CL Golf owner gets into business for the love of the game
Why did you take the leap into starting your own business?
I have been playing golf for 39 years now after taking the game up at the age of 10 when I joined Dalbeattie Golf Club as a junior, and progressed from there.
I decided to open the business after reflecting on my career to date and what the future looked like for me and my family. I wanted to work in the golf industry doing something that I am passionate about.
I was previously a full-time retail store manager and my employers have let me drop down to part-time hours to run CL Golf.
And why indoor golf in particular?
I had thought of opening my own golf studio a few years ago after using one of the Trackman simulators.
We use the Trackman iO launch monitor, which first came out in 2023. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), it offers players hyper-realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data, and the ability to virtually play over 300 of the world's most iconic courses, including Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews.
So this is for serious golfers?
No, not necessarily. What we offer is a space where everyone is welcome. We have a diverse range of customers from children starting out to avid golfers trying to improve their overall game. We have also had interest from a local school about using the facilities, which would be great.
We want our customers to come in and have a fun time and leave with a smile on their face. There are no pressures of someone looking over your shoulder and saying you're doing this wrong or that wrong, you need a lesson, or any of that. Our only question when they leave is "Did you have fun and enjoy yourself?"
The Trackman equipment at CL Golf offers detailed swing analysis (Image: Supplied)
But isn't the modern game all about the numbers?
For those who are more serious, the AI provides motion analysis of your swing dynamics for comprehensive insights into your swing mechanics. This gives you both static and dynamic aspects of your body movements, giving you visual clarity.
Using the camera function you can play in slow motion or real time and really get into the detail of your swing. It's a really is a very impressive coaching aid.
How has CL Golf been received by the paying public?
All of our customers have been very positive. Everyone who comes into the studio is blown away with the technology and quality of the Trackman iO systems, and also the set-up we have here in the bays. We have a lot of repeat customers.
What makes you so passionate about the game?
I always loved playing golf and being involved with the game. There have been so many good memories that I have captured along the way.
Golf doesn't just mean playing the game – it gives you so much more like social skills, interactions, building friendships, having etiquette, and being honest and respectful to others. The list could go on and on.
I also love golf because it always makes you want to improve on your last game, and it brings people together from all walks of life and gives us all something in common. I love the competition and playing against different golf courses.
Golf has given me social skills from a young age and has given me transferable skills that have carried on throughout my life. It is also great for stress relief.
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The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
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CL Golf owner gets into business for the love of the game
The three-bay venue has been supported by a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's start up loans programme, giving Mr Murray the opportunity for a career shift into what has been a life-long passion. Why did you take the leap into starting your own business? I have been playing golf for 39 years now after taking the game up at the age of 10 when I joined Dalbeattie Golf Club as a junior, and progressed from there. I decided to open the business after reflecting on my career to date and what the future looked like for me and my family. I wanted to work in the golf industry doing something that I am passionate about. I was previously a full-time retail store manager and my employers have let me drop down to part-time hours to run CL Golf. And why indoor golf in particular? I had thought of opening my own golf studio a few years ago after using one of the Trackman simulators. We use the Trackman iO launch monitor, which first came out in 2023. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), it offers players hyper-realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data, and the ability to virtually play over 300 of the world's most iconic courses, including Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews. So this is for serious golfers? No, not necessarily. What we offer is a space where everyone is welcome. We have a diverse range of customers from children starting out to avid golfers trying to improve their overall game. We have also had interest from a local school about using the facilities, which would be great. We want our customers to come in and have a fun time and leave with a smile on their face. There are no pressures of someone looking over your shoulder and saying you're doing this wrong or that wrong, you need a lesson, or any of that. Our only question when they leave is "Did you have fun and enjoy yourself?" The Trackman equipment at CL Golf offers detailed swing analysis (Image: Supplied) But isn't the modern game all about the numbers? For those who are more serious, the AI provides motion analysis of your swing dynamics for comprehensive insights into your swing mechanics. This gives you both static and dynamic aspects of your body movements, giving you visual clarity. Using the camera function you can play in slow motion or real time and really get into the detail of your swing. It's a really is a very impressive coaching aid. How has CL Golf been received by the paying public? All of our customers have been very positive. Everyone who comes into the studio is blown away with the technology and quality of the Trackman iO systems, and also the set-up we have here in the bays. We have a lot of repeat customers. What makes you so passionate about the game? I always loved playing golf and being involved with the game. There have been so many good memories that I have captured along the way. Golf doesn't just mean playing the game – it gives you so much more like social skills, interactions, building friendships, having etiquette, and being honest and respectful to others. The list could go on and on. I also love golf because it always makes you want to improve on your last game, and it brings people together from all walks of life and gives us all something in common. I love the competition and playing against different golf courses. Golf has given me social skills from a young age and has given me transferable skills that have carried on throughout my life. It is also great for stress relief.
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