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Business of the Month

April 2004

In early 1993, brothers-in-law Rick Woodson and Terry Quinn casually brainstormed about a business opportunity that would suit both of their personalities - and their mutual obsession. The Golf Tee was born a year later, combining their favorite sport with the opportunity to be independent small business owners.

In 1993, Rick was finishing his 17th year as a sportswriter with the Gannett Rochester Newspapers. In addition to his regular beat covering the then-awful Buffalo Bills, he attended and wrote about many PGA and LPGA golf events, as well as the Ryder Cup. Golf was and is his passion. Rick is an 8 handicap golfer, his two sons are professional golfers, he hosts a weekly radio golf show (Sundays at 9 a.m. on 1280 WHTK) appropriately named The Golf Tee, and he spends the week talking golf with the patrons of The Golf Tee.

Terry Quinn is the Principal of Twelve Corners Middle School in Brighton. Terry's vision, contacts and sweat equity were essential to getting the business off the ground. And, perhaps his most important credential, Terry is a 12 handicap.

Rick and Terry searched the eastern suburbs for a site for their new business. Several locations in Brighton and Penfield were considered, but when they discovered the 50 acres owned by Gordon and Lois Castor on Ridge Road, the decision made itself. The land fronted a busy major street, it was clear of trees and obstruction, and it was in Webster, a fast-growing community with a sense of pride in itself and its businesses.

The driving range and pro shop opened for business in July 1994, followed a year later by the batting cages, and in 2001 the mini-golf course. The three attractions together make The Golf Tee Family Fun-tastic. In 1996, Bruster's Old Fashioned Ice Cream began its lease next to the entrance to The Golf Tee and has been a wonderful addition. Birthday parties, corporate outings, family reunions and other charity events keep the place hopping.

Throughout the years, The Golf Tee has been staffed by terrific young people from Webster. The kids in the red shirts are enthusiastic, hardworking, and personable. We have watched them grow up from clumsy high school sophomores to college graduates and young professionals.

A driving range is structured in a unique way. Customers essentially rent a bucket of balls. They hit them into the range, and then we pick them up and rent them to someone else. It's a form of inventory that encourages charitable giving. The Golf Tee has provided gift certificates to 847 golf tournaments over the years. It is a major sponsor of the WXXI Auction and Cancer Action's Camp Open Arms. Fundraising events take place on site as well, including hole-in-one contests, mini golf tournaments, and family fun days. Day-long golf experiences for city youth groups, directed by The Golf Tee's long-time teaching professional Roger Sawyer, are especially gratifying.

The Golf Tee tries to support youth teams as well, through WAA baseball and softball team sponsorships, advertising with high school sports teams, and cooperating with the Webster Recreation Department on lesson programs. The annual Red Wings Batting Clinics are very popular with aspiring local baseball stars. The clinics are $4 per batter, the fee kept reasonable to enable all youngsters to participate.

Since 1994, Webster has been a wonderful home to The Golf Tee. The Chamber of Commerce has been very supportive. The Town government and planning board have been helpful - tough, but helpful. And our location across the street from the Webster Police has come in handy in the middle of the night more than once. We have a great neighborhood in a great community: landscaper Bob Lense, Diamond Delights bakery, Bruster's Ice Cream and Anthony's Funeral Chapel - literally everything a body could need.

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