The UK Golf Federation has partnered with fibodo, the booking software specialists, to provide the two million independent golfers throughout the UK with an official handicap through a brand new free digital platform, ‘UK GOLF’.
Through the new platform, golfers who are not members of golf clubs will be able to obtain a free official handicap and access it via the web, mobile or App. Joining UK GOLF will also give golfers a range of unique features designed to help increase their enjoyment in the game, as well as boosting visitor revenue for golf clubs across the whole of the UK.
UK GOLF is now open for club registrations, with the platform available to independent golfers from early July. Subject to third party tee sheet integrations, golf clubs will soon be able to promote their tee sheet inventory, take bookings, and boost green fee revenues through UK GOLF users.
Richard Haygarth, chairman of the UK Golf Federation and multi-site golf operator said: “I have long believed that players who have a handicap are much more likely to keep playing golf. Clubs have known for many years that one of the unique aspects of golf is the fact that golfers of widely differing abilities can compete with each other through the handicap system.
“Golf is a very social game, bringing a huge range of people together and the social aspect keeps people coming back. The fact that the UK GOLF free official handicap will now be available to all golfers for life can really help keep people playing golf. This is a massive step forward for the game of golf in the UK.”
Anthony Franklin, Managing Director of fibodo, added: “It’s so inspiring to see the UK Golf Federation using technology to improve the game of golf for every golfer and independent course across the UK. Today, golfers of every age group expect more from every brand they deal with, including golf courses. Inclusive clubs and organisations that embrace new technologies to engage better with golfers can only thrive with these incredible value-added services.
“UK GOLF’s free for life handicap will encourage more people to play more often at their local and far off courses with friends, family and groups. It’s a significant step forward, supporting the golfer to improve their game and golf courses to increase revenues from a more active golf community, everyone benefits from this.”