SamLeePodcast

The TechDrive Podcast discusses the link between the golf industry and technology. Digitization involves converting physical information to digital format, like online booking systems and mobile apps. Digital transformation leverages digitization to improve operations, such as using technology for golf equipment, tracking performance data, course design, maintenance, and virtual reality experiences. These advancements enhance the golfer's experience, convenience, and revenue for businesses in the industry. To join the podcast, email sam.lee@ghcc.co.nz. Welcome to the TechDrive Podcast. My name is Sam Lee, Director of Golf at Golf Club Country Club and a committee member of the Professional Golfers Association of New Zealand. Thank you for tuning in. This podcast is for you if you're a club professional or business leaders in the industry. TechDrive explores the link between the golf industry and technology development and how digital transformation and digitization influence businesses in the golf industry and provides recommendations to help you survive and thrive in the face of relentless change. So, what is digitization? My definition of digitization is converting information from physical to digital format. For example, booking systems in golf clubs in New Zealand now use LiveGolf, which is an online booking system to trade golf bookings allowing golfers to book, change and cancel their future golf rounds without calling the golf clubs and manually changing from the golf operations. Businesses can also digitize their business by developing mobile apps. Developing apps that provide users access to real-time information such as course conditions and weather updates can improve customer experience by providing essential information for round of golf. These apps can also allow golfers to book details and make payments through the app. A great example is the launch of digital school cards in early 2020, just before COVID-19 hit worldwide. When New Zealand went into lockdown, golf was allowed to be played under Level 3 restrictions. Golfers still wanted to keep a record of their scores without having a physical contact with the staff. Digital school card made this process simple where they could check in and ask the staff to simply provide them a digital school card, which is then sent to their phone using the app .golf. Golf New Zealand also recommended using the .golf digital school card for club events as the quickest and most effective way to collate the display results. Combined with the clubhouse leaderboard, it provides an excellent club solution for events. Lastly, digitalization helps membership management. A digital membership management system manages member records, tracks memberships, and communicates with members. For example, .golf system can manage member payments, provide reports on spending patterns, and member utilization of specificity and e-newsletters. Moving on to digital transformation, Burkett stated that digital transformation is leveraging digitalization to improve business processes. Burkett added that while digitalization carries positive connotations, digitalization does not. Digital transformation in golf clubs involves integrating technology to improve various aspects of golf clubs' operations from member management to course maintenance. Here are some examples of how golf clubs can embrace digital transformation. Golf equipment. Technology has led to the development of golf clubs, bowls, and other equipment designed to enhance performance. For example, Telemate Golf Company, a producer of normal driver on tour, has now surpassed the production of titanium drivers with even more lightweight materials such as carbon wood, delivering further distance for golfers, also allowing for more swing speed and better accuracy. Last year, Titleist Company produced RCT golf balls developed by Titleist Golf Ball R&D engineers. Titleist golf balls with radar capture technology are designed to enhance the data capture of launch conditions in an indoor environment and deliver the most accurate information possible, which has been very popular among indoor golf facilities. Technology has also enabled golfers and coaches to track and analyze data on their performance, allowing them to identify areas of improvement. For example, TrackMan, number one launch monitor, allows golfers to track data on swing speed, shot accuracy, and distance traveled, which then can be saved and sent to the coaches online. This data can be utilized to identify areas of improvement and develop more effective training plans. Previously, these processes were measured with coaches' feedback through observation, and the coaches had to be with the players. Technology has also allowed for more sophisticated course design and maintenance. For example, golf course architects can use course design software to create more challenging and visually upgrading courses. For example, 3D Nature's Visual Nature Studio software takes geographical data and course design drawings and turns them into photographic images. Finally, investing in virtual reality. Virtual reality allows golfers to experience courses more effectively. The technology development provides fans with a more engaging experience by allowing them to virtually follow tournaments and matches. For example, PGA Tour America, generating over 1 billion US dollars through hosting and televising PGA Tour events, provides a live scoring and tracking system through the website PGATour.com, which provides features of tracking where your favorite players are playing, how far the shot went, and how well the player is scoring on air. Overall, digital transformation in the golf industry has proven to help improve the golfer's experience and operational convenience and increase in revenue. With the help of technology, many businesses in the golf industry can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market and attract new customers. Thank you for listening, and if you'd like to join my podcast, please email sam.lee at ghcc.co.nz