A Charlotte startup that has developed portable and waterproof mini-golf sets will host its first tournament during Labor Day weekend.
Beach Putt is holding the event on Aug. 31 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, where the idea for the startup was born. Founder Anthony Garofalo said the tournament is key to boosting awareness of Beach Putt's products as well as potential collaborations with event sponsors. The startup plans to host the tournament annually at other resorts and envisions it growing into a larger event in the future.
"The goal is that this could be something streamed on ESPN just like professional cornhole is today," he told CBJ.
The Beach Putt tournament will be capped at 24 teams, with two members each. First-place winners will receive $500, a Beach Putt golf set and giveaways from partner companies. Those who place second and third will gain $100 and $50, respectively, along with the other prizes awarded to the top winner. Bookings for the event are free and are still open on the Wild Dunes Resort website.
Beach Putt's co-sponsors include other lifestyle brands such as Frost Buddy, Commonhouse Aleworks, High Noon and Coastal Cool.
The tournament comes as the startup's golf sets have been gaining traction. Last summer, hit ABC show Shark Tank reached out to Beach Putt. However, the company didn't make the show as it was cut in the last audition round. Garofalo still sees the opportunity as a bright spot.
"It just validated that we had something that people were interested in," he said. "So, that was awesome."
Following its Shark Tank experience, Beach Putt saw more interest from small boutiques and stores to sell its portable golf courses. Garofalo hopes to have his product available to purchase from the shelves of major retail chains such as Dick's Sporting Goods.
Beach Putt was founded in 2022 and has sold nearly 3,000 sets since then.
Garofalo previously told CBJ he has seen a significant amount of sales in coastal areas such as the Carolinas, Florida, California and New England. Internationally, he's had several customers purchase the kits in Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa.
The golf sets are available to purchase online and in several Charlotte boutiques. Garofalo is looking to expand its products and eventually add more color options.
"My goal is to ... hold these events and really just promote the Beach Putt brand and make beach golf an actual thing," he said.
