A groundbreaking research project commissioned by leading trade bodies within the golf club industry has released a report offering national data and insights on how golf clubs in the UK and Ireland are using golf software technology.

Commissioned in July 2024 by the Golf Club Managers Association, The Golf Club Secretary, Scottish Golf Club Managers Association, UK Golf Federation and Club Management Association of Ireland, the research project surveyed 134 golf club managers on various aspects relating to the use and performance of software technology at their golf clubs.

The survey was developed by golf survey and insights specialists Players 1st in consultation with Golf Genius, a leading independent software vendor in the UK & Ireland as well as other international markets.

“The questions were designed by our industry experts to showcase the willingness of stakeholders to increase their knowledge of the technology landscape, but also to lift the lid on the service supplied by software providers”, said Morten Bisgaard, Chief Executive Officer of Players 1st. “The results show a strong demand to use software to improve the member experience through operational efficiency, which is possible only when the right infrastructure is in place to support the decision makers at these golf clubs.”

The ambition of the research project was to isolate where suppliers can better support golf clubs with their software choices, using reliable data to gauge the service provided within the ISV market. Key takeaways from the report include the average implementation time of new software at golf clubs, the willingness of suppliers to improve their product, and the value for money among software solutions.

Craig Higgs, Managing Director at Golf Genius International, commented: “To create the best possible software environment for any given golf club, it was important to survey what golf clubs were currently using in their set-up and understand their attitudes towards that technology.

“We want golf club managers to be fully informed and receive excellent service from their providers. This view is shared among the associations involved in the research project and justifies the demand for a comprehensive report, not only to find reliable information, but to follow up with options and develop a more sustainable supply environment.”

To view and download the full report, please click here.