Our Story
TeeTime Golf Pass has proudly remained a family-owned business since 1992, staying true to our roots while evolving to meet the needs of golfers today. What began as a simple idea to help golfers play more has grown into a mission we carry forward each day.
We continue to build on that tradition, offering more ways to save and enjoy the game. Discover more about Our Story below.
We’re On A Mission To Build Friendships Through More Play
Humble Beginnings in Pennsylvania
TeeTime Golf Pass all started with a simple idea back in 1992. Jim and Sue Curtis had just moved from Florida to rural Pennsylvania, with Jim working as an editor at the News-Chronicle in Shippensburg and Sue looking for part-time work. The couple began toying with the idea of creating a golf publication. But let’s be honest—publishing isn’t easy, and they weren’t sure how to make it work. That’s when Jim had the idea to sweeten the deal by adding a discount golf card to the mix. It was a bold move, but one that would lay the foundation for something much bigger. With determination, Jim and Sue hit the road, visiting courses in five nearby counties and signing up 22 courses for what would become the Southern Pennsylvania Golf Card. This small beginning planted the seed for something that would grow beyond their wildest expectations.
From Local to Regional: The Birth of TeeTime Golf Pass
By 1997, TeeTime Golf Pass had taken off. Thanks to Sue’s hard work and Jim’s vision, the program expanded to 100 courses, and suddenly the name “Southern Pennsylvania Golf Card” didn’t quite fit anymore—especially when golf pros in Philadelphia started scratching their heads, asking, “Where’s southern Pennsylvania?” That’s when we officially became TeeTime Golf Pass.
Taking a leap of faith, Jim left his newspaper job to focus on the business full-time, and it paid off. The passbook continued to grow as we built relationships with more golf courses, offering golfers the chance to save on greens fees and discover new places to play. TeeTime Golf Pass wasn’t just about discounts—it was about creating a community of golfers who could explore new courses while saving money.
Growing the Family and Expanding Our Reach
In 2001, another key player joined the team. Bud Key, who had spent years in the newspaper business and started his own golf publication, met Jim at a golf show in Maryland. Bud brought his expertise—and over 150 new courses from Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia—into the TeeTime family. Bud now serves as our Mid-Atlantic Director.
By 2005, TeeTime Golf Pass was still growing, and it was time for the next generation to step in. Jim and Sue’s son, Jesse Curtis, joined the business, leaving behind his career as a structural engineer. Under Jesse’s leadership, the company expanded further, launching the Midwest passbook in 2008 and the Northeast passbook in 2011. The Curtis family had built something truly special, and the future looked bright.
Embracing the Digital Age
In 2015, we took a big step into the digital world. We knew everything was moving toward the internet and mobile devices, so we partnered with Digital Golf Pass to create a digital version of our beloved passbook.
This shift made it easier than ever for golfers to access discounts and find new courses, right from their phones. While our technology evolved, our core mission stayed the same: helping golfers save money and enjoy the game without the hassle.
A New Chapter with the Same Family Spirit
Today, TeeTime Golf Pass remains a family-operated business, and we’re proud to continue the legacy that Jim and Sue Curtis started over 30 years ago. Our new owner, Kelvin Mangaroo, acquired the business in June 2023. Kelvin is a successful tech entrepreneur, having started and sold a fintech business previously. He has a keen interest in growing tech-enabled businesses and is excited about the future for TeeTime Golf Pass.
He’s carrying forward the same values of trust, reliability, and a passion for golf that have been with us since day one. Kelvin shares our commitment to building strong relationships with both golfers and golf courses, ensuring that TeeTime Golf Pass continues to grow and serve you better.
We’re proud of our history, and even prouder to still be here helping golfers like you save money, discover new courses, and enjoy more rounds. From our humble beginnings to becoming the largest golf pass program in the country, we’re excited about what the future holds—and we’re honored to have you along for the ride.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering TeeTime Golf Pass, we’re grateful to have you as part of our community. As we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to helping you play more, save more, and have more fun!
Here’s to many more great years of golf!
Join 1M+ Golfers Who’ve Saved With TeeTime Golf Pass
- Huge Discounts
- Exclusive Deals
- No Booking Fees