By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
We last spoke to the Cover the Tees team last September when Patrick Cherry, the Vice President of Business Development, discussed the benefits of technology, saying, “Having technology changes the way a facility’s range is used. Whether it’s a private, public or stand-alone facility, technology is a gateway to having your members or customers enjoy time on the property (TOP) longer. After all, the goal of every golf professional should be to engage with his or her customers more.”
That engagement is further increased when a facility promotes the social side of golf with a strong and extensive cover that instantly transforms a driving range into an entertainment center. Covering one’s range is proving to be a game-changer for facilities from coast to coast. Not only does a covered driving range attract more golfers, but it also brings other facets of the driving range experience to the forefront — F&B, music, special events, competition, outings and special times with friends and family in a comfortable environment that is protected from the elements.
Cover the Tees, the Oviedo, Florida-based company, is not only growing its own business, but it’s helping to boost revenues at each and every facility with which it does business. Just ask their customers, and you’ll get a clear picture of the impact that Cover the Tees is having on the game. I did!
Not even open a year, Queenstown Harbor Golf installed a 12-bay covered range facility last winter and opened for business in April of 2025. Covered and heated, this build-out has allowed for almost year-round usage and off-season revenue during this cold Maryland winter.
“Our year-over-year range revenue multiplied seven times with the new Cover the Tees facility and the separate technology we added,” says John Anderes, the Executive Vice President of Hospitality & Golf. “Patrick and the team were easy to work with from beginning conversations to permitting and through construction. It is a good system that we will be looking to use again in the future at other facilities.”
Travel a bit south to Midlothian, Virginia, and you can experience Windy Hill Golf Course, two nine-hole layouts that are ideal for beginners but still pose a challenge to the skilled golfer. Nichole Inkel, the facility’s owner and an LPGA Professional, recently celebrated one year since installing a 10-bay Toptracer facility on her driving range.
“Since installing Cover the Tees, range revenue has stabilized in the colder seasons, event bookings have increased, food & beverage sales have grown, weather-related cancellations have decreased and guest satisfaction has improved,” she says. “For a 10-bay Toptracer facility, the ability to operate consistently regardless of moderate weather has been a major contributor to revenue growth! Our bays are now protected from wind and rain, temperatures are easier to manage, guests stay longer and range usage continues during light to moderate weather. We have been the only facility in our area able to open, even with our unexpected snow and cold winter.”
Inkel’s experience with the Cover the Tees team was one she will remember for a long time and value as a facility owner. “This project came with its share of delays and unexpected challenges, and Cover the Tees stood by us through every single one. They were patient, accommodating and constantly willing to adjust their schedule to ensure we were supported. That level of commitment matters. They didn’t just show up as a vendor; they showed up as true partners. Today, I’m proud to say they’re not only trusted business partners, but friends. This project reinforced something I value deeply — who you choose to work with matters. Cover the Tees showed up with integrity, patience, and heart.”
That sense of partnership is irreplaceable in today’s business culture. Take Brian Bickford and the Marr-Anderson Family Foundation Driving Range at the Alexa Re Rancourt Golf Learning Center in Freeport, Maine. As one of Cover the Tees’ newest customers, Bickford, the Executive Director for Maine Golf, is looking to grow golf in Maine “with an eye towards juniors and family golf.” The facility — 20 hitting bays, 10 of which are covered and equipped with Toptracer technology — opened last September with little fanfare but saw immediate excitement at their learning center.
“Simply stated, the impact of Cover the Tees is very obvious. And, as we prepare to open this spring, the covered section will become even more impactful,” Bickford adds.
Here are some additional comments from Cover the Tees customers whose businesses have been transformed through technology, innovation and creation of a welcoming social driving range environment:
Clark Burckle – Owner, Reimagine Golf (Different Strokes – Louisville, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana)
“Our covered ranges have changed customer usage in two ways. The first is that we have started to chip away at seasonality as it pertains to outdoor golf in our region. We have seen an uptick in business from November to February. During this time, we close our grass range and move people exclusively to our covered structures, which offer Toptracer, top-end turf mats, heaters and lounge furniture. Secondly, it has brought more social golfers to our range. We define a social golfer as someone who comes with a friend or a group. These golfers enjoy relaxing and using our Toptracer Cover the Tees bays. In the end, this has contributed to increased revenue with little increase in operating expenses. It is also our most social media-friendly segment and lends itself to catchy, short-form content that has helped us organically grow our community on social media. Our goal is to make anyone a repeat user, from the golf-savvy to the non-golf-savvy customer.
“We work with many contractors to complete our projects, and the most communicative, reliable, flexible and friendly group has been Cover the Tees. Whether chatting with Stephen or Matt when hatching a project idea and obtaining a quote and schedule, or working on-site with Jeremy, Juan and the team, all have been helpful during the process. As an owner, I really appreciate that! Cover the Tees is a cost-effective, aesthetically attractive solution for those looking to combat seasonality or integrate technology with a social twist. We will be working more in the future with Cover the Tees.”
Evan Lucado – PGA Director of Golf, Chalk Mountain Golf Course – Atascadero, California
“Adding Cover the Tees products has had a meaningful impact on both customer experience and overall performance at our facility. From a usage standpoint, we’ve seen highly increased engagement around our driving range and a noticeable lift in perceived quality. The presentation and branding elevate the experience, which resonates strongly with core golfers all the way to new players to the game.
“From a revenue perspective, Cover the Tees has allowed us to create additional value within our facility. The products help us differentiate our facility image, justify pricing and ultimately contribute to stronger retention. It has been a positive addition not just operationally, but strategically, as we continue to grow.
“The Cover the Tees team has been incredibly responsive, creative and easy to work with. They understand our business and consistently deliver solutions that enhance our player experience. What stands out most is their partnership mindset. They don’t just sell a product, but they work alongside us to make sure it fits our brand, mission and vision goals.
“Beyond the direct revenue impact, Cover the Tees has helped us elevate our overall brand perception. In a competitive market, small details matter and their product contributes to a more polished, premium experience for our customers. We value the consistency, quality and collaboration they bring to the table.”
Kelley Brooke, PGA – CEO, Brooke Management Group (Harbor Links Golf Course and Montauk Downs Golf Course – Long Island, New York)
“Cover the Tees has had a measurable and significant impact on our business. At Montauk Downs Golf Course, sales more than doubled from 2024 to 2025. At Harbor Links, same-month sales tripled year over year. Their cover has directly driven revenue growth and elevated the retail experience across our facilities.
“One of the biggest advantages of working with Cover the Tees is their in-house engineering and design team. Operating on municipal properties can be complex — each municipality has its own set of requirements, approvals and processes. Their team knows how to navigate that landscape and has helped us move projects through the system far faster than we could have on our own. Just as important, their integrated approach eliminates the need to hire outside engineers and architects, which likely would have doubled our costs.
“Our relationship with Cover the Tees continues to grow, with three more course installations already planned for 2026. They are the only partner we trust in this category. Their modern, streamlined design enhances the overall experience we’re delivering, integrating seamlessly with our robotic food and beverage service and InRange range technology.”
Bob Schulz – PGA Director of Golf, The Sanctuary Golf Course, New Lenox, Illinois
“Our revenue went from $173,000 in range ball sales to $726,000 after the 1st year. The Cover the Tees team has been great to deal with. They can make any situation work, and the install was on point! If you do not get one of these covers and technology, as well, you are losing money every day at your facility.”
Cover the Tees not only builds structures but also offers complete consultation services, including range design and development, programming, food & beverage programming, light-up target packages, range lighting packages, interior bay lighting packages, turf guidance, netting connections, ball dispenser connections and more.
“Our goal is to provide a complete driving range solution for our customers,” says Stephen Arnold, Chief Operating Officer for Cover the Tees. “If it involves range development and direction on how to maximize revenues from all sources of the facility, our team can assist and deliver.”
The future of the range is here, and Cover the Tees has become a one-stop resource to help all facility types provide the best experience for their members and customers. For more information about Cover the Tees and to see what this stellar team can do to boost your business, log on to their website today!
