How Laganview Golf Centre has evolved with the support of Power Tee

By Dan Owen (first published in Golf Retailing trade magazine)

Few driving ranges in the UK have evolved like Laganview Golf Centre. Since opening in 1994, the Lisburn-based facility has developed from a simple practice venue into one of the region’s leading golf entertainment and practice destinations. As the driving range has improved over the years, so has its partnership with Power Tee. 

A family-run business from day one, Laganview was founded when Nigel Rosbotham saw an opportunity to transform farmland owned by his father into a driving range, at a time when they were still scarce in Northern Ireland. 

“I was totally hooked on the game and playing as much as I could,” explains Nigel. I just saw the opportunity. We had the land available and we were in the right location.” 

From the outset, Nigel and his family built a driving range that was ahead of the curve. The original facility opened with a 40-bay, two-tier range, unusual at the time but setting the tone for Laganview’s approach to development. Since then, the site has continued to grow, with the range now offering 50 bays alongside a dedicated entertainment suite that caters to groups, events and social play. 

“The main range is still very much for golfers who want to practise,” says Nigel. “They come on their own and it’s quiet. Then you go into the entertainment side and it’s a completely different vibe. The music is playing, the games are popping up and you have groups, hen parties, stag parties and birthdays.” 

Laganview Golf Centre: A long-term partnership with Power Tee 

Power Tee has played a central role in the range’s development. Laganview introduced the automatic teeing system in 2011 and has continued to invest in it as the facility has expanded. 

Since then the relationship has grown alongside the business itself. In 2022, Laganview completed a 12-bay extension and installed additional Power Tee units across the new and existing bays. A further upgrade is planned in the coming months as the range continues to modernise. 

For Nigel and his team, the system has become a key part of the customer journey. 

“When we first started it was just a little tray that held the golf balls and you had to put the tee in yourself,” he explains. “When Power Tee came in it made everything much quicker and it just looks better when customers come in. They see the automatic tee machines and it’s still a big pull.” 

The technology also changes the way customers use the range. With the ball automatically presented on the tee, practice becomes quicker and more convenient. 

“I think people do hit more golf balls,” Nigel says. “They’re watching the counter on the machine and when they get near the end of their basket they think they’ll maybe go in and get another one.” 

Enhancing the customer experience 

Over the years, the Power Tee system itself has evolved, with improvements in the build quality, aesthetics and user interface helping to keep the range looking modern. 

“The quality of the mats and the machines themselves have improved,” Nigel says. “The display units look sleeker now. It’s just a more attractive thing to have in the bays.” 

Reliability and customer service have also been key factors in the long-standing partnership. 

“Whenever we have an issue at all with a ball machine, they are amazing,” Nigel explains. “We send it over and it’s back within a couple of days. We are putting out a lot of golf balls here so there will always be wear and tear, but they are absolutely fantastic to work with.” 

That level of support has helped ensure the technology keeps pace with the demands of a busy facility. 

Adapting to a changing audience 

Like many ranges across the UK and Ireland, Laganview has seen a significant shift in its customer base over the past three decades. 

“In the early days it was a certain gentleman of a certain age who came through the door,” Nigel recalls. “Now the door hardly stays shut.” 

Today the range attracts a far broader demographic, including families, younger golfers and couples looking for a social activity. 

“You see boyfriend and girlfriend coming along and making it an evening out,” Nigel says. “Years ago you wouldn’t have had that.” 

Technology has played an important role in attracting this new audience. Alongside Power Tee, the range has introduced Inrange ball tracking which offers a modern gamified xexperience, that appeals to both serious golfers and newcomers. 

“The golfers want their stats and the younger ones love the games,” Nigel explains. “It’s a really good way to introduce them to golf in a fun environment.” 

Driving business growth 

As the range has evolved, so too has the wider business. A large retail store was added around 15 years ago and the family is now in the process of bringing the shop fully under their management as the next generation becomes more involved in the operation. 

The connection between the range and the retail business is clear. 

“The footfall walking past the shop into the driving range is huge,” Nigel says. “People pop in for gloves, golf balls, clothing or the latest clubs.” 

Future plans include a coffee shop and additional food offerings to complement the entertainment side of the facility. With land available around the site, the family also continues to explore further expansion opportunities. 

“We always try to keep everything evolving,” Nigel says. “You can’t stand still. Every time someone comes in, we want them to see something new.” 

Continuing to lead the way 

That mindset has helped establish Laganview as a benchmark facility in the region. The range has long been seen as a leader in both technology and customer service, with many other facilities taking inspiration from its approach. 

For Power Tee, the partnership reflects its own commitment to supporting driving ranges through reliable technology and strong customer service. 

More than three decades after opening its doors, Laganview continues to grow, and with further upgrades planned, the relationship between the range and Power Tee looks set to remain central to its success. 

Golf facilities interested in learning more about implementing Power Tee auto-tee technology can reach us via powertee.com/contact or contact our UK office at +44 (0)1793 822566 for additional information. 

The profile on Power Tee and Laganview Golf Centre was originally published in the March 2026 issue of Golf Retailing magazine.