One of the major recent events in the golf club software market was the long term agreement between BRSGolf and Club Systems International to commit to a long term partnership including a commitment to fully integrate their products, writes Charles de Haan.
Phase One of this integration has been completed and over 110 clubs are now enjoying the benefits. This phase of the integration includes synchronisation of the membership data between BRSGolf and the Club Systems Membership System, so that a golf club’s staff only has to maintain one database. It also includes synchronising BRS with the Club Systems website product so that the calendar on the website is kept up to date at all times, and there is only one login ie. when the member logs into the website, it logs them into BRS automatically.
Furthermore, Phase Two of the integration between BRSGolf and Club Systems’ Competitions and Handicap software and their EPoS system is also well under way.
The completion of the first phase may not seem much, but according to Mark Stewart, manager at the Kingswood GC in Surrey, it’s a major achievement with huge benefits, as he explains. “About a month ago, we installed the updated and integrated system. Out of 650 members whose details we held in the Club Systems’ Membership software, it was a relief to know there were only 15 or so whose data was flagged up to be double checked due to differences between the information held by Club and that held by BRS.”
“In our particular case, there were several benefits. First and foremost, it’s great to know that everything in Club Systems is now the same as that held in BRS database-wise, especially as we knew the BRS system had many more up to date e-mail addresses. Next, a lot of our members use online tee time booking for competitions, but of course there are quite a few members that don’t do things online. Now online or otherwise, all their details are all up to date on one database. Of our 650 members, there 570 or so that have e-mail addresses, and it’s great to know they are all the latest addresses.
“This has already made a big difference in terms of our membership communications. I send out an update about forthcoming events on the Friday of every week and with competitions on most weekends, we used to see at least a handful of no shows each time. This would mean some two balls playing in amongst three balls, which wasn’t ideal.”
“Now, I send out a list of all those booked and entered for a competition 24 hours prior to the start as a gentle reminder. So now it’s really easy for our members to check, as they may have forgotten they booked 4-6 weeks back, or that one of their mates did it for them, etc. The net result is that the BRSGolf and CSi integration has indirectly helped reduce the no shows to just one or two for all of the last 12 competitions, and with around 80 or so competing, that all helps to smooth out the pace of play, increase the prize fund and reduce the hassle. And our members absolutely love the additional communication about their tee times as well.
“This integration adds up to one really great system, and one that has enhanced an already high level of membership communication from the club. The male members love it as they can log on at work and book, and then on the Friday before get an e-mail from me with the link to the start sheet. We’re also seeing an additional 5-6 players entering at the last minute as well, which all helps the buzz on the day in terms of numbers. So yes, all in all, this integration between the two biggest players in the market is just what the mangers wanted, and it’s working an absolute treat as far as we’re concerned.”
BRSGolf www.brsgolf.com
Club Systems International www.club2000.co.uk