Bizgolf February March 2018

FEB-MAR 2018

F L O G F O R O J A M T H E N E SS I S U B

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FEB-MAR 2018 VOLUME 07 ISSUE 01

contents FOLLOW US:

bizgolfsea

bizgolfsea

bizgolfsea.com

12

COVER STORY

The Greatest Show in Golf Business

46 OFF COURSE

18

Make a statement off the

course with these luxury products

GOLFSCAPES

NASSAU:

THE TROPICAL GOLF HEAVEN

42 GEAR UP

Game changers

MORE GOLF

SOCIAL MEDIA

Shubhankar wins big in Malaysia

30 TEE TIME

Jin Young Ko wins on first LPGA Tour start in Australia

34 BUSINESS NEWS

Transformation of World Handicap System

38 HOW TO

Attracting the younger crop of golfers

COVER: SHUT TERS TOCK

10

Limits can be, well, limiting. So we ignored them and created the highest performing iron imaginable – Epic. Precision-crafted in painstaking detail with ultra-premium materials, Epic is the most beautiful and technically advanced iron possible. Powered by 360 Face Cup Technology, you’ll get tremendous ball speed with maximum distance. With Epic, there’s no limit to how far you can take your game.

#1 Irons in Golf claim based on retail sales for Q1 2017 as reported by Golf Datatech across US, UK, Sweden, French & German markets. ©2017 CaAllaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, Epic, Great Big Bertha, Exo-Cage, Speed Step and Jailbreak Technology are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

8

BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

Business is booming!

Dear Readers, The highlight of the Feb-Mar issue of bizgolf is the annual golf exhibition and conference hosted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It is the biggest gathering of golf industry professionals anywhere in the world. It was my first time at the PGA Merchandise Show, and it was most certainly an eye-opening experience for me. The sheer size of the event, not to mention the massive crowd at the Orange County Convention Center was a sight to behold at times.

“If the buzz at the PGA Merchandise Show is an indicator, golf industry in 2018 is going to be huge. This is great for business!”, exclaims Matt Buichok, a PGA Professional I was standing next to during the opening ceremonies. Over the next couple of days, I was surprised at the number of startups and regional vendors I met at the show - all boasting of exciting innovations and opportunities that lie ahead. Interestingly, I went in expecting the show floor to be ruled by major international brands. Although the ‘big’ brands were present in their due force, it was the ‘new guys’ that caught my attention the most. So many people, investing their fortunes in ideas that they believe in and producing results. It is excellent for business, Matt.

Checkout our cover story on the key points of the show in this issue along with our pick of revolutionary golf products in the Gear Up section. The spotlight of the month is on the best golf club management systems in the market today that can help ease golf operations and update your club with the latest technologies to work in tandem with the industry trends.

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TUSHAR SAHOO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BHARATH ARVIND MANAGING EDITOR VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NIKITA SHARMA nikita@gecmediagroup.com GUEST WRITERST AMAN MISRA ROHIT BHARDWAJ LEAD VISUALIZER NEHA DESIGNER AJAY ARYA ASSISTANT DESIGNER RAHUL ARYA SUBSCRIPTIONS info@gecmediagroup.com SALES AND ADVERTISING RONAK SAMANTARAY MARKETING DIRECTOR ronak@gecmediagroup.com GLOBAL EVENT SALES SHOUVICK DUTTA shouvick@gecmediagroup.com VIKRAM SINGH vikram@gecmediagroup.com SOCIAL MARKETING & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION YASOBANT MISHRA yasobant@gecmediagroup.com PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION RICHA SAMANTARAY richa@gecmediagroup.com

DESIGNED BY

PUBLISHED BY CONQUEST INFOMEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED 207, TOWER NO.3, SARASWATI BLOCK, D-6, VASANT KUNJ, NEW DELHI -110070 @COPYRIGHT 2017 GEC MEDIA GROUP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Update yourself with newsworthy stories from the world of professional golf in Tee Time and do flip through the lifestyle page to make a statement off the course!

Read On!

VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com @vineetmann

PO BOX : 500653, DUBAI, UAE 223, BUILDING 9, DUBAI MEDIA CITY, DUBAI, UAE PHONE : +971 (0) 4368 8523 WHILE THE PUBLISHERS HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF ALL INFORMATION IN THIS MAGAZINE, THEY WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS THEREIN.

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A PREMIUM GOLF INDUSTRY PUBLICATION Drop us an email on info@gecmediagroup.com and we’ll get in touch.

Visit www.bizgolfsea.com for more details

Bizgolf is available for print and digital subscription on request

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 SOCIAL MEDIA

TRENDING BUBBA JR. TAKES A TRIP

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 COVER STORY

PGA Shows

Save the Dates 2018 & 2019

The Greatest Show in

Golf Business BY: VINEET MANN

P

GA Merchandise show, arguably the greatest show in golf business was back this year in Orlando, Florida from Feb 23-26. As soon as I landed at Orlando International Airport, it was clear that the global golf industry has gathered at the “theme park capital of the world”. The 65th PGA Merchandise show, nicknamed as the “Major of Golf Business” owing to sheer number of golf industry professionals that attend the show each year welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors from all 50 US States and 87 countries in 2018.

Each year, the industry gathering in January works as a catalyst to energise the industry for the new year with exciting product and industry announcements.

The show offers an important early indicator of what the year might hold for the sport and if the annual

gathering in Orlando is any indication, 2018 is off to a good start.

Set across one million sq. feet of exhibition, demonstration and meeting space at the massive Orange County Convention Center on International drive, the event showcased new products, trends and technology from more than 1,000 golf companies and brands.

It is indeed golf’s largest meeting of decisionmakers and key figures where major as well as nascent manufacturers showcased their latest products, accessories and gear; various companies promoted their services to potential golf professionals and customers; and a mouth-watering lineup of panel discussions among innovators and leading figures from the industry shared their vision and thoughts on shaking up the game.

P H OTO S : M E G A N B L A N K / M O N TA N A P R I TC H A R D / P G A O F A M E R I C A

T H E N E X T U. S . P G A GOLF SHOW, T H E 2018 P G A FA S H ION & DEMO E X P E R I E N C E TA K E S PL ACE AUG. 13 -15 AT T H E V E N ETIAN HOTEL A N D C A S I N O D U R I N G FASHION W E E K O N T H E FA M OUS L AS V E G A S S T R I P. T H E 2019 U. S . P G A MERCHANDISE S H OW I S S C H E D U LE D FOR JAN. 2 2 - 2 5 I N O R L A N D O,

COVER STORY FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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Demo Day

P H OTO S : M E G A N B L A N K / M O N TA N A P R I TC H A R D / P G A O F A M E R I C A

The global golf gathering began on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the PGA Show Demo Day, when thousands of PGA Professionals and invited golf retailers previewed and personally tested the newest equipment, training aids and accessories from more than 100 top golf companies at Orange County National Golf Center. The newest products were tested within 200 hitting bays, multiple putting greens and the vendor village at the 42-acre practice facility, to create the world’s largest professional golf demo event.

AN ATTENDEE T E S T S A C LU B AT THE COBR A B O OT H D U R I N G DEMO DAY

AT T E N D E E S AT T H E COBR A BOOTH

ATTENDEES AT THE TAYLORMADE BOOTH

CARLY BOOTH TAK E S A P H OTO W I T H ATTENDEES AT THE P UM A B O OT H

M A RT I N H A LL W I T H BL AIR O’NEAL ON THE G O LF C H A N N E L

GOLF CHANNEL’S L AUREN THOMPSON, PGA OF AMERICA VICE PRESIDENT, SUZY WHALEY, JANE BL ALOCK AND DEB VANGELLOW MAKE

JESPER PARNEVIK G I V E S A N INSTRUCTIONAL D U R I N G D E M O DAY

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 COVER STORY

PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT, PAUL LEVY SPEAKS AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES

Show Opening at the Orange County Convention Center PGA Champions Dave Stockton, Hal Sutton, John Daly, Steve Elkington and Davis Love III joined PGA President Paul Levy to help open the PGA Merchandise Show. The event which is world’s largest gathering of PGA Professionals, was telecasted live on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” from the Orange County Convention Center.

Along with the past PGA champions, the opening ceremony

DAV I S LOV E III ENTERS FOR OPENING CEREMONIES

was attended by celebrities, renowned golf instructors and special guests, such as: Adam Scott, Greg Norman, Jesper Parnevik, Blair O’Neal, Chip Beck, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Michelle McGann, Brad Faxon, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Michael Breed, Mike Malaska, Jim McLean, Stan Utley, Claude Harmon, Mike Schy, Lou Holtz, Ron Jaworski and many more who participated in the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show.

THE BAND AT OPENING CEREMONIES

COVER STORY FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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CHARL I E RYM E R PERPAR E S FO R A R ACE D U R I N G P G A MERCH A N D I S E S H OW

Exhibition Floor What happens at the merchandise show? Not only will industry leaders and equipment manufacturers be in attendance, there will be more than 1,100 interactive golf exhibits.

Not only the show was attended by industry leaders and equipment manufacturers, more than 1100 companies exhibited their products and services. The three- day schedule of the show is largely accepted as it takes that long to get around the convention center and see everything once. There were also education sessions, shows, forums and much more from Wednesday through Friday.

A N AT T E N D E E C H ECKING THE OUTFITS O N D I S P L AY AT T HE EXHIBITION

DAV I D LE A D B ET T E R DURING PGA M E RC H A N D I S E S H OW HELD AT OR ANGE CO UN T Y CO N V E N TION CENTER

Attendees experienced a dynamic PGA Show Floor, featuring interactive exhibits; hundreds of vendor show specials and promotions; plus 50 equipment testing bays at the indoor Equipment Test Center; a centralized New Product Zone for a one-stop shopping of the newest golf merchandise; the Inventors Spotlight exhibitor pavilion for patented products not yet available at retail; the Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction area, with a new Adaptive Golf Center; and numerous specialty exhibitor pavilions, concentrating exhibits in the areas of travel, technology, international exhibitors, women’s accessories and new exhibitors

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SHOW FLOOR

SIRI US XM TEACHER TOWN HALL WITH PGA OF AMERICA VICE PRESIDENT, SUZY WHALEY, DEBBIE DONIGER , MICHAEL BREED

BL AIR O’NEAL AUTO GR A P H S A H AT FO R AN ATTENDEE

ATTENDEES PUTT D U R I N G P G A MERCHANDISE SHOW

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 COVER STORY

PGA Merchandise Show Winners 2018 New Product Zone winning products Award-winning PGA Professionals and top golf buyers voted for the three best new products among the merchandise displayed in the PGA Show New Product Zone.

• Chippo Golf – fun golf game for backyard, beach or tailgate – www.chippogolf.com • Rhineland Cutlery – custom engraved cutlery sets for golf events www.rhinelandcutlery.com • Tzu Tzu Sport – colorful apparel collection – tzutzusport.com 2018 Inventor’s Spotlight winning products Organized in partnership with the United Inventors Association (UIA), the Inventor’s Spotlight pavilion showcased golf inventions not yet available at retail.

• Most Innovative Concept – Trans Rover,

the all in one golf cart. www.transrover.com • Best Marketing Effort – Mokom Gloves, a sensitive natural touch and improved hitech grip glove. www.mokomgloves.com • The Pinnacle Award (Best in Show) – Impact Improver, an indoor training device for finding the sweet spot. www.impactimprover.com 2018 Top Buyers Choice winners Influential PGA Professionals and golf buyers voted two exhibitors new to the PGA Show as recipients of the Top Buyers Choice Awards.

• Belyn Key, LLC – ladies lifestyle inspired apparel – www.belynkey.com • AfterShokz – titanium open-ear, wireless headphones for the golf course www.aftershokz.com

Conference and Panel Discussions In addition to the busy marketplace among nearly 10 miles of exhibit aisles, PGA Show days were full of professional learning opportunities during industry presentations. The PGA Forum Stage, was a popular destination on the PGA Show floor, with a full schedule of compelling speakers and diverse programming for thousands of attending PGA Professionals and industry leaders.

Presentations began with the event’s keynote program, “100th PGA Championship Celebration” – a panel discussion featuring PGA Champions Davis Love III and John Daly, who shared memorable moments from their major championship victories and announced the PGA’s plans for the upcoming 100th PGA Championship. Additional programming highlights included the Sirius XM Teachers Town Hall, hosted by PGA Vice President Suzy Whaley and featuring Michael Breed, Debbie Doniger, Hank Haney, David Leadbetter, Jim McLean and Larry Rinker; and programming on technology in golf, environmental initiatives and employment opportunities.

The rest of the presentations and panel discussions covered a diverse array of topics, including golf facility management, industry diversity, growth-ofthe-game programs, employment, technology, teaching and the new PGA Show Live Fashion Show.

C LU B C A R S O N D I SPL AY

M I C H A E L LE E M H U I S SPEAKS DURING THE I N D U S T RY T R E N D S I MPACTING YOUR C A R E E R PA N E L O N T HE FORUM STAGE

BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARD WINNER TZU TZU SPORT RECEIVING THE AWARD

PGA Professionals attending the annual PGA Show Education Conference were able to learn from industry experts presenting more than 60 educational seminars and workshops focusing on teaching and coaching, executive management and golf operations. Additional educational programs were offered throughout PGA Show Week at the PGA Global Youth & Family Summit; Golf Fitness, Wellness & Instruction stage and the Club Spa Association; PGA Member Business Center; and during complimentary Performance Textile Fair workshops on the PGA Show Floor.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 GOLFSCAPES

NASSAU:

THE TROPICAL GOLF HEAVEN With two top-end courses and a plethora of 9-hole layouts, this resort city in the Bahamas offers a great winter getaway for golf enthusiasts

BY: ROHIT BHARDWAJ

T

The Bahamas is a playground for the rich and famous. And no prizes for guessing what would be the standard pastime of this class. There are some 700 islands in the Bahamas chain. But only a few are large enough to support a golf course including Nassau (New Providence).

From former World no. 1 Tiger Woods, popular American chat show host Oprah Winfrey, movie star Tom Cruise to two-time Major winner Greg Norman, everyone either has a villa or an estate to his/her name in Nassau.

The weather in here is more or less hovering around 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it an ideal spot during winters. An Indian may equate this weather with cities like Mumbai.

On my maiden trip to Nassau, one of the biggest resort cities in the Bahamas (for PGA Tour’s Hero World Challenge in December 2017), I realised it’s the perfect getaway for a golf traveller.

Less than an hour’s flight from Miami, eight hours from London and 3 hours from New Jersey, this is the best destination to rejuvenate yourself. White sandy beaches, clear blue waters, balmy breezes and consistent sunshine add to the excitement with the local cuisine (mostly seafood) and refreshing cocktails heightening your experience.

For gastronomes, the place offers endless selection of sea food from live lobsters to conch fritters and even avenues for fish catching. However, that’s not to take away from the increasing vegan community, who might feel left out in other countries.

Nassau boasts numerous restaurants and food joints which offer global food - enough to put all apprehensions to rest. A vibrant nightlife and a wide range of indigenous cocktails like Bahama Mama and Coconut Rum Pina Colada are enough to keep you in high spirits, literally!

Now to the golf. Nassau has two championship courses which are a must play for an average golfer.

The Championship Course, Albany The Championship Course at Albany, the venue for Hero World Challenge, is an 18-hole par-72 desert links course, designed by Ernie Els. It utilises the essential limestone rock soil to create a breathtaking layout. What the course lacks in elevation, it makes up with strategically placed bunkers. It becomes quite challenging once the incoming breeze picks up during day time.

On the front nine, the par-4 350-yard 7th, a dog leg to the left, is the trickiest

with large bunkers guarding the greens.

One needs to curb the tendency to attack the flags as there are more chances of landing in the sand trap.

The 548-yard par-5 15th is one of the most demanding holes. One needs to be dead straight to be safe as a gentle breeze can easily carry the ball to the dunes on either side strewn with thick bushes. Tiger Woods’ ball had gone untraceable during the opening round of the Hero World Challenge and only someone with his skill

could rescue himself from an unplayable lie on the dunes.

Course Architect and Designer Ernie Els

Fun Fact In addition to the par-72, 7,400-yard golf course, Albany features first-class practice facilities including a 400-yard driving range, short game area with chipping and putting greens, and a cutting-edge

GOLFSCAPES FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

19

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

swing performance center, all set aside an expansive golf clubhouse with grill room, men’s and ladies locker rooms, a golf shop and 18-seat media and movie theater.

Green Fee Only owners or resident guests are allowed to play the course with a night’s stay priced at US$ 2,500.

Where to stay Whether you desire a beachfront villa, custom home with views of the championship golf course or a marina residence overlooking the mega-yacht marina, each offer all the comforts of a private vacation home supported with 24-hour hotel concierge services.

Getting There Conveniently located on the southwestern end of the island of New Providence in The

Bahamas, Albany is minutes from Nassau’s international airport, which offers non-stop flights daily from major cities in the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as award-winning private airfields.

Contact: Albany-Bahamas, 127 S Ocean Rd, BAHAMAS info@albanybahamas.com (242) 676-6010

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 GOLFSCAPES

Royal Blue Baha Mar

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

The newly-opened Royal Blue Baha Mar offers some breathtaking views and testing elevation changes that will inspire even newcomers to the game. The 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course is built on hills made of limestone rocks lending it the beautiful gradient. Its a Tale of Two Nines.

The front nine – with dramatic views of undulating fairways, rolling white sand dunes, brackish ponds and glimpses of a turquoise Atlantic ocean — is everything one could wish for.

The back nine, however, provides a

very different look. Aptly called limestone ‘moonscapes’, the layout seems a randomly downhill jungle giving way to a lagoon holding the island green on the 16th. Every day, the visitors can hope to play a different course with the tees being pushed backward or forward by 100 yards depending on weather.

The most panoramic view of the course comes at the Hole 13-14 bi-junction with the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar hotel forming a picturesque backdrop.

Course Architect and Designer Jack Nicklaus

Fun Fact It took 10 years (or about two and half years longer than originally promised), more than $4 billion (the resort is reportedly the most costly construction project in the nation’s history) and seemingly endless development hiccups (including an ownership change) but the humungous property is all set to host patrons from across the world.

GOLFSCAPES FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

Green fees Baha Mar Guest – US$ 275 (30 days advance booking allowed) Public Guest – US$ 375 (14 days advance)

Equipment on Rent Callaway/Titleist/TaylorMade – US$ 95 PXG/Itobori – US$ 125

For details contact One Baha Mar Boulevard, PO Box SP-64254, Nassau, The Bahamas,

Tel: +1 242 788 1234 bahamar.grand@hyatt.com

Other Courses Cable Beach Golf Course One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island Blue Shark Golf Club

Where to stay in Nassau?

Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar The Grand Hyatt Hotel

Where to Eat? Lukka Kairi, Nassau Downtown The Swimming Pig, Baha Mar Cleo Mediterraneo, Baha Mar

What to explore?

Graycliff Cigar & Chocolate Factory John Watling’s Distillery Baha Mar Casino Premium Yacht Ride Shopping at flea market, Nassau Downtown

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 GOLFSCAPES

Nassau Snapshot

SWING FOR LIGHT

Reaching the Green is Tough Going Green is simple.

OneEarth OneLight aims to leave an environmental and social impact on the urban and rural parts of the world.

OneLight Solar powered | All-weather | Portable source of light | Lightweight | waterproof Provides light for up to 12 hours once fully charged

How can you help?

Individuals Golfers registering in the GEC Open 2017 can purchase OneLight with the proceeds going to a charity of their choice. They can choose to donate the light as well.

Visit gecopen.com/csr for more details Contact: info@gecmediagroup.com

Corporates OneLight is available for bulk purchase for corporates who want to give the gift of light as part of their own CSR programs.

Help make a difference

24

BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 SPOTLIGHT

Looking Ahead:

Automating Golf Ops

SPOTLIGHT FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

I

t is a huge responsibility to own and run a golf club. It takes a lot more to run it efficiently.

Switching to state-of-the-art golf course software could save your business a tremendous amount of money.

It could also save you a great deal of

time and aggravation.The right software allows you to dramatically reduce your inventory work and headaches. As any golf course owner or manager already knows, golf club inventory management can be a time consuming and laborious process; however, thanks to advance-

ments in golf course software, there is now a totally different way to address your inventory management needs.

If you’ve been looking for a simple and easy way to boost the efficiency of your golf course, then your search ends today.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 SPOTLIGHT

foreUP With the prime focus on increasing the revenue of the golf courses through effective management practices and marketing efforts, the all-in-one suite of golf management tools from foreUP is a great choice. You can manage players, tee times, inventory, F&B, billing, marketing etc from a single interface. foreUP uses cloud based technology to eliminate complicated servers and costly IT support. It also enables the user to use the software on any laptop, tablet, smartphone from anywhere.

The all-in-one suite from foreUP includes a Golf Point of Sale, Tee sheet software, F&B Management software, email & text marketing among other features.

Golf Point of Sale foreUP’s golf point of sale is a platform that makes it simple to manage everything at your golf course, club, restaurants and pro shop. All inventory being purchased is tracked and recorded in the system for inventory control purposes. The golf POS connects seamlessly to merchant processors, receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners, making it a fully-integrated system.

Tee sheet software The tee time system is responsive, easy to use and highly intuitive.

Providing online services to customers has become a necessity, but most golf scheduling sites actually end up taking business away from your course. foreUP’s Online Booking belongs to you, and so does the data it collects. In fact, the data is streamlined right into your tee sheet. It is geared up with automated text and email confirmation service that allows you to reduce your no-shows without the need of a manual follow-up with the players.

bizgolf Ratings Overall: 5 / 5 Ease of Use: 4.5 / 5 Customer Service: 5 / 5

Product Details Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial: Yes Deployment Cloud, SaaS, Web, Mobile - iOS Native Training: Webinars, Live Online, In Person Support: 24/7

SPOTLIGHT FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

Chronogolf Founded in 2012 by a team of golf enthusiasts, Chronogolf provides innovative cloud based software and marketing solutions to golf courses ranging from online booking, electronic tee-sheet, members management, tournaments management, customer loyalty and point of sale solutions for pro shops, snack bars and restaurants.

Hundreds of golf courses trust Chronogolf as their software provider across the world. Chronogolf is headquartered in Montreal, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Paris.

Key features of Chronogolf include- Tee Sheet, Online Booking and Golf POS

Tee Sheet With unlimited playing rights and restrictions, the tee sheet by Chronogolf is one of the most flexible and efficient tee sheet system in the industry today. It allows users to manage standards, shotguns, crossovers, front/backs or 3×9 structures in a few clicks.

Its equipped with feature to drag and drop reservations across different days, courses or within the same tee sheet that allows to check in golfers in seconds, create last minute deals etc. You can also manage your events and track key stats from anywhere, at any time.

Online Booking The online booking system from Chronogolf can be integrated with any website and is highly customizable to match your website theme. It offers responsive service compatible with computers, laptop, tablets and smartphones. All customer info is collected and streamlined to your database in seconds!

The functionality also permits the customers to manage their account online where they can manage their bookings, invite playing partners, post scores, keep track of handicap and much more.

Golf Point of Sale Chronogolf provides a fully-integrated golf point of sale system with your tee sheet. The POS connects seamlessly to merchant processors, receipt printers, cash drawers, label printers and barcode scanners. Boasting a powerful and efficient inventory control system, it manages various cost-accounting methods and generate asset reports in seconds.

bizgolf Ratings Overall: 4.5 / 5 Ease of Use: 4.5 / 5 Customer Service: 5 / 5

Product Details Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial: Yes Deployment: Cloud, SaaS, Web, Mobile iOS Native Training: Documentation, Webinars, Live Online, In Person Support: 24/7

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 SPOTLIGHT

AIMsi by Tri-Tech AIMsi is a management software solution for golf courses by Tri-Tech. It was founded in 1984 by Dave Cox and since gained a reputation of industry leader in retail software. AIMsi is a completely integrated and robust point of sale and retail management solution that offers inventory control, automated purchasing, customer management and loyalty programs, sales reporting, employee security and more. AIMsi is a modulebased POS software tool. This means that you can use and implement only the parts, or modules, that make sense for your business. Some modules are part of the “base” package and others are available as add-ons that you can purchase and implement when you’re ready for them. Each module integrates seamlessly with the other modules and can greatly enhance your AIMsi experience.

AIMsi offers retailers not only a way to manage inventory, customers and sales but also offers fully integrated add-on modules such as Accounts Payable & General Ledger, Purchase Orders, Repair & Service, Lesson/Appointment Scheduling & Billing, Short Term Rentals, Rent & Sales Contracts, Contact Management and Emailing capabilities.

Build your own custom retail software solution by adding on what you need.

AIMsi partners with Active-e to offer a completely integrated retail and e-tail solution.

bizgolf Ratings Overall: 4/ 5 Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5 Customer Service: 4 / 5

Product Details Starting Price: $995.00/one-time Free Demo: Yes Deployment: Installed - Windows Training: Documentation, Webinars, Live Online, In Person Support: Business Hours

SPOTLIGHT FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

BookSteam BookSteam is an online appointment and class booking platform for businesses of any size.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 TEE TIME

PGA TOUR

Jason Day takes home the Farmers Insurance Open Jason Day sank an 18-inch birdie putt on the sixth playoff hole to beat Alex Noren and win the Farmers Insurance Open in front of empty grandstands on No. 18 at Torrey Pines on January 29.

Day and Noren had to return after grinding through five playoff holes Sunday before it got too dark to continue.

Day teed off at 8:04 a.m. and sank the winning putt 13 minutes later, his fourth

birdie on the par-5 hole in the playoff.

His victory was accompanied only by the sounds of camera shutters and cheers from Day’s family members.

Spectators weren’t allowed in because organizers said they didn’t have time to arrange for security.

Noren tried an aggressive second shot from the first cut, but his ball landed short of the green and rolled into

Devlin’s Billabong, a pond that protects the hole. Day, meanwhile, hit his second shot out of the rough and over some trees onto the fairway before hitting a beautiful approach shot that set up the winning putt.

Noren bogeyed the hole.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Day, a former No. 1 player who won for the first time since 2016.

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

Minjee Lee claims five-shot victory at Women’s Oates Vic Open Minjee Lee won the opening event of the Ladies European Tour season with a five-shot victory at the Women’s Oates Vic Open.

The Australian fired a six-under 67 in front of huge crowds at 13th Beach Golf Links to get to 13 under and pull clear of nearest

challenger Karis Davidson, who closed with a finalround 71.

Ladies European Tour order of merit winner Georgia Hall shared third spot with Australia’s Hannah Green, who bogeyed the final hole, with Caroline Hedwall one of three play-

ers a further stroke back.

“I was a little bit nervous out there, coming down the stretch, but I think I put that pressure on myself, so it’s nice to come out with a win,” Lee said. “I don’t think I’ve won at home since the Vic Open so it’s really nice to win in Australia again.”

TEE TIME FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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SOLHEIM CUP

Juli Inkster named U.S. captain for third time

PGA TOUR

Jon Rahm moves over Jordan Spieth in world ranking, rises to No. 2 It was a big weekend for Jon Rahm, who got 2018 off to the right start with a sudden death playoff victory at the CareerBuilder Challenge. Rahm’s second-career PGA Tour win didn’t just earn him $1,062,000, it also

vaulted him into the best world ranking of his career.

The rankings points he collected at the CareerBuilder drove his average up to 9.5876, enough to surpass Jordan Spieth. The young Spaniard is about

1.2 points away from No. 1 Dustin Johnson.

“It’s hard to believe, to be honest, passing Jordan Spieth, threetime major champion,” Rahm said after his round. “I never thought I was going to be at this point in my life.”

EUROPEAN TOUR

Juli Inkster is the first American to be Solheim Cup captain three times. Now she’d like the distinction of being the first American captain with three victories.

She was announced recently as U.S. captain for the 2019 matches in Scotland, where the Americans will try to match the longest winning streak in a Solheim Cup they have largely dominated since it began in 1990.

Kathy Whitworth (1990, 1992), Judy Rankin (1996, 1998) and Patty Sheehan (2002, 2003) previously were captains two consecutive times. Rankin’s teams never lost.

Inkster was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000, two years before winning her seventh major. She was part of the selection committee that last month discussed who should be the next captain.

That’s when her name arose as a possibility.

Li Haotong beats Rory McIlroy to win Dubai Desert Classic Rory Mcilroy squandered a two-shot lead with eight holes to play as China’s Li Haotong claimed the biggest win of his career in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy overturned a one-shot overnight deficit with the aid of three birdies in the first 10 holes at Emirates Golf Club, but bogeyed the 11th and 16th.

And although the four-time major winner birdied the final two holes, Li did likewise under enormous pressure

to complete a closing 69 and win by a single shot.

Li’s 23-under-par total is a tournament record and gives the 22-year-old a second European Tour title, as well as a place in the world’s top 50.

McIlroy has now finished third and second in his two starts since calling an early end to an injury-plagued and winless 2017 campaign, but will be disappointed at failing to convert a two-shot lead at halfway.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 TEE TIME

LPGA TOUR

Brittany Lincicome wins LPGA opener in Bahamas again Brittany Lincicome beat darkness – with help from floodlights on the Ocean Club’s 18th green – to win the Pure SilkBahamas LPGA Classic for the second straight year.

Lincicome birdied the final two holes and four of the last five for a 7-under 65 and a two-stroke victory over Wei-Ling Hsu in the event cut to 54 holes after

wind wiped out play.

Lincicome completed a second-round 67 in the morning, playing nine holes in 3 under, to begin the final round two strokes behind top-ranked Shanshan Feng.

The 32-year-old Lincicome won her eighth career title. The Pure Silk ambassador finished at 12-under 207. Last year,

she beat Lexi Thompson in a playoff.

Hsu closed with a 68. Feng had a 71 to tie for third with Amy Yang (70) at 9 under.

Thompson (71) was 7 under with Danielle Kang (68), Nelly Korda (69) and Bronte Law (69). Brooke Henderson, the leader Saturday night when play was suspended because of darkness, shot a 72 to finish ninth at 6 under.

EUROPEAN TOUR

Another feather in Shubhankars’ cap!

Shubhankar Sharma didn’t take long to settle into the European Tour. A 21-year-old Indian, Sharma returned a final-round 62 to win the $3 million Maybank Championship, his second European Tour win in just 13 tournaments.

Sharma, who won the Joburg Open in December in just his 10thEuropean Tour start, began the final round four shots off the lead in Kuala Lumpur. He played the front nine in 31 strokes to move to 18 under.

He birdied the 11th, 13th and 14th holes and stood on the 16thtee with a two-shot lead.

“I played pretty solid and it wasn’t easy because it was windy,” Sharma said. “I kept pushing the whole day.

I knew I had to make a lot birdies to catch the leaders. I made a lot

of birdies on the front nine and just continued on the back.

“I wasn’t thinking about the leaderboard. I wanted to set a target in my mind and try to achieve it.

“On the 13th I knew I was somewhere near the leaders, but on 16 I knew I had a two-shot lead. I told myself ‘if I can make two more birdies, that would give me a good chance to win.’”

Sharma becomes the third Indian to win twice in the same season following Jeev Milkha Singh (2006) and Anirban Lahiri (2015). Sharma’s $500,000 check takes him to the top of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, with the chance to finish higher than both Singh and Lahiri have on the money list. Singh finished 12th in 2008, while Lahiri placed 20th in 2015.

TEE TIME FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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CHINA PRO GOLF TOUR

First golfer from Pakistan qualifies for China professional golf tour

LPGA TOUR

Ko becomes second player ever to win on first LPGA Tour start Golfer Hamza Amin became Pakistan’s first golfer to have qualified for China Professional Golf Tour on January 27, 2018. Hamza ranked at the 27th position to qualify for the tour, in which more than 100 golfers from across the world are participating.

In all, 40 golfers have made to the 2018 golf tour.

Amin will be capable of participating in 18 tournaments. The winner will get ranking points apart from the prize money. Hamza Amin was overwhelmed upon his selection, saying that it is an honour.

On March 6, he will play the first tournament of the China tour in Haiku.

Jin Young Ko, the 22-year-old LPGA Tour rookie created history after becoming the second player to win on their debut as an LPGA Tour member with victory in Australia.

She followed the feat of Beverley Hanson who in 1951 also won her LPGA Tour in her first start.

The 10-time winner on the Korean LPGA then earned her LPGA Tour card last October with victory at the cosanctioned KEB Hana Bank Championship, and Ko decided that she would take up membership on the US circuit.

The decision has turned out the be the right one, sealing her name in the history books on her first outing - and doing it in style.

“I focused on my game and I think my chipping and putting were keys,” she said about her solid play at Kooyonga. “This course is narrow, and then there’s the green, so I’m thinking about only the greens and then try to two putt,” she said of her strategy for the final round.

Ko’s fast start to 2018 could see her put her name in a different record book. Her victory comes just a year after Sung Hyun Park matched Nancy Lopez as the only two players to win Rolex Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in the same season, and if she continues in the same vein it wouldn’t be surprising if Jin Young Ko made that elite duo a threesome.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

GROWING THE GAME

Hong Kong golfers get ready for first secondary schools competition Amid the rising popularity and accessibility of golf, the Hong Kong Golf Association, partnering with Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, announced that the first secondary schools golf tournament will take place in May. The tournament,

supported by the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation, will be open to all secondary schools, local or international, entering as individuals or teams of a maximum of four players. Competition will be divided into boys and girls under

the 18-hole individual stableford format. The maximum handicap for the two groups is 25 and 32 respectively.

“A number of initiatives have been taking place to help schools to promote the sport,” Danny Lai, CEO of the Hong Kong Golf

Association, says. The initiatives include golf orientation classes and competitions for physical education teachers, and sponsorship of golf clubs, equipment and training facilities to teachers and students.

Exchange opportunities are also on offer.

Last year, about 50 physical education teachers joined the orientation programme, 12 went on to receive regular training. Each year, 500 students in Hong Kong are taught to play golf under the association’s “Golf for Schools” programme.

RECHRISTENING

Newly-named Wichita Open announces fiveyear extension with TOUR

Wichita’s Web.com Tour event, previously known as the Air Capital Classic, announced recently that the tournament will be rebranded as The Wichita Open, effective immediately. In addition to the new

name and tournament logo, the event also announced a five-year contract extension with the PGA TOUR and host Crestview Country Club.

“We are very excited to return to

The Wichita Open name.

It takes us back to our roots, but even more importantly, it recognizes the ongoing support from our community, our major sponsors and Ambassadors who make it possible for us to host an event that Wichita takes great pride in,” said Tournament Director Roy Turner. “We feel it is time to return the tournament name to the city and join the groundswell of

civic pride that we’re experiencing in Wichita.

We look forward to great opportunities ahead over these next five years.”

The tournament also announced a five-year extension with the PGA TOUR and Crestview Country Club, which has served as host venue of The Wichita Open over the last 17 years. With the announcement, The Wichita Open is secured through 2022.

BUSINESS NEWS FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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ANNOUNCEMENT

INVESTMENT

Itochu swings in for a golf deal Japanese trading house Itochu is investing in a golf club maker under the umbrella of a Chinese firm. Itochu hopes the deal will help the firm expand in China and Southeast Asia where the number of golfers is expected to grow.

Itochu is investing about 41 million dollars in Honma Golf to acquire 6 percent share in the firm.

Honma Golf, established in 1959, is a producer and retailer of high-end golf clubs. It filed for bankruptcy in 2005 and came under the Chinese firm.

It made a turnaround after shifting its focus to China. The firm was listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2016.

Itochu says it wants to sell golf wear and bags produced by group companies.

Meanwhile, Honma hopes to expand its lineup of related goods such as clothing.

AGREEMENT

Hawaii Tourism announces new deal with PGA

The PGA Tour has reached an agreement to continue holding three championship golf tournaments in Hawaii, the state tourism authority announced.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority and PGA Tour have partnered to bring top-level golf tournaments to the Aloha State since 2001, and last month the state hosted the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui, Sony Open in Hawaii on Oahu, and Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai on the island of Hawaii.

The new agreement extends the partnership four years, through 2022.

“When the New Year begins, the world of golf turns its attention to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands for championship tournaments in an unmatched setting,” HTA president and CEO George D. Szigeti said in a statement. “The renewal of this official marketing partnership with the PGA Tour exemplifies HTA’s sports marketing strategy to collaborate with major sports brands that bolster tourism.”

Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada coming to Lethbridge, Alberta in 2018

The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada officially announced that the Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open, a new event taking place at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in Lethbridge, Alberta, will begin as part of a multi-year agreement starting in 2018.

The 156-player event with a $200,000 purse will take place June 18-24 as the fourth event of the 2018 schedule. Lethbridge Open Limited will serve as the host organization and has retained Hugh Vassos to serve as tournament director.

“We’re thrilled to be adding the Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open to the Mackenzie Tour schedule and are elated about the opportunity to play an event in Lethbridge, a community which we feel is the perfect fit for one of our tournaments, for many years to come,” said Mackenzie Tour President Jeff Monday. “Our gratitude goes out to the mayor, Chris Spearman, and the Lethbridge City Council, along with Ron Sakamoto and everyone at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort for their support in making this event a possibility.”

Paradise Canyon, a 6,810-yard Bill Newis design, previously hosted the 2008 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, which featured future PGA TOUR players Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, Ben Silverman and Corey Conners in the field.

Vassos has run tournaments on the Mackenzie Tour since 2008, with his organization VMC Sports and Entertainment, and he currently also serves as tournament director of the GolfBC Championship.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

PARTNERSHIP

EGull & European Tour Partner To Breathe New Life Into Golf.

Time’ is the key word as the sport of golf’s governing bodies battle to find ways to retain current golfers and to engage new participants. In today’s frantic modern lifestyle the pressures on available leisure time are increasing and an average 4-5 hour round of golf is not sustainable to many aspiring golfers who have so many other leisure pursuits to choose from which do not place such demands on their time.

The eGull ‘Play and Pay by the Hole’ Application aims to resolve that ‘time pressure’ issue by enabling golfers to fit in as many holes as their schedule will permit on any given day. This will also help golf clubs to generate revenue from tee times which are frequently vacant such as midweek periods and late evenings when daylight

prevents the completion of full rounds.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “The European Tour is delighted to confirm our Strategic Partnership with eGulI SAS and their innovative ‘Play and Pay by the Hole’ App, an exciting development which is highly relevant to the future of golf.

“There is a narrative for change currently in the game, a global appetite to try new ideas and a desire to make golf quicker and more exciting. It is the reason we have championed revolutionary concepts such as GolfSixes in addition to the Belgian Knockout and The Shot Clock Masters, both of which will make their debuts on our International Schedule this year.

“The 72-hole tournament will always be

the pinnacle of our game but that does not mean it should be the whole of our game – there is, and should always be, scope for innovation, which makes the partnership with eGull SAS a perfect fit for us.

APPOINTMENT

Global transformation of World Handicap System

The new World Handicap System is to roll out by 2020. The way golfers around the world will evaluate their handicaps is set to be transformed by a new system developed by The R&A and the USGA. It is made with key features designed to provide all golfers with a consistent measure of playing ability.The new system, follows an extensive review of systems administered by six existing handicapping authorities: Golf

Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA. The new system will feature the following: n Flexibility in formats of play, allowing both competitive and recreational rounds and ensuring

that a golfer’s handicap is more reflective of potential ability. n A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; a recommendation that the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap be 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds, but with some discretion available for national or regional associations to set a different minimum within their own jurisdiction. n A consistent handicap that is portable from course to course and country to country through worldwide use of the USGA Course and Slope Rating System, already successfully used in more than 80 countries. n An average-based calculation of a handicap, taken from the best eight out of the last 20 scores and factoring in memory of demonstrated ability for better responsiveness and control. n A calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions might have on a player’s performance each day. n Daily handicap revisions, taking account of the course and weather conditions calculation. n A limit of Net Double Bogey on the maximum hole score (for handicapping purposes only). n A maximum handicap limit of 54.0, regardless of gender, to encourage more golfers to measure and track their performance to increase their enjoyment of the game.

BUSINESS NEWS FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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LAUNCH

‘18Birdies for Business’ to launch soon for Data-Driven Enterprise Solutions For Golf Courses 18Birdies – creator of the fastest growing consumer golf app – has extended its mobile technology expertise to launch a business-to-business enterprise solution tailored to golf course needs. The new offering, ‘18Birdies for Business,’ will help courses to capture consumer data, grow golfer participation, incentivize mobile engagement, streamline tournament programming, and reward course-level loyalty.

18Birdies for Business

offers all golf courses a four-pronged solution to: customer analytics (Course Intelligence); data-capture and community building (Community Builder); course-level tournament software for invitations, registration, scoring, and POS (Tournament+); and direct-to-consumer golf advertising (Marketplace).

“We’re thrilled to onboard Billy Casper Golf as our first multi-course 18Birdies for Business customer,” said Eddy Lui.

GIVING BACK

ISPS HANDA Expands Its Team Of Ambassadors International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS HANDA), the leading charity supporting blind and disabled golf, has announced significant additions to their stable of ambassadors, across both the men’s and women’s games.

The ISPS HANDA Super 6 event held in Perth witnessed the charity adding recordbreaking Englishman, Lee Westwood, as their latest golfing ambassador with the former World No. 1, Ryder Cup legend and 23-time European Tour winner, sporting the

charity’s logo on his collar.

Making his debut in the event, Westwood, who also leads the European Tour’s career money rankings and has 42 victories worldwide. He is joined by fellow ISPS Ambassadors, Thorbjorn Oleson, Hideto Tanihara and former New Zealand Prime-Minister, Sir John Key, Founder of ISPS, Dr. Haruhisa Handa said, “Lee is one of the most recognisable names in not only the game of golf, but in the world of sport. We’re thrilled to have him join our team.”

PARTNERSHIP

PowaKaddy Partners With Golfstore In Six Countries Across Europe After announcing its remarkable performance in 2017, when PowaKaddy sold more electric trolleys in the UK than all other brands combined, the market-leading company has now been appointed Golfstore’s Approved Electric Trolley Partner, in a partnership spanning across six key

European markets.

As one of Europe’s most established and largest buying groups with around 300 stores and golf professionals across the continent, Golfstore will now sell PowaKaddy electric trolleys in Norway, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, adding to the Swedish and

Danish markets where the brand is already carried.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be back working with Golfstore and look forward to helping drive high-profit margins for its partner stores in 2018,” said David Catford, PowaKaddy CEO. “The brand has achieved remarkable

success in recent years, most recently taking back the No.1 spot in the UK market, and our new partnership with Golfstore promises to help its stockists across Europe grow further, especially with our exciting new product range for 2018.”

2017 saw PowaKaddy launch the world’s first electric trolley with inte-

grated GPS – the FW7s GPS model introduced GPS technology built in to a super-intelligent digital screen, delivering fast, accurate distances to the front, middle and back of the green at over 35,000 golf courses worldwide. An upgrade on the revolutionary trolley will be unveiled in the coming months.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 HOW TO

ATTRACTING THE YOUNGER CROP OF GOLFERS

G

olf operators and course owners are stressed.

The challenge is to attract millennial golfers to their courses. Changes in technology, millennial culture, and the internet have left them perplexed when trying to understand what younger golfers really want and how to attract them to their facility.

Attracting millennials means looking at your golf

operation a little bit differently. To understand what young players want, it comes down to updating technological features, rethinking course culture, and choosing better product offerings. So, what golf marketing actions can you take to get millennials on your greens?

Bizgolf spoke to a few younger golfers to arrive at following essential factors:

HOW TO FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

App based tee time booking Millennials live on their phones so don’t sleep on the opportunity to truly engage your younger clients where they’re most comfortable. Millennials want to easily book tee times online through their smartphones. With a mobile app, you also get an incredibly powerful mar-

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keting tool that allows you to send push notifications, discounted green fees, and promote offers directly to the user’s smartphone. Encourage your golfers to book more rounds by making use of an accessible app that shows their golf history and seamlessly connects them with preferred playing partners.

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 HOW TO

Innovate F&B Complete experiences are crucially important for millennials. An amazing round can be quickly tarnished by a mediocre experience at the restaurant. If your golf course is truly awesome, and we’re sure it is, your restaurant should reflect that.

Look for ways to test new menu items: hire a chef who understands what millennials desire and look to internet culture to understand what kind of food trends they’re talking about.

Ditch the formal attire Stuffy, outdated dress codes imposed by many courses will only continue to put off millennial golfers. Millennials are all about self-expression and when you limit them, you risk alienating them.

Moreover, golf fashion has evolved!

It’s ok to ditch the “no slacks, no play” mentality - Air Jordan golf shoes are worn by multiple PGA Tour players, so you can loosen restrictions, too.

Of course, your older members can continue to dress in the manner to which they are accustomed, but the younger generation should be allowed to feel comfortable at the course. Adopting a fresh policy on golf attire will also allow you to stock your pro shop with new threads from the game’s growing brands, building your credibility (and sales numbers) amongst your millennial clientele!

Music on the course

Craft Beer Here’s an easy one: millennials love craft beer! Stocking a few household beer brands just doesn’t cut it any more. Offer a better of selection of beers and make sure your staff are connoisseurs of the new options. We’re sure that customers will love testing your new selection!

Time to move on from tradition Unfortunately, golf is still seen as an activity for old people; the sport has an air of seriousness which can push younger clients away. We recognize that golf is rooted in tradition, but you can certainly try and freshen up the atmosphere at the club!

Put some real thought into the way your facility presents itself to younger groups, and put yourself in their shoes in order to understand what they might want out of an experience at your course.

Sharing music with your friends is fun, and young people do this all the time.

With music streaming so prevalent these days, it’s not a bad idea to allow clients to play music on the course. At a reasonable volume, of course.

Not only will it help your players create memorable experiences, but it can be used as a marketing opportunity - your course could be the first to have an official Spotify, apple, google music playlist, perfectly curated for the course.

Allow them to play fewer holes Millennials have short attention spans, they might not have 4-5 hours to spend golfing on their precious days off. But that doesn’t mean they don’t like the sport! They would just prefer to play fewer holes and then head to the bar for a drink. Depending on your hole configuration and relative distance to the clubhouse or halfway house, sell

“rounds” in 1, 2, or 3 hole packages!

You’ll see people coming multiple times a week to play their favourite stretches of the course and to hang out at the lounge, increasing enjoyability and helping your bottom line.

Match up millennials with their ideal partner Golf is a game that was designed to be played with friends, young people especially value this. You can encourage more bookings by using software that tells millennial golfers when their ideal playing partners are available to play.

When you collect good data, and apply simple artificial intelligence software in combination with mobile and online booking, it’s suddenly possible to promote optimal tee times through mobile app and email marketing.

Drive online sales by using the Pro Shop as a testing centre Millennial golfers like trying out products in person but often they are more inclined to buy online. Many courses are losing to internet giants like Amazon or used golf equipment resellers. One way to fight this is to introduce an e-commerce platform for your pro shop.

Launching an online retail presence for your pro shop allows younger customers to try out products in person and then, when they’re ready, purchase online.

Plus, if you collect good data on your customers you can capture their product and brand preferences. By capturing that data your e-commerce can provide smart, well timed, preference specific advertisements that are much more likely to close a sale. When it comes to competing with online giants like Amazon, quality data will serve as your principal advantage - you will know know your audience far better than they do.

BIZGOLF ANNOUNCES

HOLE-INONE CLUB REGISTER TODAY!

If you are one of the select few to have achieved this elusive and colossal feat on the greens, bizgolf helps you commemorate your ace with a special mention in this magazine.

Register at www.bizgolfsea.com/ace and be part of an exclusive club!

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BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 GEAR UP

GAME CHANGERS 2018 promises to be a revolutionary year in terms of golf merchandise and equipment technologies. Below is our pick of equipment on showcase at the recent PGA Merchandise Show.

PHOTOS: DOM FURORE

The M3 and M4 drivers replace the most recent (2017) versions of the company’s popular M1 and M2 respectively, with both models’ new ‘Twist Face’ technology the standout piece of innovation.

Designed with the most common driver mishits, high on the toe and low on the heel, in mind Twist Face incorporates a twisted face to correct the typical ball flight produced by both off centre strikes. In the high toe section, the face is twisted to add loft and open the face to counteract the normal left shot such a strike produces, while the low heel area has been twisted closed for less TAYLORMADE M3, M4 loft to deliver a correction of the right miss that PRICE: $499.99/ 429.99 commonly results from a heel strike.

Golfers used to leather golf gloves will appreciate Mokom gloves that possess a unique combination of natural touch and improved grip for the optimal balance. These finely crafted gloves made with a unique material that is both super breathable and prevents dry-rotting provides advantage over other leather golf gloves.

MOKOM GLOVES You can finally do away with continuous glove removal and donning. The Mokom golf gloves meet four important paramPRICE: $34.99 AND ABOVE eters - Increase Overall Handgrip, Retain Tactile Sensitivity, Maximize Air Ventilation and Maintain Manual Dexterity.

GEAR UP FEB-MAR 2018 BIZGOLF

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The impact improver is a nifty little innovation. It will fit your own personal golf clubs to become an indoor solution to finding the sweet spot. Simply attach the strike shield and start swinging.

The impact ball sticks to the strike shield. It enables you to know exactly your point of contact with the club. It allows you to practice in the comfort of your own home. It is a great tool for beginners as well as golfers of other IMPACT IMPROVER skill levels looking to improve their PRICE: $250 game.

This one is a revolutionary training whip. The whole set up comes in three practice aids: Trainer: The Orange Whip Swing Trainers combine a counterweighting system and flexible shaft that work together to promote the natural golf swing motion unique to each individual.

Putter: The dual sided spherical putter head can be used right or left-handed. Three key components make up the design of the Orange Whip Putter: a dual sided spherical putter head, a counter weight, and a flexible shaft Wedge: The Orange Whip Wedge will develop the ability to swing the club and impact the ball with consistency and improve your margin for error. The Wedge combines the Orange Whip counterweighted flexible ORANGE WHIP shaft system with a Stan Utley inspired SWING TRAINERS wedge head to help you maximize your PRICE: $101 AND ABOVE short game around the greens and lower your scores.

Yes. You read that right. Vertical Groove Golf is the only vertical face technology in golf. With PRICE: $499.99 a smaller head than other available products at 450cc, the Vertical Grooves produce a tighter dispersion and greater distance while keeping your shots in line.

Amateurs can see an average 40% straighter shot. Give this one a try.

VERTICAL GROOVE DRIVER AND WOOD

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FEBRUARY

JANUARY

GOLF SCHEDULE

18 -21

25-28

PGA TOUR: SONY OPEN IN HAWAII

PGA TO U R : C A R E E R B U I LD E R C H A LLE N GE , C A

LP G A TO U R : P U R E S I LK - B A H A M A S LP G A

1 1 -14

18 -21

1 1 -14

EUROPEAN TOUR: BMW SA OPEN, S.AFRICA

MARCH

E U RO P E A N TO U R : O M E G A D U B A I D E S E RT CLASSIC, DUBAI

2 5 -28

EUROPEAN TOUR/ASIAN TOUR: EUR ASIA CUP, KUAL A LUMPUR

PGA TO U R : FA R M E R S I N S U R A N C E O P E N, S A N DIEG O, C A

1-4

15 -18

22-25

PGA TO U R : GE N E S I S O P E N, C A

LP G A TO U R : H O N DA LP G A T H A I L A N D, B A N GKO K

PGA TOUR: WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN, ARIZONA

1-4 EUROPEAN TOUR: MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP, KUAL A LUMPUR

15-18 LPGA TO U R : I S P S H A N DA WO M E N ’S AUS T R A L I A N O P E N, A D E L A I D E

8 -1 1

15-18

PGA TOUR: AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM, CA

EURO P E A N TO U R : N B O O M A N G O LF CL AS S I C , M U S C AT

EUROPEAN TOUR: ISPS HANDA WORLD SUPER 6 PERTH, AUSTR ALIA

22-25 E U RO P E A N TO U R : CO M M E RC I A L B A N K QATA R MASTERS, DOHA

2 2-25 PGA TO U R : T H E H O N DA C L A S S I C , F L

1-4

15-18

21-25

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP, MEXICO CIT Y

PGA TO U R : A R N O LD PA L M E R I N V I TAT I O N A L , ORL A N D O

P G A TO U R : CO R A LE S P UN TAC A N A R E S O RT & C LU B C H A M P I O N S H I P, P UN TA C A N A , D.R .

1-4

15 -18

22-25

PGA TOUR: PUERTO RICO OPEN

LPGA TO U R : B A N K O F H O P E FO UN D E R S C U P, PHO E N I X

LP G A TO U R : K I A C L A S S I C , C A R L S B A D, C A

15 -18

MARCH 29 - APRIL 21

1-4 LPGA TOUR: HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, SINGAPORE

1-4 EUROPEAN TOUR: TSHWANE OPEN, SOUTH AFRICA

APRIL

25-28

1 2 -14

8 -1 1

5-8 MASTERS TOURNAMENT, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

1 1 -14 LPGA TOUR: LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP, K APOLEI, HAWAII

EURO P E A N TO U R : P H I L I P P I N E S G O LF CHA M P I O N S H I P, P H I L I P P I N E S

2 1 -25

MARCH 29 - APRIL 21 LP G A TO U R : A N A I N S P I R AT I O N, R A N C H O M I R AGE , C A

19 -22

26-29

PGA TO U R : VA LE RO T E XA S O P E N, S A N ANTO N I O, T X

LP G A TO U R : T B A , S A N F R A N C I S O

19 -22

26-29

LPGA TO U R : H U GE L - J T B C C H A M P I O N S H I P, LOS A N GE LE S

E U RO P E A N TO U R : VO LVO C H I N A O P E N, CHINA

19 -22

PGA TOUR: RBC HERITAGE, HILTON HEAD ISL AND, SOUTH CAROLINA

EURO P E A N TO U R : T RO P H E E H A S S A N I I , R ABAT, M O RO CCO

EUROPEAN TOUR: TBA (EUROPE)

P G A TO U R : H O U S TO N O P E N, H O U S TO N, T X

WOR LD G O LF C H A M P I O N S H I P S : WG C - D E LL MATC H P L AY, AU S T I N, T X

1 2 -15 1 2 -15

MAY

EURO P E A N TO U R : A B U D H A B I H S B C CHA M P I O N S H I P, A B U D H A B I

CLASSIC, BAHAMAS

2 6 -29 PGA TO U R : Z U R I C H C L A S S I C O F N EW ORLE A N S , L A

3-6

17 -20

24-27

PGA TOUR: WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP, CHARLOTTE, NC

PGA TO U R : AT & T BY RO N N E L S O N, DA LL A S , T X

E U RO P E A N TO U R : B M W P G A C H A M P I O N S H I P, S U R R E Y, E N GL A N D

3-6

17 -20

LPGA TOUR: VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA LPGA TEXAS CL ASSIC, THE COLONY, TEXAS

LPGA TO U R : K I N G S M I LL C H A M P I O N S H I P, WILL I A M S B U RG , VA

5-6

17 -20

EUROPEAN TOUR: GOLFSIXES, TBA

10 -13 PGA OF AMERICA : 32ND PGA MINORIT Y COLLEGIATE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP, FLORIDA

10 -13 PGA TOUR: THE PL AYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, PONTE VERDE BE ACH, FLORIDA

10 -13 EUROPEAN TOUR: ROCCO FORTE OPEN VERDUR A, SICILY, ITALY

EURO P E A N TO U R : B E LG I A N K N O C KO U T, ANT W E R P, B E LG I UM

24 -27 79TH K I TC H E N A I D S E N I O R P G A CHA M P I O N S H I P, M I C H I G A N

24 -27 PGA TO U R : D E A N & D E LU C A I N V I TAT I O N A L , FORT WO RT H, T X

24 -27 LPGA TO U R : LP G A VO LV I K C H A M P I O N S H I P, ANN A R B O R , M I C H I G A N

MAY 31-JUN. 3 P G A TO U R : T H E M E M O R I A L TO U R N A M E N T, D U B L I N, O H I O

MAY 31-JUN. 3 U S G A : U. S . WO M E N ’S O P E N, S H OA L CREEK, ALASKA

MAY 31-JUN. 3 E U RO P E A N TO U R : I TA L I A N OP E N. T B A

JUNE

7 -10

14 -17

22-24

PGA TOUR: FEXEX ST. JUDE CL ASSIC, MEMPHIS, TN

LPGA TO U R : M E I J E R LP G A C L A S S I C , GR A N D R AP I D, M I C H I G A N

LP G A TO U R : WA L M A RT N W A R K A N S A S C H A M P I O N S H I P, RO GE R S , A R K A N S A S

7 -10

J UN. 17-20

JUNE 26-JULY 1

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 51 S T P G A P RO F E S S I O N A L CHA M P I O N S H I P, S E A S I D E , C A L I FO R N I A

LP G A TO U R / P G A O F A M E R I C A : 6 4 T H K PM G WO M E N ’S P G A C H A M P I O N S HI P, I LL I N O I S

8 -10

2 1 -24

LPGA TOUR: SHO PRITE LPGA CL ASSIC, GALLOWAY, N. J.

PGA TO U R : T R AV E LE R S C H A M P I O N S H I P, CRO M W E LL , C T

JUN. 28-JULY 1

EUROPEAN TOUR: THE 2018 SHOT CLOCK MASTERS, AUSTRIA

JUN. 28-JULY 1

USGA: U.S. OPEN, SOUTHAMPTON, NY

EURO P E A N TO U R : B M W I N T E R N AT I O N A L OPE N, GE R M A N Y

E U RO P E A N TO U R : H N A O P E N D E F R A N C E , PA R I S

5-8

AUGUST

JULY

14 -17

1 2 -15

26-29

PGA TOUR: THE GREENBRIER CL ASSIC, WEST VIRGINIA

LPGA TO U R : M A R AT H O N C L A S S I C , S Y LVA N I A , OHI O

5-8

1 2 -15

LP G A TO U R : A B E R D E E N S TA N DA R D I N V E S TM E N T S L A D I E S S COT T I S H O P E N, S COT L A N D

LPGA TOUR: THORNBERRY CREEK LPGA CL ASSIC, ONEIDA, WIS.

EURO P E A N TO U R : S COT T I S H O P E N, SCOT L A N D

5-8

19 -22

EUROPEAN TOUR: IRISH OPEN, REPUBLIC OF IREL AND

R&A : T H E O P E N C H A M P I O N S H I P, CAR N O U S T I E , S COT L A N D

9 -1 2

19 -22

9-12

PGA OF AMERICA : 43RD GIRLS JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

PGA TO U R : B A R B A S O L C H A M P I O N S H I P, KENT U C K Y

P G A O F A M E R I C A : 4 3 R D B OY S J UN I O R P G A C H A M P I O N S H I P, LE X I N GTO N, K E N T U C K Y

1 2 -15

2 6 -29

PGA TOUR: JOHN DEERE CL ASSIC, SILVIS, IL

PGA TO U R : R B C C A N A D I A N O P E N, O N TA R I O, CAN A DA

2 -5

16 -19

23-26

PGA TOUR: WGC-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL , AKRON, OHIO

PGA TO U R : W YN D H A M C H A M P I O N S H I P, GRE E N S B O RO, N C

E U RO P E A N TO U R : D + D R E A L C Z E C H M A S T E R S ,

2 -5

16 -19

R&A: RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN, LY THAM, ENGL AND.

2 -5 PGA TOUR: BARR ACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP, RENO, NEVADA

6 -1 2 PGA OF AMERICA : 100TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

8 -1 2

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

EUROPEAN TOUR: EUROPEAN GOLF TEAM

NOVEMBER

P G A TO U R : T H E N AT I O N A L , T B A

2 1 -24

LPGA TO U R : I N DY WO M E N I N T E C H CHA M P I O N S H I P, I N D I A N A P O L I S .

16 -19 EURO P E A N TO U R : N O R D E A M A S T E R S , GOT H E N B U RG , S W E D E N

2 3 -26 PGA TO U R : T H E N O RT H E R N T R U S T, RIDGEWO O D, N J

2 3 -26

26-29 E U RO P E A N TO U R : P O R S C H E E U RO P E A N O P E N, H A M B U RG , GE R M A N Y

P R AGU E , C Z E C H R E P U B L I C

AUG. 30-SEPT. 2 E U RO P E A N TO U R : M A D E I N D E N M A R K , AARHUS, DENMARK

AUG. 30-SEPT. 2 LP G A TO U R : C A M B I A P O RT L A N D C L A S S I C , P O RT L A N D, O R E .

AUG. 31-SEPT. 3 P G A TO U R : D E LL T E C H N O LO G I E S C H A M P I O N S H I P, B O S TO N, M A

CHAMPIONSHIPS, SCOTL AND

LPGA TO U R : C P WO M E N ’S O P E N, R E G I N A , SASK ATC H EWA N

6 -9

20 -23

27-30

PGA TO U R : TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, ATL A N TA , G A

LP G A TO U R : D I M E DA R BY LP G A M A L AY S I A , K UA L A LUM P U R , M A L AY S I A .

PGA TOUR: BMW CHAMPIONSHIP, NEW TOWN SQUARE, PA

6 -9

20 -23

EUROPEAN TOUR: OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, CR ANS MONTANA, SWITZERL AND

EURO P E A N TO U R : P O RT U G A L M A S T E R S , VIL A M O U R A , P O RT U G A L

13 -16

24 -25

EUROPEAN TOUR: KLM OPEN, NETHERL ANDS

PGA O F A M E R I C A / E U RO P E A N TO U R : 1 1 T H JUN I O R RY D E R C U P, D I S N E Y L A N D PA R I S

13 -16

2 5 -30

LPGA TOUR: THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP, EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FR ANCE

PGA O F A M E R I C A / E U RO P E A N TO U R : 4 2 N D RYDE R C U P, PA R I S

4 -7

18 -21

25-28

LPGA TO U R : T B A , S H A N GH A I .

LP G A TO U R : S W I N G I N G S K I RT S LP G A TA I WA N

18 -21

C H A M P I O N S H I P, N EW TA I P E I C I T Y, TA I WA N

EURO P E A N TO U R : A N DA LU C I A VA LD E R R A M A MAS T E R S , S OTO GR A N D E , S PA I N

29-31

LPGA TOUR: UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN, INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

4 -7 EUROPEAN TOUR: ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP, SCOTL AND

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

P G A O F A M E R I C A : 17 T H P G A J O N E S C U P, P O RT S T. LU C I E , F LO R I DA

LPGA TOUR: LPGA KEB HANA BANK CHAMPIONSHIP, INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 3 0 T H S E N I O R P G A PRO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P, F LO R I DA

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

EUROPEAN TOUR: BRITISH MASTERS SUPPORTED BY SKY SPORTS, TBA

WOR LD G O LF C H A M P I O N S H I P S : H S B C CHA M P I O N S , S H A N GH A I , C H I N A

1-4

7 -10

15-18

EUROPEAN TOUR: TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN, ANTALYA, TURKEY

LPGA TO U R : B LU E B AY LP G A , H A I N A N ISL A N D, C H I N A

LP G A TO U R : C M E GRO U P TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, N A P LE S , F L A .

8 -11

15-18

2-4 LPGA TOUR: TOTO JAPAN CL ASSIC, SHIGA, JAPAN

EURO P E A N TO U R : N E D B A N K G O LF CHA LLE N GE BY G A RY P L AY E R , S O U T H A F R I C A

5 -9

15 -18

PGA OF AMERICA : 102ND PGA ANNUAL MEETING, PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 4 2 N D N C R A PRO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P, F LO R I DA

E U RO P E A N TO U R : D P WO R LD TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, D U B A I

16-19 P G A O F A M E R I C A : 8 T H P G A J R . LE AGU E C H A M P I O N S H I P, S COT T S DA LE , A R I Z O N A

46

BIZGOLF FEB-MAR 2018 OFF COURSE

Lifestyle To share news on your products or updates on new launches, please email nikita@gecmediagroup.com

Louis Vuittons’ pool table, fancy much?

Acquaint yourself with world’s first real marble poker cards Mikol has debuted a set of cards that will undoubtedly intrigue the dedicated poker players out there. They are made from high quality black marble. Each playing card is the same thickness as a credit card, so they are thicker than your average deck, but not obtrusive marble slabs.

Each piece is carefully sanded by hand and then laser etched to perfection for playing. A deck like this would definitely make your next road trip with friends more interesting!

Price: $775/ full deck $75/ Four aces

Louis Vuitton appears to be giving Hermes a run for their money when it comes to expensive and unnecessary household items. Kim Jones – creative director of menswear at LV– teased one of the brand’s newest products on his Instagram – it’s a billiards table, complete with monogrammed billiard balls and a leather covered rack. The stylish close up reveals an LV logo on the white cue ball and a monogram print on the fabric that covered the table.

Price: On request

Cartier reimagines its classic wristwatches It’s no secret that Cartier is the queen of jewelry watches, and this year they have released five entirely new watches collectively called the Libre Collection. But these aren’t your average jewelry watches – they are all numbered limited editions, making them a little more special. Each of the models has something different to offer, but they all focus on the disruption of a classic Cartier shape – the oval.

Price: $40,700- $209,000

Meet the new G-Wagen by Mercedes Mercedes-Benz has updated its longest-running passenger car model, the iconic G-Wagen. The fundamental boxy design of the SUV hasn’t changed since its debut in 1979. But despite retaining the instantly recognizable, and widely loved, exterior styling just about everything is new on the revised G-Wagen.The new G-Class comes along with features like three-zone climate control and 64 shades of ambient lighting that have brought the G-Wagen’s cabin up to date. Powered by a bi-turbo 4-liter V8, good for 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

It will go on sale in the U.S. by late 2018.

Price: To be announced

AUSTRALIA AZERBAIJAN BAHRAIN BOTSWANA CANADA CHINA EGYPT GHANA INDIA

INDONESIA IRELAND KAZAKHSTAN KENYA MALAYSIA MAURITIUS MOROCCO NEW ZEALAND NEPAL

34

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

NETHERLAND NIGERIA OMAN RUSSIA SAUDI ARABIA SCOTLAND SINGAPORE SRI LANKA SOUTH AFRICA

50 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

3,700 C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

SWITZERLAND THAILAND TURKEY UAE UNITED KINGDOM US ZIMBABWE