In the latest edition of the Dorset Business Focus, we speak with Iford Golf to dive into how the leisure market is changing fast, and the businesses that thrive are those finding fresh ways to welcome new audiences. At Iford Golf Centre, Paul Barran is doing exactly that. By championing FlingGolf, a dynamic, modern twist on golf, he’s turning his centre into a magnet for families, young people, and lapsed players, while giving Dorset a standout case study in practical innovation.
FlingGolf keeps the essence of golf but lowers the barrier to entry. Played on a standard course or range, participants use a single FlingStick to “throw” the golf ball rather than swing multiple clubs. The result is intuitive and quick to learn, yet it fits seamlessly alongside traditional play. That compatibility is crucial: FlingGolf complements golf rather than competing with it, creating a bridge for newcomers who may later pick up conventional clubs.
Paul Barran, owner of DBB Sports said: “FlingGolf represents a paradigm shift in how we approach sport accessibility and business innovation. As someone who’s transformed from military service to golf facility regeneration, I’ve witnessed firsthand how traditional barriers can exclude entire communities from experiencing the joy of golf.
“From a personal perspective, FlingGolf embodies everything I believe about breaking down barriers. My son Eden, who has special needs, inspired our journey into inclusive sport. FlingGolf’s 30-minute learning curve versus golf’s traditional years of practice means families can play together immediately, regardless of ability or background.”
For Dorset’s business community, the strategic value is clear. FlingGolf diversifies revenue without demanding heavy capital expenditure. It accelerates round times, increases capacity, and opens up new income streams – equipment rentals, junior programmes, family sessions, and group packages. Because the format is easy to understand and fun first, it’s ideal for off-peak activation and shoulder-season tourism, helping venues smooth demand across the week and year.
The community benefits are equally compelling. FlingGolf adapts to schools, colleges, and youth groups, widening participation and offering a low-cost pathway into sport. For employers, it provides a fresh option for team-building and wellbeing days: inclusive, social, and time-efficient. Those characteristics align neatly with modern workforce expectations – shorter sessions, shared experiences, and activities that accommodate mixed abilities. In short, it transforms a golf centre into a welcoming civic space.
Momentum is building beyond Dorset, too. Televised competitions and growing global interest demonstrate the sport’s appeal and validate early adopters with Dorset as its UK HQ. Recently the Iford Golf Centre hosted The Britain’s Cup attracting global media crews. That visibility reflects broader leisure trends: audiences want activities that are faster, more social, and less formal—without losing challenge or satisfaction. FlingGolf delivers on all fronts, and Barran’s leadership positions Iford as a forward-thinking venue ready for what comes next.
Paul said: “Commercially, the impact has been transformative. At Iford Golf Centre, FlingGolf players complete rounds 25% faster, generating higher throughput and £15 average spend per visitor. Our 85% equipment rental uptake demonstrates immediate revenue potential, while reduced course maintenance requirements improve sustainability.
“The ripple effect extends beyond our facilities. We’re partnering with support groups, workplace wellness programs, and educational institutions, creating new revenue streams while addressing social isolation and physical inactivity.
FlingGolf isn’t just innovation – it’s revolution, proving that when we remove barriers to entry, we don’t just grow participation, we transform entire business models and communities.”
For local businesses, this is more than a sports story; it’s a blueprint for diversification in a traditional sector, encouraging partnership cross sector. By embracing innovations like FlingGolf, Dorset can showcase how heritage and modernity work together – keeping our leisure economy relevant, resilient, and open to everyone.