After a self-imposed two-year exile, Larry Hodgson has reemerged from 'the cave.'
Hodgson-inventor of Golden Tee Golf, the most popular coin-operated video game in history-has just wrapped up his newest creation, Golden Tee LIVE. Once again, he and his staff at Incredible Technologies have pulled off an unprecedented feat of technological wizardry.
Over the last 15 years, the self-effacing Hodgson-former chef, self-taught software engineer-has revolutionized coin-operated entertainment.
Today, Golden Tee is played by more than 20 million people around the world. Once a two-person, basement operation, Incredible Technologies is now a $65 million company.
But back in 1987, Golden Tee was just an idea in Larry Hodgson's mind-one of many. Even as a child, he was forever building things like go-carts and board games. (At age five, he got in trouble for dismantling a streetlight in his hometown of Calumet Park, Illinois. He just wanted to know how it worked…)
In 1987, Hodgson was working as a software engineer for Incredible Technologies (IT), a small company in Arlington Heights, Illinois that developed video game software for other coin-op manufacturers.
A passionate golfer, Hodgson began visualizing a full-swing video game that would let him keep practicing during long Chicago winters. He started tinkering. Soon, he traded in his standard golf club for a trackball and game console. He asked co-worker Jim Zielinski-then a game tester-to help him design an on-screen golf course.
'We wanted a game that not only honored golf, but felt like the real thing. We weren't sure what we had,' says Hodgson, 'But we knew it was fun.'
Golden Tee was born in 1989. Sensing a winner, IT management (including president Elaine Hodgson, who would later marry the inventor) decided to market the game directly. The decision paid off; Golden Tee was a moderate success. But more important, the bold move would change the direction of the fledgling company, which has manufactured its own games ever since-and now dominates its industry.
In 1995, after working on other projects, Hodgson returned to his golf roots and took another swing at Golden Tee. The result: Golden Tee 3D, which offered state-of-the-art graphics, fast-paced, skill-based play, and the endorsement of golf pro Peter Jacobsen, who later became the game's announcer.
'Pete's a legendary golfer,' says Hodgson. 'We're proud that he's been a part of Golden Tee all these years.'
One year later, Hodgson utilized the then up-and-coming Internet to facilitate online tournaments. IT's unique national tournament system quickly drew a passionate following, with players competing for millions of dollars in prize money. Hodgson continued pushing ahead every year to upgrade the game.
'The game is the player's stage,' explains Hodgson. 'I design from the player's point of view-it has to feel good, it has to tickle the brain.'
Now, there are more than 100,000 Golden Tee machines across the U.S. and the world. (When Hodgson encounters one in a restaurant or bar, he resists the urge to offer tips to the players.)
Three years ago, Hodgson started visualizing a new Golden Tee platform, based on technology that didn't even exist. And so he descended once again into his inventor's cave. Only this time, 50 IT employees accompanied him.
What's so special about Golden Tee LIVE, now being launched nationwide?
Plenty. Thanks to IT's creative partnership with Sprint, it uses real time, wireless technology to connect players coast to coast-a first for the coin-operated game industry.
Second, LIVE is one of the first 'coin-op' games ever to accept credit cards. Hodgson has in fact redefined the meaning of the term.
'Credit cards are the 'coin' of the 21st Century,' says Hodgson. 'Why not earn frequent flyer miles while playing Golden Tee?'
Third, the tournament structure is new. Now, every game offers the immediate chance to win a cash prize. Even casual players and beginners can win.
There's more. Pushing for a new level of realism, IT partnered with golf ball manufacturer Top Flite to inject authentic golf gear into the game. Players can customize their on-screen characters as never before, choosing gender, faces, clothing, and gear-all to enhance the illusion of existing in the world of the game.
But we saved the best for last. Larry Hodgson has agreed to meet with the press. Now, you have the golden opportunity to interview the creator of Golden Tee, the most popular game in coin-op history.
To interview Larry Hodgson, please contact Lekas & Levine. But don't wait too long, because Golden Tee's inventor won't remain out of his cave for long.
Lekas & Levine Public Relations, Inc.
Joanne Levine 847.327.9530
For: Golden Tee LIVE
