New Swarm Expands FlingGolf Reach with New Partnership in the UK

FlingGolf UK's Paul Barran during the 2024 Britain's Cup

October 30, 2024  Bournemouth, UK and Amesbury, MA USA

The creator of the emerging alt-golf-sport partners with the owner of multiple golf related businesses to promote the sport, manage league play and distribute New Swarm's products in the United Kingdom.

Just five months following the inaugural Britain's Cup hosted by Paul Barran at his Iford Golf Centre in Bournemouth, he is now in the position of leading the charge  to grow FlingGolf throughout the United Kingdom, and he feels especially qualified to make this a successful venture.  Not only has Barran competed in the US in multiple World League FlingGolf tour events (coming in 6th at each event) on top of hosting the Britain's Cup, he also manages a portfolio of golf related businesses that will lend themselves to incorporating FlingGolf with ease.

"We have built a great relationship with Paul ever since he came over to compete in the WLF New England Open just a year ago, and then again at the Treasure Coast Open in February" said Alex Van Alen, New Swarm's CEO. "His love of the sport is infectious, which was obvious at the Britain's Cup this summer.  As we spoke more about how the sport is growing, and he expressed an interest in a business partnership to grow FlingGolf in the UK, it was natural for us to figure a way to work together to make that happen."

Barran is the owner of the Iford Golf Centre in Bournemouth which will become the central hub of the sport in the UK.  Iford has everything a facility could have for incorporating FlingGolf, including an 18 hole golf course, a 9 hole par 3 course, a driving range with InRange tracker, and even a mini-golf course for anyone in the family to enjoy. It will be an epicenter for expanding to other courses throughout Great Britain.

Team UK's Katie Dawkins lines up a flingshot at the Iford Golf Centre

“FlingGolf brings a refreshing, modern energy to the course,” says Barran who will be working under the banner of FlingGolf UK.  “It’s a sport that respects the traditions of golf, but it lowers the barriers to entry, making the experience more accessible and engaging. By allowing people to play without the steep learning curve of traditional golf, we’re giving everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned players and top athletes, an open invitation to join us on the course.  The opportunity to engage the 90% of people who have never set foot on a golf course is enormous."

Beyond recreation, FlingGolf can be a positive force for community building. By expanding access and creating multi-level league opportunities sanctioned by the World League FlingGolf (WLF), it can provide a new space where players of all ages can gather, compete, and share their enthusiasm for this sport.

Team USA 's Mike "Maine Event" DeRusha competes at the 2024 Britain's Cup

John Pruellage, World League FlingGolf's Commissioner, also sees the opportunity for increasing the field of competitive players across the Atlantic. "This year's Britain's Cup was clearly just the beginning of competitive FlingGolf play in the UK.  Paul has clearly demonstrated his commitment to grow the sport and with his efforts and guidance I'm confident FlingGolf is going to flourish very quickly over there.  I am certain that next year's Britain's Cup will see a very competitive UK Team on the course."

Barran will be using the final months of 2024 to increase the foundation of the sport in order to be ready for significant distribution and competitions throughout the UK in 2025.  He already has multiple golf courses putting FlingStick orders in with him and New Swarm is ramping up production in their US facility to meet his demands.

New Swarm's Van Alen commented on the future of international FlingGolf.  "Having seen our momentum accelerate quickly over the last few years in the US, it is very satisfying to see the growing international interest for the sport and our FlingSticks.  We already have inquiries from other countries for additional expansion, but are thrilled to be working so closely with Paul in the UK to help refine our distribution strategy that will lead to further growth.  He is the right partner at the right time for us."

Barran finishes with his thoughts on FlingGolf's ability to reach a broad audience in the UK as it has in the US: “We’re bringing FlingGolf to the UK not just as a sport, but as a movement—a way for everyone to enjoy the game, no matter their experience. For me, it’s about opening up golf courses to a wider population, fostering community, and providing a fresh, dynamic way for people to get outdoors, stay active, and connect with one another.”