In coming weeks, you will no doubt hear about changes coming to the technology used to enhance your golf experience.
Those changes stem from Golf Australia undertaking a major digital transformation that includes the transition away from the 25-year-old GOLF Link platform to a new system called Golf Australia CONNECT.
This new platform will provide enhanced technology services to more than 1,900 golf clubs and venues, and Australia’s 450,000-plus golf club members.
For golfers, there will be two key changes coming from October 2 later this year.
The first of these will be the introduction of the new Official Golf Australia Official App which will replace the existing GA Handicap App. The new app will retain the existing handicap lookup feature and introduce a range of exciting new tools to enhance the golfer experience.
The new mobile app will be available via either the Apple App or Google Play stores from October 2. Further instructions on how to move from the old to the new mobile app will be provided to both clubs and golfers in the weeks leading up to the transition.
For those golfers that use apps through Licensed Software Providers (LSPs), such as MiClub, SimpleGolf, Golf Magic, Pulse Club, Golf Genius and GolfBox, you will be able to continue to use these apps just as you do now.
Secondly, there will be a new portal to access your GA Handicap. This will be done via Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia’s new website, GOLF.com.au which goes live on October 2. Through your account, you will be able to view and track your handicap in a streamlined and highly functional new dashboard.
Prior to the October 2 transition, the only thing you need to do is check your existing golf.org.au account details are up to date.
If you don’t already have an online account, and you wish to view your handicap history online or use the new GA App following the transition, you will need to create an account at golf.org.au.
From October 2, golf.org.au will automatically redirect to the new GOLF.com.au website.
In order to undertake the transition effectively, Golf Australia has advised all clubs and venues there will be an offline period from the evening of September 28 through to October 2. During this short period, rounds of golf played will not be able to be handicapped or submitted to the portal.
While some clubs will regain access to the new platform from October 2, up to two weeks will be required for clubs affiliated with MiClub to fully integrate into the platform and provide their respective clubs with handicap functions.
These new handicap and club management solutions have been developed by Golf Australia in partnership with DotGolf, a golf technology company co-owned by The R&A and Golf New Zealand.
DotGolf has significant experience in providing golf technology services including handicapping management to golfers and golf clubs in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and New Zealand.
As with any major technology transition, there will be some key initial steps for users – principally golf clubs and their members – to help facilitate the change to the new system.
Golf Australia’s ambition is to ensure these transitional steps are simple and kept to a minimum. Two key steps are being taken to assist golfers with the change. Firstly, Golf Australia has been recruiting Golfer Onboarding Champions from clubs who will be on the ground from October 2 to assist their fellow club members with any transition issues.
Secondly, we will be significantly expanding resources for our own Golf Australia Helpdesk to provide direct support to golfers.
In the meantime, if you want to know a little more about this technological transition, Golf Australia has developed an online Golfer Information Guide. You can access this guide here: https://golf-australia-connect-club-guide.my.canva.site/golf-australia-connect-golfer-information-guide.
This is an important project for golf around Australia. Golf Australia is excited about the benefits that will eventually flow to its clubs, facilities, golfers and golf fans.
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