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 2nd
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 & MiScore (KCGC’s current provider), you will 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. Members should note that KCGC will be
running competition play during this period, but no handicapping will take
place until we are notified by our provider MiClub that we are able to do so. NB.
No competition rounds can be retrospectively handicapped once we come back
online with Golf Connect.
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.
We are reviewing the golfing
calendar with this offline period in mind. 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.
GA 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: 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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