Golf Cart GPS Systems and Data-Driven Golf Getaways: How Smart Golf Cart Technology Improves the Experience

If you’re planning a golf trip, finding courses with golf cart GPS systems in place should be at the top of your list. Planning a vacation in this regard is always exciting, with the promise of world-class courses, gorgeous landscapes, and time spent with friends or loved ones. The perfect golf getaway is about more than where you go, though; it’s about the experience you have on the course, hence the importance of golf cart GPS systems.

From the windswept links of Scotland and the canyons of the Southwest to the many iconic American resorts, a smooth flow and consistent pace can be the deciding factor between a great and not-so-great experience on the course. If there are long delays between shots, stacked groups, and slow rounds, even the most carefully planned itinerary can be derailed. 

Today, modern courses rely on golf cart GPS systems like Tagmarshal to optimize the pace of play and improve the playing experience as a whole. In this article, we’ll guide you through planning your next golf trip, highlight some of the world’s best destinations for playing golf, and discuss how real-time golf cart GPS technology can make your trip that much better.

The best golf getaways start with some careful planning and structure, especially when dealing with several players, multiple rounds, and a few different courses. So, how do you go about planning the trip?

First and foremost, you need to understand your group dynamics. How many people are you traveling with? Do they prefer social, relaxed days, or are they competitive golfers looking for 36 holes? The earlier you lay these out, the easier it is to determine where to go, how much to play, and which courses suit the group as a whole.

As is the case with any trip, your budget and the logistics play a major role. You can find high-end golf resort experiences or opt for a more affordable multi-round package, depending on your preferences. Always consider the following:

• Accommodation (resorts, hotels, self-catering, golf lodges)
• Transport (flights, rental cars, shuttles)
• Greens fees (these vary by season)
• Caddies, carts, food, and any extras

A pro tip: Secure your tee times and accommodation at the same time so that no part of your plan bottlenecks the rest.

The weather has a major impact on your experience on the course, so timing your trip is incredibly important.

The UK and Ireland links courses are best enjoyed from May through to September, when the weather is mild and the days are long enough for extended rounds. In Arizona, Nevada, or Utah, the best season tends to be between October and April, as temperatures are cooler and perfect for full days outside. In Florida and the Carolinas, you can pretty much enjoy year-round golf, but spring and fall are generally considered the most comfortable and enjoyable times to play.

Choosing the right seasonal window for your trip is key, as good weather will make the experience that much better.

Course selection is one of the most important parts of your planning. You’ll need to think about what style of golf experience your group enjoys the most. Do you prefer traditional links, scenic desert layouts, or gorgeous parkland courses?

Consider the overall difficulty of the course, too, as you’ll want to match your group’s skill levels to keep rounds entertaining and fun, rather than frustrating. Additionally, you may want to consider travel time between courses, especially when you plan on hitting multiple rounds or venues each day.

And finally, look at whether the courses are using pace of play technology and golf cart GPS systems. Tagmarshal’s partner courses, for example, consistently deliver incredible experiences due to the data-driven pacing systems that keep everything running smoothly. The courses that you choose to go to should align with your group’s goals, preferred playing styles, and expectations for the trip.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting golf-trip destinations in the world. Among these courses, many are Tagmarshal partners. This means they use data to improve pace, flow, and the player experience.

Not many golfing experiences can match that of playing the ancient links of Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. These popular courses offer firm fairways, creative shot-making, and, of course, a rich golfing history.

Often referred to as the “Home of Golf”, the Old Course gives players a golfing pilgrimage like nowhere else on the planet. Double greens, pot bunkers, and swirling winds make this course challenging and exciting for competitive players. As a widely popular course, maintaining a consistent pace is key, and Tagmarshal helps maintain a smooth experience.

A private golf club in Northern Ireland, this 36-hole club has two links courses, the Dunluce Links and the Valley Links. Royal Portrush hosted the 2025 Open Championship and combines championship difficulty with incredible views, allowing golfers to test themselves on the same ground as the best in the world. For traveling golfers, Portrush offers a strong combination of pure links strategy and awe-inspiring scenery.

Often referred to as Ireland’s most charmingly unpredictable links course, Lahinch is famous for its architectural features and wild natural terrain. The course features blind tee shots, huge dunes, and holes, including the “Klondyke” and “Dell,” which are loved for their originality and difficulty. Sitting right on the Atlantic, the wind direction can change rapidly and dramatically, so keep that in mind. GPS-assisted movement and Tagmarshal-enabled pace management help maintain rhythm on the course.

Dumbarnie Links is seen as a modern classic: a newer addition to Scotland’s world of golf, but already appreciated as one of the most player-friendly and visually gorgeous links experiences. Wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth make for the perfect layout. The course is both fair and exhilarating, combining the best of traditional links characteristics with contemporary course design. Tagmarshal’s golf cart GPS systems are used to control pace efficiently.

Widely considered one of the most challenging tests in championship golf, Carnoustie has played host to multiple Open Championships. The course was voted The Best Golf Course in the World in 2019 and features narrow corridors, unforgiving rough, and bunkers that can make you rethink your entire strategy. While the course is challenging, the conditions and course presentation are superb. For skilled golfers, the chance to play at such a prestigious, revered venue can be highly rewarding. Tagmarshal’s flow optimization tools are used to ensure that, even on one of the most challenging courses in the world, golfers experience steady movement.

GIVE YOUR TEAM THE TOOLS TO MANAGE PACE EFFECTIVELY

Watch Demo

In Arizona, Gold Canyon Golf Resort stands out as one of the top golf courses. The course offers two desert layouts, framed by the massive Superstition Mountains. The 36 holes of Desert Mountain Golf at Gold Canyon give you two distinct playing options: Dinosaur Mountain, taking golfers into the high Sonoran Desert with dramatic elevation changes, and Sidewinder, which runs through the land’s natural arroyos and dry creek beds. The resort itself has over 85 hotel rooms and several different amenities for guests to enjoy. On the course, Tagmarshal’s GPS data is used by staff to monitor where golfers may struggle and step in proactively to keep the day flowing smoothly.

Falcon Ridge winds through the deep canyons and ridgelines of Nevada, giving golfers an unforgettable desert golf experience that feels like a true adventure from the opening tee. On the course, fairways dip and rise unpredictably, greens sit on natural rock formations, and approach shots need careful planning to avoid steep drop-offs. Golfers find the course both incredibly fun and challenging, and it’s perfect for either a day trip or as part of a multi-course plan for desert golf courses. The elevation and blind landing areas can slow play, so Falcon Ridge uses Tagmarshal’s tracking system to help staff maintain an ideal pace.

If gorgeous views are what you’re after, this is the perfect course. Coral Canyon is located at the edge of Zion National Park, offering red-rock landscapes that make each hole feel like an adventure in itself. Set among the beauty of Southwestern Utah, this spectacular 72-par layout offers awe-inspiring views throughout. While more forgiving than some of the other desert courses, the high heat and gorgeous scenic distractions play a role. The course uses Tagmarshal to optimize flow during peak travel months.

An elite U.S. golf course, Streamsong is seen as one of the premier destinations for golfers. This resort offers three award-winning courses (Red, Blue, and Black), each designed by renowned architects. Sitting on reclaimed mining land, the courses have a unique dune-like landscape, and each one has a distinct personality. Red is strategic and rhythmic, Blue is flowing and scenic, and Black is bold and expansive. At Streamsong, golfers can expect an immersive, unforgettable experience. As thousands of golfers travel to this resort each year, Tagmarshal’s golf cart GPS systems help ensure a consistent pace across the resort’s operations.

In North Carolina, you will find Pinehurst Resort, often called the “Cradle of American Golf”. Home to 10 courses, this resort is where golf history meets Southern soul. Pinehurst No.2, designed by the famous Donald Ross, is world-renowned for its crowned, turtleback greens and has hosted several major championships. You’ll find a quieter, more intimate experience at No.8 and sweeping vistas and dramatic sandy areas at No.4. Pinehurst offers golfers an experience like no other, with an inviting village atmosphere, amazing clubhouse, and deep traditions. Tagmarshal’s pace management tools help the resort deliver an immaculate experience.

We’ve looked at some key destinations and courses partnered with Tagmarshal, so let’s take a closer look at how these systems can improve the player experience.

Popular golf courses around the world have to meet the needs of thousands of traveling golfers every year. All of this can slow play, and long delays can lead to less enjoyment and reduced itineraries, especially in cases where players are trying to fit multiple rounds in a day. Tagmarshal’s AI-powered, data-driven system is being used to improve the experience as a whole.

Real-Time GPS Tracking: Every group, cart, and hole is visible to staff on the Live Map. Management can, therefore, proactively take care of any issues, rather than reactively. The real-time visibility removes any guesswork.

Predictive Pace and Flow Analytics: The system analyzes playing patterns to spot potential slowdowns before they occur, so teams can maintain consistent flow throughout the course.

On-Cart Messaging and Digital Pace Support: Staff can send friendly, automated pace reminders directly to carts, so there is less of a need for manual intervention. This is a more comfortable approach for guests and keeps everyone on the same pace schedule.

Yardages, Maps, Hazard Distances: The cart screens give players clear yardages, hole maps, and hazard information. On unfamiliar courses, this can speed up decision-making and give golfers some additional confidence.

Heatmaps and Pace Reporting: Tagmarshal’s data is used to determine which holes commonly cause delays, so operators can adjust tee intervals, routing, or pin positions to create a smoother experience for future rounds. 

For traveling golfers, it’s important to find courses that offer enjoyable rounds that are not rushed or chaotic. With Tagmarshal, courses offer more consistent round times, smoother on-course experiences, less downtime or waiting, and more energy left for additional rounds or socializing.

In the modern age of golf, the best destination understands that exceptional experiences require smart operations. Across the UK, Ireland, and the U.S., some of the world’s best courses are embracing Tagmarshal’s golf cart GPS technology to create an unforgettable playing experience and guarantee smooth operational management.

No matter where you’re heading for your next trip, finding courses that embrace technology is bound to give you a more enjoyable experience. Get in touch today to learn more about Tagmarshal!

OPTIMIZE YOUR ON-COURSE OPERATIONS

Watch Demo