WILL THE NEW SHOT CLOCK FORMAT BE THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF IMPROVEMENT TO THE GAME OF GOLF?

The Shot Clock Masters, hosted by the European Tour at the beautiful Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg, Austria, was marked as the first tournament in professional golf to use a shot clock on every stroke, with the intent of showcasing golf played at a faster pace.

A brief explanation of the format: If a player was the first in their group to play an approach shot, chip or putt into a green, they were given 50 seconds. The players that followed were then given 40 seconds to play their shots. On par 4s and 5s Tee shots were also restricted to 40 seconds. As you’ve probably figured out, failure to complete a shot in the allotted time resulted in a penalty stroke. Clocks were set up on carts to illustrate each player’s countdown – these were subjectively triggered by the marshals assigned to every group.

Now obviously I have a vested interest in the pace management space but I was thoroughly impressed by the spectacle and concept. It certainly was entertaining to watch!

The format created a heightened sense of urgency akin to that courtside at your regular NBA franchise game. Additionally, the round times clocked by golfers improved dramatically; +/- 40 mins on average.

I can totally see room for select applications of this type of format on the professional circuit – perhaps a few adjustments here or there – for one, if you are going to put the effort into staging such an event why not turn up the heat a little and cut that 40 seconds in half. And whilst we’re in the racy mood why not put some time par pressure on each hole as well?

Falling behind are you, Mr. Mickelson…WHAM, red card – you’re out of here! I want to watch sub 2….or dare I even say sub 90 min rounds!

Do I see all major tour events adopting this type of format though? Certainly not.

Whilst I enjoy the notion of stopwatches, red cards and penalty strokes I am not sure if the Puritans of the sport would appreciate its application on the hallowed fairways of Carnoustie or Augusta. But then again… maybe that’s what’ll be needed in a post-Tiger world in order to retain viewer interest?

The other major impediment to full-scale adoption is the cost. The dollars required to support the system of clocks, display monitors and course marshals whilst balancing the synchronization of penalties with scoreboards and live broadcasts is prohibitive.

Whilst these challenges might be something the deep-pocketed treasurers of the European or PGA tours can overcome for a handful of events, the proverbial adage, “the juice just ain’t worth the squeeze” may ring true for mainstream competition.

More importantly, is the format going to impact the golf industries broader slow play effort?

Given the media coverage events of this nature will surely generate, I think the professional game may begin to set a healthier example for amateur golf lovers to follow – but I can’t see a viable way of implementing the format (or a variation of it) during regular Saturday play where field sizes regularly top +140 players. Nor do I think the game’s traditional base would want to push themselves to the extent this type of gamification promotes every time they tee it up.

Think about it; how would one discern when to start the shot clock on every tee box, for every player… on every shot? Where would practice swings or delays caused by the groups ahead be factored in? And who would assess penalties accurately and consistently?

No, there would need to be a considerable technological advancement in the realms of shot tracking, pace measurement and live scoring to make it work…. but maybe therein lies an opportunity?

That doesn’t mean the game shouldn’t be adopting technologies already out there to measure and improve experiences for its regular patrons. To the contrary in fact – creating a superior playing experience for this generation of golfers and thereby keeping them engaged is vitally important.

In order to manage the enjoyment and quality of their product, the game’s organizers and course operators have to start augmenting historic methods, embracing tech-based tools available to them in a considerate way while remaining respectful to the game’s traditions. Nowhere is this more necessary than in the area of on-course management and course flow i.e. pace management strategies.

Spoiler Alert: I am about to speak to my book!

A smart option would be to consider exploring Tagmarshal’s golf course intelligence system.

To address one of golf’s biggest challenges, SLOW PLAY, and to keep on track of on-course management, all whilst gathering up-to-date analytics and realizing substantial ROI, global courses are turning to Tagmarshal.

Its impact on experience is almost immediate; as are the gains in efficiency through the use of the system’s actionable data and intuitive technology. Easy-to-use pace analytics, weather data integration, and geo-fencing complete the offering.

Product punt over!

Do you have any thoughts on new formats or the changes for the modern game? How does your golf course set, monitor, and evaluate individual on-course flow and or pace goals?

I’d love to hear from you: craig.kleu@tagmarshal.com

About the author

Craig Kleu, COO, and Co-founder of Tagmarshal.

A passionate golfer, Craig was inspired to create a smart technology solution to benefit course operators and golf players alike. More than our Operations Director, Craig maintains the soul of a customer success manager for Tagmarshal.

NEW FEATURE RELEASE: PACE ALERTS

Pace Alerts allows you to manage your course pace remotely by receiving pop-ups, text messages, e-mail notifications or even a phone call every time a group out on the course falls out of position by a certain margin.

Tagmarshal’s unrivaled technology is the only system in the world that can actively track the real-time pace of play, distinguishing between delayed and slow golfers.

Using created pace-of-play profiles for individuals, this new feature tracks the movements of player groups, evaluating their progress and playing time, initiating automated pace alerts to highlight potential slow-play bottlenecks.

 Through innovative golf course intelligence, golf operators now have access to data-driven technology that can, with a click of a button, help manage the field flow effectively for an even better operational and player experience.

How does this feature work?

• Found in the Profile Management Portal, along with other alert types, users can select any desired notification threshold, usually about 15 minutes
• Should a group go beyond the threshold an alert will be sent to notify you immediately
• Select how you wish to be notified, whether it be by e-mail notification, a pop-up message or an automated call

Feature Benefits:

• Track the movements of player groups, evaluating their progress and playing time and receive automatic alerts to highlight potential slow-play bottlenecks
• Direct your attention and that of your Marshals to highlighted potential
  slow-play groups in real time
• Pop-up notifications to allow you to view round track maps directly
• Improve the golfing experience of your patrons by ensuring an efficient field flow

What is Tagmarshal?

Tagmarshal, the industry trusted Golf Course Intelligence system achieves results across daily fee, private and resort facilities that offer cart, walking or dual mobility. Improved operational efficiencies, improved and consistent pace of play, additional revenue, and a better golf experiences are the objectives course owners and managers successfully target with the system.

NEW FEATURE RELEASE: ALERTS PANEL

Introducing the new Alerts Panel feature which users can now track and monitor, in real-time, notes made by Marshals, together with geofence breaches, shotgun notifications and much more. 

With a single click, users can now acknowledge these notifications allowing you to focus on those relevant to your user profile, or filter by notification type or date.

The threat of inconsistent player experiences is constantly on the golf operators mind. With this added feature, they can now pinpoint and prioritize the ineffective pace-of-play and flow management, pre-emptively addressing this critical golfer experience challenge and by providing non-confrontational support.

Do more with our smarter, self-service features and automated capabilities, and uncover new-found opportunities for an added on-course experience.

How does this feature work?

• By navigating to the notifications icon you will be able to view alerts pertinent to your user class such as geofence breaches, marshal notes or system alerts
• By filtering the date, Marshals can locate any historical alerts or filter into the exact class of alerts
• This allows Marshals to make notes and prioritize which geofence is being breached the most so that preventive measures can be implemented 

Feature Benefits:

• Monitor your Marshal notes, geofence breaches, shotgun notifications and much more from the Alerts Panel
• Acknowledge all necessary notifications with one click, allowing you to focus on those pertinent to your user profile
• Filter by notification type or date
• Provide positive, non-confrontational golfer assistance for an invaluable on-course experience

What is Tagmarshal?

Tagmarshal, the industry trusted Golf Course Intelligence system achieves results across daily fee, private and resort facilities that offer cart, walking or dual mobility. Improved operational efficiencies, improved and consistent pace of play, additional revenue, and a better golf experience are the objective of course owners and managers successfully target with the system.

The Golf Club Radio Show talks with Bodo Sieber on golf course management technology

Tagmarshal’s CEO and co-founder, Bodo Sieber, was featured on The Golf Club Show with Danielle Tucker, discussing golf course management technology and how Tagmarshal is placing a positive outlook on pace-of-play and player experiences.

Danielle and Bodo discuss the science of consistent player experiences and how by making the most of technology and connection-first processes can improve on-course successes.

Danielle Tucker grew up in Hawaii where she established her radio broadcast career. Tucker’s The Golf Club™ has been broadcasting from Hawaii since 1999, exploring topics in the LPGA, PGA, golf equipment and golf operations industries to name a few.

Listen to the full conversation here:

Tagmarshal Unveiled At Hyatt Hills Golf Complex To Augment Golfer Experience

(CLARK, N.J.) – Tagmarshal – The golf course intelligence and pace-of-play system used by golf courses, country clubs and resorts globally – has been unveiled at Hyatt Hills Golf Complex, which features a scenic nine-hole golf course offering a mix of pars, lengths, and doglegs.

The public 3,350-yard facility, managed by Billy Casper Golf, boasts a beautiful landscape and is a popular destination providing fun challenges for golfers of all experience levels. The challenging 500-yard par-5 No. 2 beckons players to avoid a large bunker positioned on the right if they are to reach the well-guarded green in two shots. Holes no. 6, 7 and 8 present a stirring stretch as golfers must play around and over a large pond on the course’s homage to “Amen Corner.”

“We are always cognizant of the player experience and enabling a golf course management system to enhance it was a no-brainer,” says Justin Dupuis, PGA, General Manager at Hyatt Hills Golf Complex. “Implementing the Tagmarshal system has allowed us to manage the course in a holistic manner as it provides us relevant data points on how the course is operating over time.”

Recent installments of the system across the country have created 70 percent of rounds being played on pace or within five minutes of target goal times. Top-ranked courses trusting Tagmarshal include Carnoustie Golf (The 2018 Open Championship), Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (2019 U.S Amateur Championship), The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (2021 PGA Championship), Whistling Straits (2020 Ryder Cup), Erin Hills (2017 U.S. Open), East Lake (2017 TOUR Championship), Valhalla (PGA Championship 2014), and more.

“Tagmarshal empowers golf course superintendents in a variety of vital ways,” says Bodo Sieber, CEO of Tagmarshal. “The system effectively manages pace of play through a software-based solution that reduces average round times, increases efficiency and unlocks incremental profit for courses.”

Partnering with Tagmarshal positions courses as industry leaders, giving them proven operational efficiencies, while superintendents use the real-time data to better manage pin placements, wear patterns and hole set-ups.

About Hyatt Hills Golf Complex

Located in Clark, N.J., Hyatt Hills Golf Complex has been designed as a first-rate, public golf facility, consisting of a nine-hole course, an elegant, full-service clubhouse, a driving range, putting green, and an eighteen-hole miniature golf course. The driving range is ideal for year-round game improvement with 50 hitting stations, 11 of which are covered and heated. The miniature golf course, known as Mt. Hyatt, includes a picturesque waterfall, wandering streams and stepping ponds. These attractions create a diverse atmosphere for serious and recreational golfers as well as families looking for a destination to spend an enjoyable day.

More information:  hyatthills.com, 732.669.9100

About Billy Casper Golf

Billy Casper Golf is one of the largest privately owned golf course management companies in the U.S., with nearly 150 properties in 29 states. Headquartered in Reston, Va. – with regional offices across America – BCG has more than 25 years of results-driven expertise. The company specializes in full-service course management as well as assistance in specific segments of the golf business, including course and property maintenance, staffing and training, career growth, clubhouse operations, food, and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.

BCG continues to evolve the golf experience through customized solutions and innovative programs like the annual World’s Largest Golf Outing – a national golf fundraiser conceived by BCG Chairman and CEO Peter Hill. The company recently launched its newest management solution, Billy Casper Signature, as a boutique division focused on country club, resort, and private club management.

More information:  billycaspergolf.com, 725.333.7354

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Tagmarshal is looking for existing users to assist with beta testing on our latest private builds

At Tagmarshal, our technology roadmap continues to remain our top priority as we are mindful of the ever-growing trust our course partners are placing in us. We continue to develop intelligent data-driven solutions for golf course optimization and pace management to provide invaluable insights for an exceptional on-course experience.

Our continuous improvements, updates and innovative, first-to-market solutions ensures we meet the expectations in this emerging market.

It is for this reason we are looking for existing Tagmarshal users with all sorts of golfing backgrounds to join our beta testing community and provide feedback to help shape and improve new features of our technology before they are launched to the public.

There’s no technology related experience required!