Now, technology transforms the game again

By Kimberly Allen
Niche Publications Editor
Published: Monday, April 25, 2005

A golfer steps inside cart No. 44 and fires up the engine. Next, he reaches over to the computer monitor and turns it on. The screen flashes, then suddenly a map of Glynns Creek Golf Course appears on the screen.

Now that the golfer is ready, he puts the cart into gear and proceeds down the cart path to the first tee. His progress is charted on the screen. Suddenly, the large map disappears and is replaced with a map of just the first hole.

Life is now much easier for the golfer.

There will be no more guessing how far he is from the hole. He knows which way the course doglegs. He knows what lies over the next hill, where the water hazards and the sand bunkers are, and which way he should hit the ball to avoid landing in the trees.

It’s a new day in the world of golf thanks to the global positioning system.

Yes, the same technology being used to map roads, pinpoint military locations and help truckers reach their destinations is now being utilized on the golf course.

“(GPS is) a big benefit for us as the operators and it’s a big benefit for the players,” said John Valliere, head golf professional at the Long Grove, Iowa, course, found just north of Davenport.

The course contracted with GPS Industries to bring GPS to its players this spring. Each cart has its own monitor which shows the players detailed maps of the hole they’re playing as well as their distance from the hole.

Should a player want to check on a rule during play, all he needs to do is pull it up on the monitor. If he gets into medical trouble, he can notify the clubhouse with the push of a button.

Players may even keep track of their score on the monitor and have it printed out at the clubhouse at the end of the round.

As an added bonus, a CBS Sportsline info box flashes in the upper right corner of the screen keeping players abreast of the latest news in the sports world so they never need to call the clubhouse on their cell phones for the latest scores again.

When a player reaches the ninth tee box, another screen will appear providing the players with an opportunity to place a food order.

“That way when they walk off the green, their meal is there waiting for them at the clubhouse,” said Valliere.

While these things make life easier for the player, the GPS system also provides a way for the course’s staff to communicate with the players as well. This is done through a central computer monitor in the clubhouse which can transmit messages to any or all of the carts.

“Say we have a storm blow up, we can punch in a message here to all the carts out on the course and let them know they need to come back in right away,” said Valliere. “The nice thing about it is that message stays there until the players acknowledge it.”

Glynns Creek’s staff also can use GPS to track where each cart goes and how fast the players are moving along the fairway. Should a player drive off the cart path, the staff can send them a reminder that they need to stay on it. Should a player not be playing fast enough and hindering the speed of play of others on the course, the staff can send a message to encourage him to speed up his play.

“We can trace each footstep throughout the day that they make,” said Valliere.

“Slow play is a big concern with us, the operators, especially when we’re really busy. ... This way we can make sure everyone gets done at a reasonable rate.”

GPS also can be utilized during group outings and tournaments to keep everyone abreast of what is going on by updating a live leader board.

To contact Glynns Creek, call (563) 328-3284 or visit www.glynnscreek.com.