How to Hit Bombs into Your 50s Like Mickelson
June 4, 2021
Golf Content Solutions Enters Livestreaming Universe
June 8, 2022
By Dave Allen
Late summer/early fall is usually a slow time for Paul Ramee, Jr., the Director of Golf at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent, Conn. Ramee is usually gearing up to transition his business indoors at this time, with most of his members either back in Manhattan or back in school.
“It’s definitely not a time where I see a lot of new student activity,” said Ramee, recently selected by his peers as one of Golf Digest’s “Best Teachers” in the state of Connecticut.
That all changed this September and October when Ramee picked up 10 new students, all of whom signed up for multiple-lesson packages. (Ramee has several packages available, ranging from five Private Hourly Sessions to 52 sessions.)
The impetus behind this boom in business was a series of 17 on-course instructional videos that Ramee filmed in early July with Golf Content Solutions (GCS). Much of Ramee’s summer business comes in the form of on-course playing lessons, so he’s well-schooled in game management, course strategy and, in particular, playing the different shots that Bull’s Bridge presents. Among the on-course tips Ramee filmed were how to escape from tall fescue grass, how to game-plan for a long par 5, and how to adjust your trajectory and the amount of run-out on pitch shots around the green.
To capture the dramatic landscape and breathtaking views that Bull’s Bridge is known for—not to mention give the viewer a better understanding of the challenging situations one might encounter at the Tom Fazio-designed course—Golf Content Solutions Senior Editor and Producer Jay Radzavicz piloted his DJI Mavic Air2 Drone over much of the terrain. The drone footage he captured played a significant role in the opening video montage for each video as well as the par-5 strategy tip linked above.
“I was blown away. Absolutely blown away,” said Ramee, a former Golf Channel Academy lead coach who had filmed some tips previously with GCS Owner and Executive Editor and Producer Dave Allen. “The overhead drone work, the walking into the video and making me weave a story into the videos, it far exceeded my expectations. I just felt at the end, the product we put together with the videos, music and multiple cameras was amazing.”
Ramee said that in addition to the 10 new students he picked up, he also saw an increase in business from existing members and students.
“The ability to drop in a video on social media was a reminder to people, too: ‘Okay, let’s call Paul and book a lesson for this weekend,’ ” said Ramee. “Not only did it create new activity, but it triggered some people to reach out to me that had been students before whom, for whatever reasons, didn’t take lessons as frequently as some other people.”
In addition to the drone, GCS also used two Canon EOS 90D DSLR cameras (18-135 mm lenses) and two Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max smartphones to film Ramee. The Canon EOS 90D cameras use Canon DIGIC 8 Image Processor technology to provide detailed video of instructional techniques, and can capture 120 frames per second slow-motion sequences to help reinforce teaching points with ultra-smooth clarity. Since last summer, Golf Content Solutions has invested in several more high-end pieces of video and audio equipment to complement its storytelling, including a Nikon Z50 DX-format mirrorless digital camera (with 16-50 mm and 50-250 mm lenses), a 31” GVM Motorized Camera Slider, a Glide Gear Field Teleprompter for promo and commercial reads, and four RODE Go II Wireless Mics with receivers.
“We utilize 360-degree camera technology and GoPro cameras along with a horizontal slider for artistic appeal,” says Radzavicz, “as well as a field prompter to build confidence and credibility from the on-camera talent.”
Ramee said that it was the experience of both Allen and Radzavicz that made it a no-brainer choice to call Golf Content Solutions. Allen has 25 years’ experience in golf instruction, having recently served five years as Content Director for Golf Channel Academy, where he oversaw the “Coaches Series” on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive talk show as well as all coach appearances on Golf Channel. Radzavicz has produced, edited and served as a creative manager in digital content for more than 30 years, including 14 years as Producer of Golf Channel’s Champions Tour Learning Center.
“I worked with Dave before and he wasn’t afraid to push and encourage me to do better,” said Ramee. “He won’t settle for mediocrity. I see other videos online that are shot by a golf pro using one camera, and they don’t bring the same level of diversity and professionalism that Golf Content Solutions does to their videos. I feel like my videos definitely differentiate themselves. It was worth every penny.”
* * * * * * * * *
For more videos produced by Golf Content Solutions, visit our media page at GolfContentSolutions.com. For more information about Golf Content Solutions and our professional video services, please email Dave Allen at dave@golfcontentsolutions.com or call 407-717-4677.
If you plan on attending the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando next Wednesday, Jan. 26th, feel free to call either Dave or Jay Radzavicz (904-891-8722) to set up a meeting, or feel free to stop by the Golf Fundamentals Model booth (#3601) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Proponent Group Room (#304) between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
