bigger stakes on grander stages. The off-course golf sector is expanding rapidly, with a growing number of Americans engaging in various forms of off-course play, surpassing on-course participants. The National Golf Foundation reported a significant 18% increase in off-course golf participation to 33 million Americans last year.
The acquisition deal between Revelyst and PinSeeker did not disclose financial terms, but it involves PinSeeker relocating its employees from Orlando to San Diego, where Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform is based. Revelyst’s CEO, Eric Nyman, expressed excitement over the expansion of their software offering and strengthened industry position through PinSeeker’s integration. Nyman emphasized Revelyst’s commitment to engaging with consumers through modern, tech-forward approaches, aligning with the growing trend of skill-based gaming and virtual experiences in the golf industry.
By merging with Foresight Sports, PinSeeker aims to tap into the surging interest in off-course golf through digital platforms, offering players the opportunity to compete worldwide in virtual contests. With the ability to participate in closest-to-the-pin challenges on golf simulators and engage in thousands of other competitions, golf enthusiasts can now enjoy a more immersive and competitive experience away from the traditional golf course setting. The acquisition reflects Revelyst’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in the off-course space and leveraging the growing trend of tech-enabled golf experiences.
The collaboration between Revelyst and PinSeeker underscores the evolution of the golf industry towards digital and interactive platforms that cater to a broader audience of players. As the number of Americans engaging in off-course golf continues to rise, driven by indoor simulators, entertainment venues, and tech-driven driving ranges, the opportunities for virtual competitions and skill-based gaming are expanding. With PinSeeker’s expertise in hosting virtual golf contests and Foresight Sports’ market-leading golf launch monitors and simulators, the partnership is set to provide golfers with innovative and engaging off-course experiences.
Moving forward, Revelyst and PinSeeker’s integration is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for off-course golf experiences, with a focus on gamified competitions and virtual tournaments. By combining their resources, software capabilities, and industry expertise, the companies aim to create a dynamic platform for golf enthusiasts to connect, compete, and experience the thrill of golf in a virtual setting. As the golf industry increasingly embraces technology and digital innovations, collaborations like this acquisition signal a shift towards more interactive and engaging ways to experience the sport beyond the traditional greens.
