Selecting Golf Netting & Mat Products for Medical and Fitness Facility Use

How does the partnership between Back9Fitness® and ParBuster help professionals targeting the golf conditioning and performance enhancement market place?

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Back9Fitness® has been in the golf industry for over five years releasing the industries only annual catalog with a complete product line dedicated to helping golf fitness, performance and health. In addition to the catalog, the experience of the staff at Back9Fitness® has allowed us to consult with businesses all over the country who are trying to target this unique market. The consulting business has focused on education, program set-up marketing, facility design and cost effective equipment placement.

 ParBuster designs and manufactures sports netting and turf.  ParBuster was established in 1963, and is its second generation of family ownership.  Specializing in high quality golf products including practice nets, mats and putting greens, ParBuster offers a large standard line with customization of any type possible. As the industry leader in quality galvanized steel free-standing frame golf netting systems, the engineering team at ParBuster has perfected customized track netting systems including the release of a medical grade design specific for physical therapy and chiropractic facilities. The experience of both of these companies working together brings vast experience designed to maximize results.

 Why do medical and fitness facilities need golf related products in their facility?

The golf industry continues to be a growing and evolving business that now recognizes the healthcare and fitness professional as valuable resources to enhance on-course performance. Golf related programming continues to be a growing business for all outpatient facilities. The potential of a cashed based income being generated by these programs is very attractive in a competitive market place. The demand for quality products for these programs including net and mat products has increased.

Do I need a dedicated hitting space in my facility for “live” ball striking and video capture?

YES, if “real” golf balls are utilized and patient or customer traffic is expected. Liability issues related to flying object such as golf balls in an isolated indoor environment out- weigh the importance of the information that may be gathered. Most golfer coming into a medical or fitness facility will be swinging in an environment outside their normal experience and comfort level. Golfers, due to the stress of swinging in front of a camera, the staff and other patients/clients often can lead to miss hits and errant shots.

If we do not have the space for a dedicated hitting area what other options are available to still incorporate ball striking into the program?

An outdoor space where a cage can be set-up or access to other facilities such as golf courses, driving ranges and other practice facilities where staff could meet customers for video capture would be ideal. In many cases access to outdoor or outside facilities is not realistic or cost effective. Additional considerations can include use of alternative golf balls products such as the Almost Golf Ball. These alternative balls sound and strike very similar to regular golf balls but are made of much safer materials that can significantly reduce risk and liability due to injury and facility damage. With access to these types of products, indoor facility hitting options can be considered.

What is the minimum space required for a hitting bay?

Unfortunately, space is always a consideration in medical and fitness facilities when considering adding a golf program. To add a full hitting bay two space considerations must be made. First is the space required for the net or cage itself. The dimensions of these cages can vary from ones that include just the net you are hitting into to those that encompass both the net and golfer (i.e. These spaces may very from 3’ D x 7’ W to full cages greater than 20’ x 20’). To properly observe ball flight it is recommended that the golfer be approximately 6 feet away from the net itself. The second space consideration is the area directly around the golfer themselves. The golfer, with a club in hand, needs approximately a 10’ x 10’ or 100 square feet to assure safety and clearance while swinging.

YES, to completely fit a golfer and club in the standard video camera viewer you may need a distance of approximately 15’. Wide angle lenses may be considered but will potentially distort the golfer image somewhat. Special consideration must be made when utilizing full cages systems that that both down-the-line and face-on video angles are clear.

How does the typical medical practice deal with the low ceiling heights found in medical buildings?

Ceiling height issues are some of the most common obstacles effecting medical and fitness facilities. Most facilities have ceilings under 9 ½’ therefore making club selections for individuals > 6’0” a concern. Many facilities have raised their drop ceilings creating a specific elevated section for the hitting bay. Besides the obvious expenses for this modification other obstacles exist. The ducts, air conditioning systems and pipes just above the drop ceiling make finding an area big enough for a hitting bay difficult. Other considerations may include outdoor areas or existing facilities surrounding the center that may include golf courses, driving ranges or other practice facilities. Unfortunately, a lack of good solutions except for limiting the length of club selection for your hitting bay truly exists.

How portable are the netting systems?

All nets and cages can be moved unless they are secured to the ceiling via a track. If the free-standing cage is small and light enough it may be able to be pushed into a corner out of the useable area. If the system is too bulky to move considerations can be made to use the same space for other tasks and training. Some netting systems are available that are completely portable or pop-up.

Can I utilize the hitting bay space for other programming and activities when not treating or evaluating golfers?

Of course, this would be the ideal situation! The large open space in front of your hitting bay can become very valuable for other activities such as balance training, gait training or floor work.The nets can be perfect for catching other objects such as tennis balls, medicine balls or other therapy/training tools.

What are the custom fitting options available for medical and/or fitness facilities?

Free standing net and frame models are a good solution. This allows for the ability to move the practice area to different locations. Retrieval track systems are an extremely good option. The can be mounted on the ceiling in a flat curtain or done as a u-shape type design. The u-shape provides for extra protection from the sides. These systems offer the option of just sliding them out of the way.