For many hotels, golf is a part of their hospitality offering. It’s a relaxed, leisurely sport that’s perfect for vacation playing, and exploring various golf courses can be even more enjoyable with different golf bags.
A fully tech-savvy golf course is the height of convenience, which is what many vacationers are truly after. No complications, everything they need is right at their fingertips. It’s what sets your golf course apart from any other old course out there.
Considering how technology elevated the game of golf in recent years, what if improving your golfing technology could make you even more attractive to prospective guests?
Here’s what to consider if you’re planning on making a positive tech change to your golfing amenities.
Hand-Held Tech is King
Smartphones and sports watches are almost built into every human these days! The technology revolution in golf has been led by these unassuming devices – both in the tracking and the training sides of the sport.
There’s a golf app for everything, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that golfers have all the tech they need in their pockets. Putting some tech-friendly measures into place on your own course can delight golfers and encourage them to make full use of your facilities.
Convenience is Desired
Hotel or resort golf courses typically cater to guests, although many do allow outsiders to play a round too. But the number one thing holiday-makers desire when they’re on vacation is convenience. Here are a few ways you can make the most of that desire technology-wise:
Online Tee Times
Booking in advance online is something that most courses have made the switch to. It’s more convenient for both the player and the course, as there’s no chance of arriving at a fully-packed course or having to wait your turn.
It allows players to choose a convenient time for them and prevents a host of unhappy customers from fighting with each other to get through their rounds.
Many courses have already made this change, but if you haven’t, now’s the time! Be aware that “Online Tee Time Agencies”, on which you advertise your course’s tee times for booking, are not a necessity and can do more harm than good.
On-Cart GPS
Despite the fact that every golfer has a GPS in their pocket, on-cart golf GPS is a luxury that golfers love. It’s become a standard on many golf courses, but if your carts aren’t decked out with it yet, you may be behind.
It helps golfers to be able to leave their phones in their pockets and use the built-in GPS. No distractions!
Course-Wide Wi-Fi
Even though we’ve just spoken about golfers leaving their phones in their pockets, golf course Wi-Fi is something that’s just catching on now.
Not only does it mean you can track your carts and communicate more easily with staff on the grounds, but it’s also an attractive offer for business people and those who do want to use their own golfing apps to track their progress.
It’s rare to find on a golf course at the moment, but it’s an option that could be attractive to your target market, especially if your resort or hotel hosts many business people.
Practice & Entertainment
Do you have a backup plan for those bad-weather days? Installing a golf simulator or training bays equipped with Trackman or similar technology could keep you open for business all year round.
Sensor plate technology is also becoming a sought-after technology in training bays, along with video analysis. If you can include this kind of practice facility, you’ll be one up.
Golf simulators can also be an excellent entertainment for those who may not be golfers but who want to spend time doing something fun and a little challenging with their friends or family while on vacation.
Conclusion
There’s no denying technology has had a huge impact on the game of golf in recent years. Employing some of it on your own golf course is a great way to stay current, stay relevant, and attract new visitors, especially youngsters.
Old-school golfers might scoff and say it compromises the integrity of the game. Perhaps it’s important to also consider your own crowd here – is your main customer a millennial or a retired golfer? This could make a difference in deciding where to upgrade your tech or even if you should.
But the fact remains that millennials age, and with the ages the technology they’re used to and enjoy using. Ultimately, investing in technology now will give you a boost. And the best thing is it doesn’t compromise the tradition or the integrity of the beautiful game.
About the Author:
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who’s spent his fair share of time playing at hotel golf courses. When he’s not on the course working on his game or mentoring young golfers, he can be found writing for his own golf-related website, Golf Influence.