Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Baldorossi.
Hi Raymond, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
1974, Orlando, Fl.: I was playing golf with a wiffle ball, struggling to hit the tiny orb, when my ball went off course and landed next to a 4” diameter souvenir basketball. I couldn’t resist the urge to take a practice swing at the larger ball. I still remember how well that bigger ball flew off my 7-iron. My dad was standing close by, working in the backyard. Looking for his approval, I asked, “Hey, Dad, did you see that?” He took a break from his work and said, “Yeah, that was a great hit… hit it again!” My second shot soared even farther than the first one. “Dad, wouldn’t that be cool, golf with a bigger ball?” You could almost see the wheels turning in our brains as we simultaneously started processing the concept.”
It took 5 years from concept, research, developing prototypes, receiving patents to the first operation in Delran, NJ in 1979. Ray’s parents, Raymond Sr. and Blanche Baldorossi operated the first Softgolf™ course, serving raving fans and repeat customers for ten years.
September 1988…After 10 years of operating in Delran, New Jersey, the landlord opts to sell the property and does not want to renew the lease. The Baldorossi Family discusses moving Softgolf to a new location but ultimately decides to focus on finding a ball that they can mass produce instead of using a homemade machine, which took an hour to produce each ball. They had a dozen entities interested in Softgolf franchises; however, they needed to have a ball that will last more than three months in order to scale.
February 2018…After almost a year of many meetings with Forsyth County (North Carolina) officials, Softgolf opens for a 10-day trial period at Tanglewood Park. By fall, Softgolf signs a 3-year contract (starting in 2019) to operate at Tanglewood Park.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! All the equipment is specialized and is (was) handmade. Making illuminated holes, flags, scorecard stands, clubs club carriers etc… are laborious tasks.(a labor of love) It took 45 minutes to make each club, We needed to make several sets of clubs to accommodate people of all sizes. We have had groups of fifty 6 year olds and groups of sixty adults… so we have fifty sets of clubs to fit 6 year old kids and we have over 200 sets of clubs (left and right handed) with three clubs in each set… so we can accommodate large groups of people no matter what size clubs they need .The ball production was the biggest challenge. They were handmade using a machine dad made from 1960″s repurposed junkyard treasures (built in 1975, it still works today). The balls only lasted 2-3 months. Dad and I tested 15 variations of the ball using different materials and methods, seeking a highly durable ball that could be mass-produced. This was a 40 plus year process. Dad passed on in 2007. Shorthly before he died, I promised him I would conquer the quest for “The Ball” and restart Softgolf. It was not possible to injection-mold the type of foam we used for the ball. Technology had to catch up with Softgolf.
Another big challenge was opening in a new state and area with no connections, we had to get involved in the community rapidly to build a network. The upside is North Carolina is small-business friendly, and the community has been welcoming and supportive.
We’ve been impressed with Softgolf, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Softgolf is the only full-swing, large format, user-friendly golf game in the World. People of all ages, skill levels, and abilities have enjoyed the “ease of use” Softgolf brings to the game of golf. It’s played using three oversized clubs (a driver, wedge, and putter) to hit 4 ½ inch foam balls into 12-inch holes. The grounds stay dark, while the tee boxes, holes, flags, balls, and clubs illuminate at night via solar power. Our customers love the “glow in the dark” night play. We’re known for providing an affordable fun golf venue that’s enjoyable for novices to pros. Currently, Softgolf is open from April – October at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. The course has 9 holes (and a 10th hole for lessons, practice, and other activities) on 6.5 acres. It typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half to play 9 holes. We offer discounted rates for groups of 12 or more and can accommodate up to 60 people on the course. Although our venue is completely outdoors, we have tables and tents for birthday parties and special occasions. We also have specialized games “within the game” we’ve curated for team building, which are customized.
We’re proud to have won the Winston Salem Journals Readers’ Choice Award for Favorite Golf Course in 2022.
We met with Winston Salem’s, Mayor Joines and Mayor ProV Tempe, Adams, recently. We are on the board of Scout Reach which has a mission to connect and change the trajectory of “At Risk” children. I suggested bringing Softgolf to a park in a lower income area and letting the local community play Softgolf (free of charge) with police officers and community leaders in hopes of building a better understanding and connecting with each other in a fun way. Giving back to the community is a big part of our mission. A couple of our favorite charities are Fostering Faith and Special Olympics.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We’re excited to be opening for our 6th season at Tanglewood Park. We’ll soon be a fully green operation using solar-powered energy to cut the greens and fairways and light up at night.
We are also introducing Portable Softgolf, a talking hole and a new Softgolf ball in 2024. With the portable Softgolf feature, we will bring the game to you. We can set up one or more holes up to a 9 hole course for daytime or illuminated night play. This is great for fundraisers, festivals, church gatherings, corporate team building, private parties, and student engagement activities.
The talking hole is an add on feature for team building, fundraisers and other group outings. It is a live interactive conversation which is guaranteed to get laughs and add to the fun.
Hallelujah, our 49 years of undeterred perseverance has paid off! The quest to find a highly durable ball which can be mass produced has come to fruition. Some prototypes of the ball were produced and thoroughly tested. We are in the final stages of production. We are proud to say, it is entirely produced in North Carolina There are four stages of production. Corporations based in Louisville, Yadkinville and Mocksville complete the first three stages and Ray finishes the intricate process. The new ball is virtually indestructible under normal play conditions. This huge milestone opens the door for expansion.
This venture is a culmination of support from many friends and family members. Its a “Field of Dreams” story that would not be possible without each person doing their unique talents. None more so than my parents and my life partner, Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan. Dad, was a design engineer in the aeronautical sector and an all around genius. Mom did all the technical writing to help acquire 5 patents, managed the business throughout the 1980’s and supported dad in every way possible. They worked extremely hard. My sister, Cheryl, maintained the grounds and worked in the clubhouse. Carolyn, applied her business savvy. She recognized my strengths and weaknesses and filled in all of the gaps as needed.
We host the World Softgolf Championship every year. I named the trophies in honor of my parents. The male champions (in each age bracket) are awarded the Raymond F Baldorossi Sr. Trophy and the female champions are awarded the Blanche Baldorossi Trophy. Mom is 96 and still swinging a Softgolf club. She starts the championship tournament with the honorary first tee off each year. Then she presents the trophies (with her own name on it) to the winners to complete the ceremony. We are hoping to have five generations of family play Softgolf together this year. She has two great, great grandchildren (2 year old and a 5 year old )… also 6 great grandchildren ranging from 2 years old to 26 years old.
Pricing:
- Daytime – $13.00
- Night Play (7 pm & after) – $15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.softgolf.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/softgolf1979
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/softgolfing
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/raymondbaldorossi
- Other: www.tiktok.com/softgolf1979
Image Credits
Carolyn Bennett-Sullivan
Raymond Baldorossi
