The golf industry is very optimistic about the future of golf, as courses prepare to reopen. Operators now have the opportunity to innovate and streamline the processes they use to manage their on-course operations, to ensure player safety and success.

In a recent Tagmarshal webinar poll, 80% of the attendees were positive that they will see more play. When asked “How will your course be adapting to a new world, post Covid-19,” 73% of attendees said they’d be looking to “find ways to work with less touch points and resources.”

Golf Inc. Innovation Strategy Conference

CEO and Co-founder of Tagmarshal, Bodo Sieber, recently attended the Golf Inc. Innovation Strategy Conference,  where he formed part of the Expert panel, discussing the topic: “Tech to the rescue: Using technology to bring customers back.”

The virtual conference aimed to inform golf course operators and industry professionals regarding how the use of technology, can play a crucial part in bringing customers back, and help businesses to rebound after Covid-19.

The timing was perfect – as many clubs that were closed, are now gearing up to reopen, and are busy putting plans in place for the season.

Bodo Sieber presented the “5 Step Plan for Player Safety and Course Success”, which helps operators to streamline processes, assisting them in achieving success this season.

According to players and golf operators these are the key objectives for the season:

• Providing a safe playing environment
• Doing more, with fewer resources

5 Step Plan for Player Safety and Success

Key objective: Providing a safe player environment, while doing more, with less.

1. COMMUNICATION 

Provide a safe environment!

• Define your internal processes and train your staff to be accountable and well versed in why and how. Enforce policies!
• Share with your players what you do to provide a safe environment. (website, mailers, social media, posters) because that is what attracts players to play at your course at the moment.

Refer to tagmarshal.com/SafeGolf for ready to use posters and tips

2. TRACK ALL PLAY

Knowing where people are and using technology to control and manage social distancing, providing accurate data and making sure people are aware of that.

“We are 100% in control of what is happening on the course. On top of optimizing our course flow, we can empower our staff and have objective data to manage and continuously improve our operation.” Kristoff Booth – Alcanada Golf

Below are tips on how, using Tagmarshal, you can establish a safe and no-player-touch handout process and ensure compliance.

Safe, no-player-touch handout (Classic tag & 2Way handheld/cart-based mobile/tablet)

• Pick up device and sanitize (visibly)
• Attach to player bag / pushcart / single rider
• Inform players it is for their safety and to ensure social distancing on the course so that all can be safe and the course is fully compliant with health regulations. 
• Remind them to keep their social distancing gap of 6ft and the interval gap to the group in front. Don’t touch the flagstick, don’t rake bunkers, no handshakes. Enjoy a great round! 
• Ability to set halfway house order reminders
• Retrieve after round

3. MANAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FLOW OF PLAY ACCURATELY AND PROACTIVELY

There are different variables on the course that is why it’s important to have real and accurate data to manage the field. This is where technology can really help, so that you can control these variables well. Visibility – show players what you are doing for them

“Averting player bottlenecks and improving performance with actionable data are testaments to the effectiveness of Tagmarshal technology.” Ben Hoffhein, Westchester CC

Full line of sight: Industry-leading dynamic distance and gap calculation 

Social Distancing Monitor: Clear view of social distances between playing groups and alerts. For more info visit https://tagmarshal.com/new-features/social-distancing-monitor/ 

Live management: To ensure the no1 player priority – A safe playing environment. Script example:

“Hi, I’m here to help everyone stay safe and keep their distance in line with regulations. Can I assist you to get back in position and catch up about 5 minutes?”

Trackmap data to ensure compliance: The system offers group by group and cart by cart track map data and archives all rounds.

4. USE ACTIONABLE DATA TO MANAGE YOUR COURSE PERFORMANCE 

Manage live play, set-ups, holes, bottlenecks, flow risks, intervals, goal times, starter accuracy, staff efficiency. Benchmark and keep improving!

“The system’s actionable data allows our team to be accurate, pre-emptive and proactive in their operational and on-course management.” John Wittemore Advanced Golf Partners

• Efficiency and optimization
• Data for better decision making
• Benchmarking and performance tracking
• Data empowered superintendents drive savings

To facilitate effective and SAFE Field management and to optimize capacity

• Deep Analytics with controls and goal setting
• Tracking of group size/cart usage for detailed reporting
• Dynamic Goaltimes
• Interval optimization

5. COMMUNICATION 

Share results, processes and successes using your data in internal (stakeholders/staff) and external (players) communication because this is what your players will communicate to other players, driving increase in play volume.

• SUCCESS: ie. 300 yards / 9 minutes average distance adhered to by our playing groups this week
• SUCCESS: ie. 100% social distancing success of our playing groups this week
• SUCCESS: ie. 30 effective interactions to ensure player safety and social distance guidelines adherence providing a safer environment this week

For more information regarding how Tagmarshal’s  golf course operations platform, optimises the on-course experience, resulting in improved efficiency, enhanced, safer golfer experiences and additional revenue and cost savings, watch the Demo: www.tagmarshal.com/demo

Tagmarshal, the global leader in golf course optimization and flow of play management, has introduced an innovative feature, the Social Distancing Monitor. This new feature was developed based on years of experience and insights with the release accelerated for the purpose of Social Distancing, due to the immediate need for creating a safe player environment as a result of COVID-19.

Designed to allow golf courses to accurately and proactively manage group distancing and flow of play during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Tagmarshal has made this tool available free of charge to all partners due to the timely need for player safety this season. The tool adds immediate value as most courses opening are operating with reduced resources, needing to do more, with less – while prioritizing player safety.

“The number one priority for golf course operators and PGA professionals is providing a safe playing environment. At the same time, operators this season have less staff and resources available. In an effort to support the industry in this challenging year, the Social Distancing Monitor will be provided immediately to Tagmarshal partners at no additional cost this season,” said Bodo Sieber, Co-Founder and CEO.

Learnings based on tracking over 10 million rounds of golf, as well as insights developed through working closely with several major tournaments, has guided the development of the Social Distancing Monitor. This practical tool will transform courses into safe spaces for players, as well as managing field flow effectively.

The data from the Social Distancing Monitor is tracked and recorded, so that courses can ensure compliance with Social Distancing requirements and also have a record, as proof of compliance, should this be needed as part of Health and Safety checks.

In the mid to long term, this feature will be used as a best in class gap time monitor to ensure the effective management of field flow. This means that with effective, tech-assisted management, courses do not need to increase their tee time intervals – and can avoid the loss of critical capacity and associated loss of revenue and green fees. The effectiveness of the Tagmarshal system is well known with operators routinely and safely adding capacity and revenue on days when it matters-all while optimizing staff efficiencies and management accuracy.

The Social Distancing Monitor is located on the Tagmarshal dashboard and allows operators to ensure there are safe social distances between each group of players. This may be monitored from a remote location such as the golf office or pro shop, as well as on-the-go on a mobile device, as the software dashboard provides full line of sight.

Tagmarshal has long been at the forefront of providing technology that uses data to manage field flow, improves decision-making, real time management, and  optimizes the on-course player experience.

“Averting player bottlenecks and improving performance with actionable data are testaments to the effectiveness of Tagmarshal technology,” said Benjamin Hoffine, Westchester Country Club.

“The system’s actionable data allows our team to be accurate, pre-emptive and proactive in their operational and on course management,” noted John Wittemore of Advanced Golf Partners.

During this critical period, Tagmarshal has continued to offer a specially-designed Season Recovery Program with a six-months no-payment start enabling golf courses, whether private, daily-fee access, resort or municipal facilities, to benefit from the advantages of Tagmarshal’s on-course optimization system. This allows a course to do more, with less resources and touch points, by improving on-course efficiency, providing full oversight and reporting, and data driven management, that results in cost saving. 

A trusted provider to the industry, Tagmarshal has integrations with all leading tee sheets and is in use by 30 of top 100 US clubs as well as over 250 middle of the road clubs, both private and $50 daily green fee facilities – who all aim to optimize for effective processes, increased revenue and savings as well as improved player experiences.

By WE ARE GOLF

5 May 2020

Three-Phase National Framework Aligned with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines

As part of an industry-wide collaboration to lead the responsible return of golf in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game’s allied organizations have established “Back2Golf,” a plan outlining operational guidelines for golf’s 16,000-plus facilities that adhere to nationally established protocols and best practices.

After review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), golf leaders and medical experts, the game’s national organizations have adopted a three-phase approach for golf’s careful reopening, focused on prolonged social distancing and enhanced sanitization practices. Using measures set by the CDC and The White House “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again” plan, the recommendations will progress at various paces depending on geographic location.

“The Back2Golf Playbook and Guidelines that the PGA of America and golf’s allied organizations have put together are both comprehensive in nature and, most importantly, layout a responsible way to get back on the golf course,” said Dr. Bradley Connor, clinical professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and an attending physician at the New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell campus.

“The guidelines emphasize social distancing and other preventative measures in alignment with the plan established by The White House and CDC. Golf is a terrific recreational outlet that offers a number of physical and mental health benefits.

“While we all must remain vigilant and continue to take precautions, this plan allows golf to be played in keeping with social distancing best practices,” Dr. Connor continued. “I applaud the golf industry for helping to be part of the solution to get us back outdoors in a healthy and responsible manner.”

This industry-wide initiative has been primarily focused on ensuring golf courses that have remained operational or will reopen soon, do so responsibly to protect golfers, employees and all members of the community. Each organization has distributed “Back2Golf Guidelines” and the corresponding “Operations Playbook” to its respective audiences to implement and administer. Updates will be made as interim guidance on COVID-19 is issued by the CDC.

“The importance of social distancing and responsible behavior during this pandemic has become a part of everyone’s daily life,” says Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, whose team took a leadership role in developing Back2Golf.

“Reopening golf responsibly under strict social distancing practices is something we can all unify behind. While we recognize there is no perfect solution and
various areas of the country will progress in these phases at a different pace, it is imperative that we reopen golf in a way that prioritizes the health and well being of the entire golf community.”

Back2Golf is driven by key stakeholders of WE ARE GOLF, a division of the World Golf Foundation created in 2010 to spearhead initiatives on behalf of the game. Organizations include PGA of America, USGA, PGA TOUR, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and Club Management Association of America (CMAA), among others.

“Golf inherently provides many health and fitness benefits, including the opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends, which is needed now more than ever,” says Greg McLaughlin, CEO of World Golf Foundation. “It is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing and the ‘Back2Golf’ guidelines. We greatly appreciate the collaboration between all the allied golf organizations. It represents another example of our industry coming together for the greater good as our game has done so many times before.”

For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org/back2golf.

Please share these tips, articles and insights, so that as many people as possible can benefit from #SafeGolf.

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Provide a safe environment for your players with the innovative NEW Social Distancing Monitor

Introducing the world class Social Distancing Monitor, a new tool from Tagmarshal that allows you to accurately and efficiently manage social distancing, creating an environment that is safe for your players.

This new tool was developed based on years of experience, with the release accelerated for the purpose of Social Distancing, due to the immediate need for player safety this season.

Designed to allow golf courses to accurately and proactively manage group distancing and flow of play during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Tagmarshal has made this tool available free of charge to all partners due to the timely need for player safety this season. 

The tool adds immediate value as most courses opening are operating with reduced resources, needing to do more, with less – while prioritizing player safety.

Tagmarshal’s Social Distancing Monitor will ensure:

• Player Safety with optimal safe social distances
• Accurate and Efficient Monitoring
• Social Distancing Reporting & Compliance
• Effective field flow and interval management

Learnings based on tracking over 10 million rounds of golf, as well as insights developed through working closely with several major tournaments, has guided the development of the Social Distancing Monitor. This practical tool will transform courses into safe spaces for players, as well as managing field flow effectively.

“The number one priority for golf course operators and PGA professionals is providing a safe playing environment. At the same time, operators this season have less staff and resources available. In an effort to support the industry in this challenging year, the Social Distancing Monitor will be provided immediately to Tagmarshal partners at no additional cost this season,” said Bodo Sieber, Co-Founder and CEO.

Please schedule a demo to find out more about the Social Distancing Monitor and how this will make a difference at your course this season.

Introducing the new Social Distancing Monitor, to help you manage player safety efficiently and accurately using Tagmarshal.

The number one priority for golf course operators is guaranteeing a safe playing environment – this tool makes that so much easier.  

Watch this video to learn how it works:

By Stephen Hennessey, Golf Digest

May 2020

Even as golf continues to recognize the importance of fun and playability in course design, the measure of championship-caliber golf is still a course’s Resistance to Scoring. How does a course defend par? And is it fair? These courses embody that measurement.

Resistance to Scoring is one of seven criteria we asked our 1,100 Golf Digest course-ranking panelists in the United States and Canada to evaluate in helping us determine our latest America’s 100 Greatest rankings. Using those same evaluations, we’ve determined our 20 Hardest Golf Courses in the United States. By definition, these are courses with the highest measure of difficulty — while still being fair — for a scratch player from the back set of tees.

For some of us, playing these courses every day would beat up our egos. But to play some of golf’s classic designs, the right mentality is just to just enjoy the loop. Otherwise, judging by these comments from our course-ranking panelists, you might be in for a long day. —Stephen Hennessey

Please click on the slideshow below to view the courses:

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Even though you know there’s room off the tee, you’re on edge — and your swing doesn’t flow as smooth as it normally does. This might be the ultimate mental test in golf.”

“Risk/reward decisions are not always clear from the tee giving the course a great deal of subtlety. That is the genius of Pine Valley: The irony that one of the biggest, burliest golf courses known to man is also perhaps its most subtle. A true thinking man’s golf course.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Errant shots will always be punished by Oakmont’s bunkers and rough. And the varied green complexes play extremely firm and fast — some of the toughest in the world.”

“The recent tree-removal program not only opened the course and made it more aesthetically pleasing, but now the trouble is right in front of you. Hard, penal and puts a premium on keeping the ball in the fairway on every hole.”

“This course wears you out. It’s the ultimate U.S. Open test because par is a good score on every hole. Brings single-digit handicappers to their knees. Oakmont makes you play defensive golf.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Tempting as it is, you’ll get in trouble on most holes if you don’t play toward the middle of the green. Knowledge of how every green breaks with its many undulations is vital to carding a good score.”

“This is a shotmaker’s course. In most cases, righties are required to hit a draw off a tee, then a fade into the green. You’ll use every club in the bag.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Corridors are narrow and greens are perched high with the most unforgiving set of bunkers imaginable. The slopes of the greens are second to few in the United States.”

“In mind, this is the ideal in terms of Resistance to Scoring. It can be brutally tough but still fair. A golf course that puts the challenge right in front of the player — daring you to pull off a skillful shot.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“You must drive it boldly and with length to find the proper angle in the fairway of getting it close to these pins. One of the toughest tests of golf in the world.”

“A complete exam on every aspect of your game: requires a variety of short-game shots, bunker plays and precision off the tee.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Proof that length isn’t a requirement for greatness and toughness — but unique design and creative angles does.”

“The difficulty despite the limited tip length of 6,550 is unbelievable. The last 4-5 holes are probably the best finish in golf. And honestly, how good are holes 16-18? Unlike any stretch in the world.”

“The course is simply magnificent. It is brutally tough, but fair and incredibly varied, but woven together so wonderfully.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“This must be the hardest but fairest courses I’ve ever played. Amazing design with no weak holes.”

“One of those courses where you don’t mind getting beat up from hole to hole — because you appreciate the design. What an exceptional layout.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“The Ocean Course demands confidence and commitment on every shot. As you’re enjoying the majestic views of the ocean and clubhouse, you’ll be tested like you’ve never been tested before.”

“When you stray off the beaten path, your ball is lost. The penalties are harsh so you better keep it in play.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“The wonderful slopes of the fairways and greens will test your accuracy. And once you’re on these restored Donald Ross greens, you certainly have work to do to get it home.”

“Don’t plan on scoring unless you’re hitting it close. It’s a huge challenge getting to the green with a number of fairway bunkers and tough rough. This is no picnic.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“A old-school, relentless test of golf. Oak Hill doesn’t let up for a single shot with relatively narrow fairways, enough length and water hazards to make things difficult.”

“Oak Hill East is quite frankly a beast. A magnificently maintained championship venue that is so hard it hurts.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Pete Dye set out to create the hardest course in the world. And with the normal conditions of heat and wind, he has succeeded. his club is the pinnacle of modern course design.”

“Around the greens, lesser players might think they’ve been to hell and back. But the beauty is, they’ll still come back for the experience.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Very little out of bounds: The trouble’s all in front of you. Deep rough off the fairways and right up to the green collars makes scoring tough.”

“The perfect golf-course terrain that provides a variety of challenges on each hole: Forced carries, uphill, downhill and many sidehill lies, punitive rough and deep bunkers.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Very muscular in its definition with elevation changes, raised greens, accentuated bunkers and deep rough. A tough test for championship golf.”

“You’ll find yourself on a bogey train if you’re not on top of your game.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“The views and wind, along with the intimidating bunkers, give Whistling Straits its character.”

“Using deceptive bunkering to alter sight lines off the tee makes this an excellent test of golf. The penalty for missing in the wrong spots are almost too severe.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:

“Every bit of a test of your entire bag as Pebble Beach is. And Spyglass will beat you up in ways that Pebble doesn’t.”

“Most greens are sloped back to front and require precise shotmaking. There’s no free pars given out here.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“I think this is Tom Fazio’s best work. An outstanding piece of property that plays really tough, but fair.”

“A true mix of targets, sometimes your target will be wide but the next hole it’ll be tight. Relax for a second and you’ll pay the price.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“The new renovation is outstanding. Previously, tee to green was a little boring, but now its full of excitement and angles to look at with the new waste areas.”

“Fast, firm and crowned Donald Ross green complexes provide the challenge here. Once again a great championship caliber test.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Vistas behind many of the holes make the experience worth it regardless of how you are playing.”

“Best collection of par 3s I’ve ever played. The green complexes are really good — they allow shots to run onto greens. But if you miss on either side, you’ll get to experience MacKenzie style bunkering!”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“TV doesn’t do justice to how small these greens are. You better come in with a high ball flight and some spin, or have a strategy for running it up, to get on in regulation.”

“The variety of hazards and hole lengths limit options and distance off the tee (e.g., the bunkering on the 4th, chasm on the 8th, dogleg on the 16th), dictating that the golfer often attack these small greens with a mid- to long-iron. Your long game better be on to score well.”

Golf Digest Panelists comments:
“Find yourself in these deep bunkers around the elevated greens and you’re ensuring yourself of a long day.”

“I was most impressed by the strategy required to navigate the par 5s. A variety of risk/rewards options making these holes quite interesting.”

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