This is the world’s smallest golf driving range – and it might be the future…

Driving ranges need not be big, nor long. In fact, it’s very possible they’ll start to get smaller. That’s the idea behind GolfPod, at least.

Launching this year, GolfPod uses market-leading ball tracking technology with touchscreens to provide a contemporary driving range experience, with a twist.

No smashing balls high and wide into the sky, GolfPod is simply a 30-yard driving range that stretches approximately 30 metres long. You can expect brand-new balls, an astroturf outfield, contactless payments and loyalty schemes, all as part of an ambitious project hoping to provide a new route into the game.

Currently, GolfPod is on track to land at four sites across the UK but managing director Mike Stone has big plans to take it far and wide.

Joined on the journey by an expert team, he hopes to open the first GolfPod venue this summer and prove that 30 yards is all you need.

We caught up with him to find out how – and, ultimately, why…

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What was the inspiration behind creating GolfPod?

GolfPod is designed to be a revolutionary, new, modern, fully inclusive way to get golf into small spaces. If you look at a lot of driving ranges, the structures are quite old and they haven’t really changed over time. So, we want the structures to be part of our brand, be recognisable, and drive younger people into the game.

What are the benefits of GolfPod compared to a traditional range?

It’s space. For a lot of courses where the ranges are quite short, you can’t hit longer clubs, so GolfPod is the answer to that. We’ll open more sites where you can’t put a driving range, predominantly because you need 300 yards. We can bring it to cities, retail parks and leisure sites. It can go anywhere, so we can really grow the game of golf. Most people happily stand in a simulator inside and trust the tech but if you stand on a range, now, you don’t need that 300 yards. As you hit the ball, it’s about two to three seconds to look at it, then you turn around and look at the screen.

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Is this the future of driving ranges – and possibly golf practice?

I believe the common, traditional driving range hasn’t changed in 100 years. So, GolfPod has a time now where we can modernise it, make it cool, make it more inclusive, grow the game, and disrupt the market.

To find out more, visit the GolfPod website.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.