Great Golf Ideas
Great Golf Ideas
Great Golf Ideas is a consulting brand founded by Craig Hocknull, dedicated to helping inventors, golf professionals, coaches, and entrepreneurs bring innovative golf products to market. Leveraging over 25 years of industry experience, Craig provides expertise in product ideation, development, intellectual property, manufacturing, and commercialization.
The mission of Great Golf Ideas is to empower creative minds in the golf industry by offering expert consulting, strategic planning, and business development services to turn Great Golf Ideas into successful products and businesses.
Great Golf Ideas serves inventors and entrepreneurs who have new golf product ideas and need guidance on patents, manufacturing, and sales. It also works with golf professionals and coaches looking to create training aids, instructional programs, or business innovations. Early-stage golf industry startups benefit from product validation, strategic partnerships, and industry connections.
Great Golf Ideas provides consulting services that include idea validation and product development, market research, feasibility studies, prototyping, intellectual property guidance, patents, trademarks, licensing strategies, manufacturing and supply chain management, domestic and international sourcing, cost analysis, marketing and brand development, website creation, social media strategy, crowdfunding campaigns, influencer partnerships, go-to-market strategies, sales consulting, distribution models, pricing strategies, and industry partnerships.
Craig Hocknull delivers keynotes, workshops, and panels on golf product innovation and trends, taking an idea from concept to commercialization, business strategies for golf entrepreneurs, and the future of golf technology and equipment.
Great Golf Ideas differentiates itself with industry expertise built over decades, a holistic approach that covers the entire product journey from ideation to market entry, a strong network of PGA professionals, manufacturers, investors, and retailers, and a supportive environment for first-time inventors and golf entrepreneurs.
Great Golf Ideas – Product Discovery Document
Helping You Define and Develop Your Golf Product Idea
Thank you for taking the time to share your product idea with Great Golf Ideas. This document will guide you through the process of providing us with the necessary details to assess the feasibility of your concept and help determine the best pathway forward.
The more information you can provide, the better we can assist you in refining your idea, evaluating market potential, developing prototypes, and preparing for manufacturing and commercialization. If you do not have all of the requested details yet, please provide as much as possible and we can guide you through the rest.
1. Product Concept & Design
Overview of Your Product
- What is the name of your product (if applicable)?
- Describe your product in one or two sentences.
- What problem does your product solve, or what benefit does it provide to golfers?
Design & Technical Information
- Do you have sketches, drawings, or CAD files of your product? If so, please attach them.
- If you do not have technical drawings, can you provide a simple hand-drawn sketch or a written description of its key features?
- What materials do you envision your product being made from?
- Does your product require mechanical, electronic, or software components? If so, please describe them.
- Have you created a prototype or worked with a designer before? If so, please provide details.
2. Market Research & Competitor Analysis
Existing Similar Products & Competitor Research
Before entering the market, it’s crucial to understand who your competitors are and how your product compares. Please conduct some initial research and answer the following:
- Are there similar products currently on the market? If so, list them.
- Provide links to competitor websites, Amazon listings, or retail pages for similar products.
- How do these competitor products function, and what are their strengths and weaknesses?
Why Your Product is Different
- What makes your product unique or better than existing solutions?
- What specific features set your product apart? (e.g., better materials, enhanced performance, more affordable, multifunctional, etc.)
- How do you believe golfers will benefit more from your product compared to competitors’?
- Have you spoken to golfers, coaches, or industry professionals to gather feedback on your idea? If so, what was their response?
3. Intellectual Property & Legal Considerations
Patent & Trademark Research
To ensure your product has legal protection and does not infringe on existing patents, we strongly recommend conducting some initial research.
- Have you searched the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database or international patent directories for similar inventions? If so, what did you find?
- Do you already have a provisional or utility patent filed for your product? If yes, please provide details.
- Have you applied for a trademark on the product name or brand?
- Do you need assistance in filing for a patent or trademark?
4. Business & Market Potential
Target Market & Sales Strategy
Understanding who will buy your product is key to building a successful business.
- Who is your target audience? (e.g., amateur golfers, professional players, coaches, country clubs, golf academies, etc.)
- Where do you envision selling your product? (e.g., online, retail stores, pro shops, tournaments, direct-to-consumer)
- Do you have an existing website, brand, or social media presence for this product? If so, provide links.
- What price do you think is reasonable for your product? Have you researched competitor pricing?
Funding & Business Goals
- Do you have an existing business entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.), or will this be a new venture?
- Do you have funding available for prototyping and manufacturing, or are you exploring crowdfunding or investors?
- What is your long-term goal? (e.g., build and sell the business, license the product, establish a golf brand)
5. Manufacturing & Production
Production Considerations
- Have you explored any manufacturing options (domestic or overseas)?
- Do you have any preferred materials or production techniques in mind?
- Are there any known challenges in manufacturing your product?
- What is your expected production volume (small batches vs. mass production)?
Prototype Development
- Do you already have a prototype, or do you need assistance in creating one?
- If you have a prototype, what feedback have you received from testing?
- What changes, if any, do you anticipate needing after prototype testing?
6. Sales & Marketing Strategy
Branding & Promotion
- Do you have a brand name, logo, or tagline for your product?
- How do you plan to market your product? (e.g., social media, influencer partnerships, trade shows)
- Would you be interested in working with golf professionals or influencers to promote the product?
Distribution & Sales Channels
- Are you planning to sell the product directly to consumers, or do you want to partner with retailers, pro shops, or golf brands?
- Would you be interested in exploring Amazon, Shopify, or other e-commerce platforms?
- Have you considered seeking distributors or licensing deals to get the product into golf stores and pro shops?
7. Additional Information
- Is there anything else about your product, business, or goals that we should know?
- Are there any concerns or challenges that you would like help overcoming?
Next Steps
Once you have completed this document, please send it along with any supporting files (sketches, CAD drawings, competitor research, etc.) to [Your Email Address].
After reviewing your submission, we will schedule a follow-up consultation to discuss our findings and the potential next steps. We look forward to helping you bring your great golf idea to life!
Top 10 Reasons Why Most People Fail in Product Development
Many entrepreneurs start with great ideas but encounter avoidable pitfalls that prevent their product from succeeding. Here are the top 10 reasons why most people fail when developing and launching a new product.
1. Failure to Validate the Market
🚨 Mistake: Investing time and money into a product without confirming demand.
✅ Solution: Conduct market research, test the idea with potential customers, and analyze competitors before development.
2. Poor Product Costing & Profit Margins
🚨 Mistake: Underestimating manufacturing, shipping, and marketing costs, leading to low or negative profit margins.
✅ Solution: Calculate all costs upfront, including production, packaging, storage, and distribution. Ensure your pricing strategy leaves room for profit.
3. Lack of Product Safety & Compliance Testing
🚨 Mistake: Ignoring safety regulations, resulting in legal liabilities, product recalls, or consumer injuries.
✅ Solution: Ensure the product meets industry safety standards (e.g., ASTM, UL, FCC, RoHS, California Prop 65). Conduct thorough quality control and safety testing.
4. Choosing the Wrong Manufacturer
🚨 Mistake: Partnering with unreliable manufacturers that deliver poor quality, delay production, or copy your design.
✅ Solution: Work with trusted suppliers, conduct factory audits, and establish strict quality control measures before committing to production.
5. Lack of Intellectual Property Protection
🚨 Mistake: Failing to trademark a brand or patent an invention, leading to copycat products or legal battles.
✅ Solution: Secure patents, trademarks, and NDAs before sharing ideas with manufacturers or investors.
6. High Return Rates & Product Failures
🚨 Mistake: Rushing a product to market without durability testing, leading to defects, malfunctions, and costly returns.
✅ Solution: Conduct extensive product testing, including real-world stress testing and consumer feedback, before launching.
7. Inability to Scale Due to Production Constraints
🚨 Mistake: Choosing a supplier that cannot handle large order volumes, causing delays, stock shortages, and lost revenue.
✅ Solution: Plan for scalability by selecting a manufacturer that can increase production as demand grows.
8. Pricing & Shipping Challenges
🚨 Mistake: Creating a product that is too expensive to manufacture or too large/heavy to ship affordably.
✅ Solution: Optimize design and materials for cost-effective production and shipping. Consider fulfillment strategies like warehousing vs. drop shipping.
9. Weak Branding & Marketing Strategy
🚨 Mistake: Assuming a great product will sell itself without an effective marketing plan.
✅ Solution: Build a strong brand identity, an online presence, and a clear messaging strategy to reach the right audience.
10. No Clear Business or Exit Strategy
🚨 Mistake: Launching a product without a long-term plan for growth, licensing, or acquisition.
✅ Solution: Define your business model, scaling strategy, and potential exit opportunities from the beginning.
Final Takeaway
Success in product development requires market validation, financial planning, quality control, legal protection, and strong execution. By avoiding these common mistakes, entrepreneurs increase their chances of success and protect their investment.
"Inventing a Product and Taking It to Market"
A Beginner’s Guide to Bringing Your Idea to Life
By Craig Hocknull, Great Golf Ideas
Introduction: So, You Have a Great Idea—Now What?
Every great product starts as an idea, but ideas alone don’t make money—execution does. Many aspiring inventors never take action because they don’t know the next steps, are afraid of failure, or don’t understand how to turn an idea into a sellable product.
This book will guide you step by step, simplifying the process so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Checklist Before You Start:
✅ Write down your idea in one sentence—what problem does it solve?
✅ Set a realistic goal—do you want to sell, license, or build a business around it?
✅ Commit to learning and executing—this is a long process, but the rewards can be huge.
Key Takeaways:
- An idea is only valuable if you take action on it.
- You don’t need to know everything right away—focus on taking the next step.
- This book will walk you through invention, development, and launch.
Success Story: The Golf Swing Trainer That Almost Never Happened
A golf instructor had an idea for a swing trainer that could instantly correct posture and improve consistency. He talked about it for years but never took the first step. Eventually, a competitor brought a similar product to market first and made millions. Had the instructor acted sooner, he could have led the market.
Chapter 1: Understanding the Basics of Invention
Invention is about solving a problem or improving an existing product. The best products address a specific pain point, making life easier, more efficient, or more enjoyable.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Clearly define the problem your product solves.
✅ Research whether a similar product already exists—if so, how can yours be better?
✅ Determine if your idea is a new invention or an improvement on something that already exists.
Key Takeaways:
- A successful invention must solve a real problem.
- If your product is just an improvement, you must focus on differentiation.
- You don’t need a brand-new idea—just make something better, easier, or more effective.
Success Story: The Modern Golf Tee
The standard wooden golf tee was once a small innovation that improved an existing idea. Over time, materials improved, and now flexible rubber tees, frictionless tees, and brush tees exist. None of these were "new inventions"—they were better solutions to an old problem.
Chapter 2: Is Your Idea Worth Pursuing?
Before spending money, you need to validate your idea. Many inventors waste thousands of dollars developing products that nobody wants.
Steps to Validate Your Idea:
- Google & Amazon Research – See if similar products exist.
- Talk to Potential Customers – Ask golfers, coaches, or retailers if they would buy your product.
- Competitor Research – Identify competitors and analyze pricing, branding, and weaknesses.
- Test the Market – Create a simple social media post or a landing page and see if people engage.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Search Google, Amazon, and eBay for similar products.
✅ Ask 10-20 people in your target audience if they would buy your product.
✅ Identify three ways your product is better than what’s available.
Key Takeaways:
- A good idea is only valuable if people are willing to pay for it.
- Research first before investing money in prototyping or patents.
- If you can’t explain why your product is better in one sentence, it may need refinement.
Failure Story: The Over-engineered Golf Glove
An inventor spent $50,000 developing a golf glove with built-in sensors. However, golfers were not interested in a glove that needed charging. Had he done market validation before spending money, he would have realized that most golfers wanted simple improvements, not tech-heavy solutions.
Chapter 3: Protecting Your Idea – Patents, Trademarks, and NDAs
Once your idea is validated, the next step is protecting it from being copied. Many inventors skip this step, leaving their concepts vulnerable to competitors. Understanding patents, trademarks, copyrights, and NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) is critical in safeguarding your invention.
Ways to Protect Your Idea:
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Ensures that discussions with manufacturers, investors, and partners remain confidential.
- Provisional Patent: A low-cost, 12-month "patent pending" status to secure early protection.
- Full Utility Patent: Provides long-term, legal protection for unique inventions.
- Trademarks & Copyrights: Protect brand names, logos, and written materials.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Sign an NDA before discussing your idea with anyone.
✅ Research existing patents on the USPTO website or consult with a patent attorney.
✅ Decide whether to file a provisional patent or move forward with a full patent.
Key Takeaways:
- Not every product needs a patent—sometimes speed-to-market is more important.
- A provisional patent is a cost-effective way to protect your idea while testing.
- NDAs provide legal protection, but enforcement can be difficult. Work with trusted partners.
Success Story: The Training Aid That Was Saved by a Patent
A golf coach developed a swing training aid. Before sharing it with manufacturers, he filed a provisional patent. Months later, a manufacturer attempted to copy it, but his patent application protected him from infringement.
Chapter 4: Creating a Prototype – Turning Ideas into Reality
A prototype is a working model of your product. It allows you to test functionality, make improvements, and demonstrate the idea to investors and manufacturers. Many inventors mistakenly believe a prototype must be perfect, but in reality, it just needs to prove that the idea works.
Types of Prototypes:
- Basic Sketch or 3D Model: A simple rendering of your idea.
- Handmade Prototype: Made from basic materials to test functionality.
- 3D Printed or CNC Prototype: A more advanced, near-final version.
- Final Prototype: A near-production version used to finalize costs and manufacturing details.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Create a basic sketch or 3D model of your idea.
✅ Identify materials and design specifications.
✅ Work with a prototype manufacturer to develop a functional version.
Key Takeaways:
- Start simple—you don’t need a perfect prototype at first.
- Testing and refining your prototype will save you money before mass production.
- A prototype should demonstrate functionality, not just look good.
Failure Story: The Over-engineered Training Aid
An inventor spent $30,000 designing a complex prototype that was too expensive to manufacture. A simpler version could have been produced for a fraction of the cost and tested before major investment.
Chapter 5: Finding a Manufacturer – Making Your Product at Scale
Once your prototype is finalized, you must decide where and how to manufacture your product. Choosing between domestic and overseas manufacturing depends on costs, quality, and scalability.
Key Considerations:
- Domestic vs. Overseas: U.S. manufacturing may offer better quality, but higher costs. Overseas options, such as China, Taiwan, or Vietnam, can be more cost-effective but require quality control oversight.
- Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Some manufacturers require large production runs, which can be costly upfront.
- Quality Control: Ensuring consistency and durability is crucial before committing to mass production.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Get quotes from multiple manufacturers to compare pricing.
✅ Order a small production run before committing to large quantities.
✅ Establish quality control measures to avoid defects.
Key Takeaways:
- Manufacturing costs will impact profit margins—choose wisely.
- Quality control is essential—always test the first production batch.
- Overseas production requires proper oversight—visit factories when possible.
Success Story: The Small Batch Test Run That Led to a Big Deal
A golf brand ordered 200 units from an overseas manufacturer before committing to 5,000. They identified minor flaws early and corrected them before full-scale production.
Chapter 6: Creating a Business Plan & Launch Strategy
A business plan lays out your goals, costs, revenue projections, and marketing strategies. Without a clear roadmap, inventors often waste time and money without results.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Outline your target audience and market size.
✅ Determine startup costs and pricing strategy.
✅ Develop a go-to-market plan (DTC, retail, Amazon, etc.).
Chapter 7: Branding, Marketing, and Getting Customers
Branding is more than a logo and a name—it’s about how customers perceive your product. You need to build credibility, generate excitement, and create demand.
Marketing Strategies:
- Social Media Presence: Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for engagement.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with golf influencers to promote your product.
- Content Marketing: Blogs, videos, and testimonials to educate potential buyers.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Develop a brand identity and message.
✅ Set up social media and website.
✅ Build relationships with influencers and retailers.
Chapter 8: Funding Your Product – How to Pay for Development & Production
Launching a product requires capital. There are multiple ways to fund your idea, including:
- Self-Funding (Personal savings, friends, family)
- Crowdfunding (Kickstarter, Indiegogo)
- Angel Investors & Venture Capital
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Determine how much capital is needed.
✅ Research crowdfunding platforms and investor opportunities.
Chapter 9: Sales & Distribution – Getting Your Product in Customers’ Hands
Your product needs a sales strategy. Options include:
- Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) – Selling on your own website.
- Amazon & Retail Partnerships – Getting into pro shops, retail stores, or online marketplaces.
Checklist for This Chapter:
✅ Decide on your sales channels.
✅ Establish pricing models and distribution networks.
Financial Feasibility Calculator
Results:
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Retailer Profit Margin: 0%
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Wholesale Profit Margin: 0%
Work With Craig Hocknull to Bring Your Golf Product to Market
If you have an idea for a golf product but don’t know how to bring it to life, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent over 25 years in the golf industry inventing, patenting, manufacturing, and marketing successful golf products, and I can help you do the same.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step process to get started:
Step 1: Learn & Get Inspired
2.5 Minute Slide Show - No Audio
Full 1.5 Hour Zoom Call Seminar
✅ Watch the Seminar on YouTube – Learn about the process of inventing and bringing a product to market from my seminar.
✅ Recognize the Opportunity – If you have an idea but aren’t sure what to do next, I can help you take the right steps.
Step 2: Protect & Define Your Idea
Step 3: Protect & Define Your Idea
Step 4: Book a Consulting Call Time By Clicking Here!
✅ Book a One-Hour Consulting Call
– In this call, we’ll:
- Review your idea and its market potential
- Identify next steps (prototyping, branding, manufacturing, etc.)
- Answer any questions you have about the process
Step 5: Start Bringing Your Product to Market
✅ Receive a Personalized Consulting Plan – After our call, you’ll receive a proposal outlining:
- The exact services I can provide
- Pricing and timeline estimates
- Key milestones to bring your product to market
✅ Make It Official & Get Started – Once you approve the plan, we sign a consulting agreement, process payment, and begin working together.
✅ Work Together Step by Step – Whether you need help with business planning, prototyping, manufacturing, or marketing, I’ll guide you through the entire process.
Why Work With Me?
✔ Trusted Experience – Over 25 years in the golf industry inventing, manufacturing, and launching products.
✔ Proven System – I’ve created a repeatable process to take products from concept to reality.
✔ Personalized Guidance – I’ll help develop your idea, find the right manufacturers, and build your brand.
✔ Simple, Step-by-Step Process – No guesswork. Just clear action steps toward bringing your product to market.
Take the First Step Today and Request an NDA! with this link or complete the form below.
Then.......
✅ Fill out the interest form below today and let’s explore your product’s potential!
Click Here To Schedule First Call Here
Great Golf Ideas – Initial Meeting Preparation Checklist
Thank you for your interest in working with Great Golf Ideas. To ensure our next conversation is as productive as possible, please review and complete this simple checklist before our meeting. This will help us understand your current position and how we can best support your product development and business goals.
Required Before the Meeting
☐ Signed NDA – Please return the signed Non-Disclosure Agreement to Great Golf Ideas before our meeting.
Basic Business & Product Information
☐ Current Business Status – Do you already have a company formed (LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship), or are you in the early planning stage?
☐ Current Product Development Stage – Is your product still an idea, in the prototyping phase, or already being manufactured?
☐ Existing Sales (If Applicable) – If you are currently selling, what are your average sales per month or year?
☐ Projected Sales Volume – What is your estimated potential sales volume in the next 6-12 months? (If unsure, we will help you estimate this.)
☐ Marketing Efforts – Do you have a website, social media presence, or any active marketing efforts?
☐ Funding & Budget Considerations – Do you have an initial budget for prototyping, production, or marketing?
☐ Main Questions & Goals – Any specific questions or objectives you want to discuss in our meeting?
That’s it! This checklist is meant to keep things simple and help us have a productive discussion about your product and business potential. We look forward to our conversation!
