So everybody wants to know, “What’s up with ZoneDriven? No more pro shop, no Roc updates… what is the deal?” Well read on brother… here it is.

Pro Shop

Let’s start with the biggie: the ZD pro shop. As I said back in January, the online retail world has changed remarkably since ZD delved into retail. The need that existed then, does not exist today. The other big factor was that we (the Innova east family) were putting much more emphasis on Disc Golf U.

Growing the game is what it’s all about. DGU is being developed specifically to that end. Things like a universal handicap system, league and tournament management system, online registration, and a unique points-redemption system, are providing the disc golf community with some very important tools.

As DGU took shape, we found ourselves managing two online shopping carts. One is challenging enough. Two is nuts. One had to go and so ZoneDriven was the obvious choice.

The DGU shopping cart offers much greater flexibility. Most importantly, it allows us to distribute points that are redeemable online. When it comes to helping promoters, that’s a pretty tasty option. No longer is it necessary to have product on hand for payouts. That’s an important benefit, especially in today’s economy.

So essentially, not much changed. DGU offers the exact same inventory, the same staff, and the same level of customer service that ZD customers had come to rely upon. Nothing has changed.

USDGC Rocs

This year we tried a different approach to providing information regarding USDGC Rocs. In years past, we posted updates publically at ZD. That meant that you got the information whenever you decided to look for it.

Today we are managing a very important group of people; our official USDGC Partners. These folks are committed to supporting the US Championship year after year. One of their main perks, if you will, is the first opportunity to purchase USDGC Rocs. The partner group also represents the most dedicated collectors in the disc golf so that is a very big deal.

In an effort to provide even greater value to the USDGC partnership, we sent Roc updates to partners directly via email. Many partners greatly appreciated this. In hindsight however, I think we all learned that by not putting the information out, that overall hype for the release was less than expected.

Hindsight is always perfect. As usual though, we learned a great deal through another release and will apply those lessons the next time around.

Innova Pro Blogs

ZoneDriven fans will notice the absence of some of our pro bloggers. The main reason for this is simple. Keeping up with a blog while on the road is a tall order. Keeping up with today’s competition on the course is challenging enough. We are looking to help competitive players, not burden them.

Brian, Valarie, Dave, and Avery, all provided a wonderful service to ZoneDriven. We are extremely grateful for their efforts. But these guys (and gal) represent the game’s elite. Demands on them are greater than ever. This move is purely out of respect for them, and their desires to be the best they can be.

ZoneDriven Gear

Last fall was consumed by the running of the US Championship. The spring by USDGC Rocs. Before you know it, fall will be here again so time is of the essence. For those who have been asking about new ZoneDriven gear, just hang in there. We have some exciting new things in the works.

Merchandise will be available in the DGU Pro Shop. You can skip straight the ZD section by clicking here.

Thank you very much to everyone who has continued to support the ZoneDriven brand.

We haven’t gone anywhere, and don’t plan to.

Cheers,

Jonathan Poole
ZoneDriven
email JP