Newbury, Massachusetts, welcomed a major upgrade to its local golf scene on November 12, 2025, as the Newbury Golf Center installed Toptracer technology across all 30 bays. This high tech addition lets golfers of every skill level play virtual rounds on famous courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, turning a simple driving range visit into an exciting experience.
What Makes Toptracer a Game Changer
Toptracer uses advanced cameras to track each golf ball in real time, just like viewers see on PGA Tour broadcasts. This system provides instant feedback on shot distance, speed, and launch angle, helping players improve while having fun.
Golfers at the center can choose from various game modes, suitable for beginners and pros alike. The technology has spread quickly, with recent installations at places like Lough Erne Resort in September 2025 and Northway Golf Center in May 2025, showing its growing popularity in transforming traditional ranges.
Experts note that Toptracer boosts engagement by making practice sessions interactive. Data from similar setups shows average session times jumping from 20 minutes to over an hour, as players get hooked on competing against friends or virtual leaderboards.
Installation Details at Newbury Golf Center
The 27 acre facility, located just off Interstate 95 on Scotland Road, added Toptracer to its 10 covered and heated bays first, then expanded to the 20 outdoor ones due to high demand. Eric Sorensen, the center’s president, called it the wave of the future, noting how it avoids the feel of hitting into indoor screens.
This upgrade includes monitors in every bay, allowing users to see their ball flight overlaid on digital recreations of top global courses. The center also features a large putting green, chipping area, and short game practice zones, making it a full golf paradise open to the public.
Installation wrapped up in time for winter, with the tech enhancing year round use thanks to radiant heat in covered areas. Sorensen, a board member for the company behind Toptracer, pushed for the full rollout after seeing strong interest in the first year.
Local golfers have praised the seamless setup, which integrates with the range’s 300 yard plus driving area and no net design for an open, country club like feel.
Key Features and Benefits for Golfers
Toptracer brings a mix of entertainment and skill building tools that appeal to all ages. Players can join virtual tournaments, track progress over time, and even compete globally through connected apps.
Here are some standout features:
- Real time ball tracking with metrics like carry distance and apex height.
- Game modes including virtual golf on 30 famous courses, closest to the pin challenges, and points based competitions.
- Social options to play with friends or join leagues, complete with live scoring.
- Data driven insights to analyze swings and improve technique without a coach.
These elements make practice more enjoyable, drawing in families and casual players who might skip traditional range sessions. Recent trends show a 25 percent rise in driving range visits at tech equipped spots, based on industry reports from 2025.
Beyond fun, the system helps serious golfers refine their game. For instance, it records shot dispersion patterns, aiding in club selection and strategy for real courses.
Impact on Business and Community
The upgrade has already boosted business at Newbury Golf Center. Average practice times have tripled, leading to higher bucket sales at 17 dollars each. This mirrors broader industry shifts, where tech like Toptracer has increased revenue by up to 40 percent at similar facilities.
Community response has been positive, with over 100 players joining last winter’s tournament. This year, organizers expect 200 participants in a 12 week league starting December 1, 2025, open to all levels through a partnership with Golf Genius for live scoring.
| Aspect | Before Toptracer | After Toptracer |
|---|---|---|
| Average Session Time | 20 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Winter Tournament Players | N/A | 100+ last year, 200 expected |
| Bay Coverage | None | All 30 bays |
| Key Tech Features | Basic range | Ball tracking, virtual courses, metrics |
This table highlights the clear improvements, showing how the tech enhances both user experience and operational success.
Sorensen believes it positions the center as a top North Shore destination, attracting visitors from nearby areas.
Looking Ahead to More Innovations
As golf evolves with technology, Newbury Golf Center plans to host more events and possibly add features like mobile app integration for tracking personal stats. With global trends pointing to more tech driven ranges, this could inspire other local spots to follow suit.
Industry watchers predict continued growth, especially after innovations like drone tracers in PGA broadcasts earlier in 2025, which have heightened interest in ball tracking tech.
Golf enthusiasts should check out the center for a fresh take on practice. Share your thoughts in the comments below or tell friends about this exciting update to keep the conversation going.
