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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Getting to Know: Henri Johnson, CEO of FlightScope

With its $70 million economy, more than 2 million jobs and a tourism value in excess of $22 billion, golf is one of America’s favorite pastimes and most profitable businesses.

Not only is golf a successful business, the companies and brands that supply high-end equipment and technology to the sport are growing as well. Companies, such as FlightScope, a leading developer and manufacturer of 3D Doppler ball tracking systems, have increased sales by almost 300% from 2016 to 2017.

Get to know Henri Johnson, CEO of FlightScope, and learn how the company fits into the evolving business of golf and why high-end equipment is an investment golfers are making.

Henri Johnson, CEO of Flightscope
American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Henri Johnson: The first time I touched a club was in 2001, when I first started developing FlightScope.

AG: What is Flightscope?
HJ: We are a global high-tech company and a true world leader in the development and manufacturing of 3D Doppler Ball Tracking Monitors, Golf Radars & Multi-Sport Launch Monitors. I originally founded this company in 1989 to measure projectiles for the defense industry. While we still remain prominent in those roots in more than 24 countries, we are now in use by top golf instructors, club fitters, tour players and original equipment manufacturers around the world, and are committed to delivering a world-class product with exceptional post-sales support.

AG: What is your role within the company?
HJ: While I am the CEO of the company, my role is much more complex. I am also the Leader in Technology Development, inventing and overseeing new products and inventions.

AG: Flightscope and similar products aren't cheap. How can non-pro players justify the expense?
HJ: This is why we recently started the development of the FlightScope mevo, our first consumer product that is one of many to come. It is within the same price range as a new driver, making it extremely affordable to the average golfer/non-pro.

AG: How can FlightScope help beginner or high handicap players?
HJ: Mevo is a prime example of this type of product as it will automatically capture video clips of a user’s swing and combine it with essential data elements in a user-friendly way. This is a seamless feedback experience, showing exactly what areas need improvement, and is sure to help any golfer, from beginner to professional.

AG: Scenario: A player sees their driver swing speed is at 90 mph, but wants it over 100 mph. Any drills you can recommend?
HJ: There are thousands of tips available on YouTube that may assist with swing speed. Checking in with a golf teacher might be more beneficial, but my personal recommendation would be to condition all the relevant muscle groups that allow you to swing a club faster. Then, the sequencing of a golf swing will provide the final piece of the puzzle, which comes with dedication and lots of practice.

AG: What is the future of FlightScope?
HJ: The future looks great! FlightScope is at the proverbial tipping point as a result of our momentum as a brand and our fusion technology, which is certainly the most accurate in the world.

AG: How can the golf industry grow and compete with other sports/activities?
HJ: People have less and less time these days, and millennials especially have countless choices of how to spend what little available time they have. Therefore, employing technology like FlightScope to create a high-tech experience on a modern golf course may be one of the most attractive ways to compete in the world of sports today.

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
HJ: If I could play with any three people, I’d choose Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

AG: What course tops your “bucket list” to play?
HJ: Pebble Beach, which I have already played, but I spent more time taking pictures than actually hitting! I need to play it again to actually enjoy the game more.

Learn more about FlightScope at flightscope.com.

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