As the golf industry continues to evolve, clubs are finding that golfers are seeking a more technology driven experience in their game. While some clubs are slower to adapt to changes within the industry, the ones who have implemented change have seen great success.
First American’s Justin Wolf, Director of Business Development, is an industry expert when it comes to golf course and club management. Below are his top three tips that every golf-focused ISV should know to stand out in this vertical.
Industry trends are impacting how ISVs service golf club partners.
Wolf says that clubs are looking for ways to increase the number of golfers that come out and play. “Course owner/operators need to make sure that their software has the ability to take online tee times and the capability for timely transactions at the point of sale,” Wolf said.
They should also provide multiple ways to take payments online, whether at the point of sale (physical register), on the course or online in an e-commerce environment.
“For golf clubs, making the most of customer experience is crucial for return play,” he added. “The real question that golf-focused ISVs need to be asking themselves is, ‘How is my software solution helping golf courses increase return visits?”
Never stop learning – ISVs need to keep up with technology trends and demands.
One of the best ways to stay ahead of the learning curve in all the sweeping change impacting the golf industry is through your vendor relationships. It’s a given that your golf-focused software needs payments functionality built-in. But who you partner with, and how well (or not) they know this industry can make all the difference.
First American is deeply entrenched in this vertical, putting us in a unique position to give your ISV valuable counsel about where the technology trends and demands are going, and how custom payment integrations can help you grow your business.
“Golf course management ISVs need to make sure they are partnered with a payment company that has the ability to allow for multiple types of transactions, but it doesn’t stop there,” Wolf said. “To break out from the pack, you should seek out a payments partner that can provide nimble, custom technologies that distinguish your software from competitors. Many will say they can do it, but do your homework and make sure they have the track record to back it up.
Golf course management software should meet millennial and Gen Z demand.
Golf course management software needs to keep up with the trends that millennials and Gen Z players are looking for – things like the ease of booking tee times and making online payments. “Time is of the essence when it comes to playing a round of golf and the average golfer doesn't have time to spend in the pro shop waiting for their payment to go through,” he said. “As newer generations take up the sport, there is an increasing expectation for on-demand type payments. These golfers want to be able to book a tee time though an online app. Similarly, they’d rather settle up a tab at the end of a round without having to make another stop at the bar.”
For more information about how your golf course management software can benefit from an integration with First American, contact Justin Wolf at Justin.Wolf@first-american.net.
