First off – what do we mean by personalisation?

personalisation
/pəːs(ə)n(ə)lʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
1. The action of designing or producing something to meet someone’s individual requirements

In our context then this basically means creating a tournament experience that is tailored to its specific requirements and as relevant to its organisers/administrators as possible – all of which results in a more valuable and tailored experience for the event’s participants as well, understanding who they are and what they want.

Every event is different – even a typical 3-round Pro-Am can have a huge number of differences to another, which is exactly why personalisation is at the heart of Golf Genius’ TMS, with the capabilities to customise any event, anywhere, at any time.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PERSONALISE THE EVENT TO THE ORGANISER’S NEEDS?

Event App
This is the participant-facing app. Golf Genius allows for this to be customised on an account-by-account basis – where the layout, design and menu can be unique to each event and its organisers [and therefore to its participants].

Event Portal
This includes a website that is generated for each event, allowing customers to create their own custom web portals. Common content you would see on here are results & live leaderboards, tee times, registration, photo galleries, news feeds and more, all of which are customised to an event’s needs.

Mobile app pages
When using live scoring, an organiser can create up to 18 different pages (adverts) that can appear once a hole is finished. It allows users to advertise promotional offers and events within their organisation, as well as on course tournaments – such as longest drives and nearest the pins. Organisers can even monetise this system by using these spaces for commercial partners’ adverts.

Scorecards
Golf Genius gives the user the flexibility to produce both physical and digital scorecards for any type of format – individual, pairs, scramble, 6/6/6 – you name it! Once a customer designs their scorecard, GG will save it in their tournament library to be used time and time again. Scorecards are a great place to add logos and colours to help brand golf events – front and back, whilst digital scorecards give participants a full, contactless, live scoring experience.

TV Leaderboards
TV Shows allow customers to upload their own content that will run parallel to their competition leaderboards that can be displayed on any internet-ready device or TV, and can include adverts, YouTube videos or pictures.

WHY IS THIS BENEFICIAL TO THE ORGANISER AND THE PARTICIPANT?

1.
Love your customers and they will love your events – A system that is personalised and relevant to your needs as an organiser will only help increase the recognition and loyalty of your participants as you can make every element perfect and relevant to them.

2.
Customers expect it – In this day and age your participants will expect to have something tailored to their needs. Increase engagement and ‘stickiness’ – the ability for organisers to tailor everything to their and their participant’s needs will help foster engagement with participants before, during and after events, plus will increase how sticky the system is – i.e. help keep them coming back for more.

3.
Create a frictionless experience – Reducing the time and effort for the participant with personalisations relevant to how they use the system will increase their satisfaction overall – in fact over 50% of consumers agree that their satisfaction improves when experiences are personalised to their needs.

4.
Increase conversions [entries] – A well designed and personalised user experience could increase conversions from purely interest to actual event entries by anything up to 200-400% helping to make your events more viable and valuable.

Find out more about the most widely used and fully featured Tournament Management System available today at GolfGenius.com/tm and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com to get your Golf Genius account

With an unrivalled set of features, innovative technology, and outstanding support, Golf Genius helps organisers offer outstanding branded tournaments, while delivering the back-end functionality to dramatically reduce set-up time and laborious tasks.

Golfing Days and NGL Golf, two of the leading specialist event providers in the market, have utilised Golf Genius’ software to organise and manage their corporate events, pro-am’s and society golf events for their portfolio of clients.

Mark Hatton, Founder & CEO of Golfing Days, commented: “We offer all types of events to avid golfers, from holidays, to pro-am’s, open events, corporate golf and more. We’ve built our reputation on delivering exceptional, tailor-made golf events, here in the UK and overseas, and for us, the Golf Genius system is a game-changer.”

“In the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, we were cautious about how events would work, but with the support and innovation of Golf Genius, we were able to keep our roundage high and deliver some of our most notable events like The National Golf Club Team Championship.”

Director of NGL Golf, Rob Cooper added: “As one of the earliest adopters of technology within corporate golf events, Golf Genius has been the perfect fit for us. We were amongst the first to bring in Golf Genius and have developed a very strong relationship in the years since.

“We are passionate about creating industry-leading events for our corporate golf clients and Golf Genius supports us with our event management, registration portals, branding, scoring and our unique Electronic Scoreboard Tournament Office, which also integrates seamlessly with the software.

“There is still some hesitation in the market about returning to corporate golf, but with Golf Genius we have the offering to make it easy and deliver great experiences that keep our clients coming back.

Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius International commented: “Running great golf events is all about delivering over and above on client expectations.

“With continual product development, we’ve been able to bring in new technology on our roadmap to digitisation and offer a product offering that can support event providers in running any type of event.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Golf Genius, contact the international team at intlsales@golfgenius.com.

PING Apparel continue to expand their Spring/Summer range, showcasing their commitment to supporting the women’s game. Building off success from previous years, the new range becomes their largest to date and gives women the opportunity to choose from a variety of garments – with outfit choice and versatility at the forefront.

With four brand new print stories and head-to-toe products across a variety of colours and patterns, the new range offers increased choice to women golfers and supplements the performance driven engineering of all the garments within the range.

The first print collection is the Split Ball Polka Dot – drawing inspiration from the iconic PING two-tone split golf balls. This fun, polka dot print design is kept simple and stylish with a palette of black, white and the on-trend, calming tone, Cool Lilac.

The Laguna Beach collection is made up of a textured print, which is inspired by the underwater world. With a punchy, fresh print that uses impactful colours, the collection combines aqua tones and contrasting hot Flamingo pink. This palette can also be offset with navy and white as a classic base.

The Mono Flower print collection incorporates a timeless floral print, updated with a stencil effect design, using mono tones and a highlight of Cool Lilac for a striking effect. Embodying both a crisp coolness and a soft femininity, the Cool Lilac evokes a sense of serenity and balance – the perfect combination for a flattering look both on and off-course.

Finally, the Op-Art print collection completes the four print stories and is designed to create a statement for those looking for a bolder look, with graphic lines and shapes to bring some psychedelic sophistication to this abstract print collection. The placement of the print detail elegantly emerges from the bottom, allowing the entire print to be appreciated even when tucked into complimentary garments.

This season see’s the introduction of the Carla dress, engineered for comfort and freedom of movement out on the course. With SensorCool® technology, female golfers can be confident they can play their best in this flattering, yet technically impressive garment. With an open ribbed V-neck and mandarin style collar for a feminine feel, as well as detachable undershorts, this dress provides an incredibly modest and graceful look.

Furthermore, the collection has an impressive variety of trousers – with a fit and style to suit all golfers. The Vic is a new addition to the trouser offering, cut in a sophisticated 7/8 length. This style features an elastic waistband detail at the back and is finished with pressed creased fronts to provide a smart, tailored silhouette – the perfect modern golf trouser for the summer season.

This new addition joins an already successful collection of trousers, including the contemporary slim leg Verity trouser, which has a four-way stretch fabric for superior comfort and freedom of movement. The Margo trouser is another popular choice, offering a classic silhouette using SensorCool® cotton for refined performance and stretch.

FIND OUT MORE AT PINGEUROPE.COM

The Split Ball capsule draws inspiration from the classic two-tone golf ball design that PING founder, Karsten Solheim, first introduced in 1983. The capsule consists of a range of performance garments that feature colours, patterns and prints that pay tribute to the iconic two-tone golf ball.

The second capsule pays homage to the iconic Mr. PING logo, a widely recognised symbolic figure within the golf industry that was originally crafted in clay by a young John A. Solheim in 1967. The SS23 men’s collection encompasses this quintessential symbol within a curated capsule of technical polos, shorts and coordinating accessories, all featuring this whimsical caricature of a golfer.

In conjunction with these key heritage themes, the collection introduces three new colour stories for the season, all of which offer a refreshed look, with the opportunity for outfit building.

The first colour story is Fusion; the inclusion of fresh spring blues help to create classic head-to-toe looks, which are inspired by the iconic PING split ball colour combinations. A collection of classic blue shades, Danube and Infinity Blue, in addition to a vibrant Poppy, adds energy to this print story.

The second colour story see’s the return to greens; Evergreen. This sophisticated palette includes the new shades, Everglade and Aquarius, that work together, or as individual solid colours. This modern green colour story provides a strong on-course look with a technical edge.

The final colour story is Revival; with pastel colours remaining relevant for the spring season and feature at the core of this fresh palette. Trending shades, Cool Lilac and Violet, create a calming, neutral feel with polos and easy-to-wear shorts offering high summer options for warmer climates.

The choice and depth within the range is expansive, with the trouser offering in particular expanding to suit the needs and taste of every golfer. Three trouser styles now make up the collection, offering more silhouettes and fabrics. New for SS23 is the PING Tour Trouser; a tapered leg performance trouser that is cut to fit loosely around the hips and thighs and tapered to a slim fit from the knee down to the hem, to create a sophisticated and modern look. This new style utilises an innovative four-way stretch knitted fabric, offering golfers ultimate freedom of movement in an on-trend modern silhouette.

New accessories further compliment the range to help build colour coordinating outfits, thanks to a wider range of caps, a new PING Stamp Reversible Belt, which has a sleek gunmetal finish, and additional socks that are engineered from SensorCool® fabric technology and are ergonomically fit.

FIND OUT MORE AT PINGEUROPE.COM

PING have announced the introduction of the ChipR, a fully-engineered short-game solution that combines elements of a putter and wedge to help golfer’s improve performance around the greens.

The PING ChipR is available for custom fitting and pre-sell beginning today at authorised PING golf shops around the world.

The investment-cast, 431 stainless steel club is inspired by the PING Chipo, introduced by PING Founder Karsten Solheim in the late 1970s for golfers who lacked confidence with a traditional wedge and frequently struggled around the green.

“Golfers who fear chunking or blading their chip shots are really going to benefit from the new PING ChipR,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President. “We’ve learned a lot since my grandfather, Karsten Solheim, invented the Chipo, but his insights were spot on as always. Our research indicates 1/3 of golfers who tested the ChipR saw better results compared to a traditional wedge. We’ve engineered a lot of technology into the ChipR to help golfers avoid the poor chip shot and save strokes around the green. It represents another score-lowering option from our engineers for golfers in search of game improvement and more enjoyment on the golf course.”

With the length of a putter (35”) and a loft closer to a 9-iron (38.5°), the ChipR is designed to be used on shots of 40 yards or less around the green with a putting-like stroke, resulting in bump-and-run style shots that ensure the distance control and consistency that leads to shorter putts.

“Applying a putting-style stroke takes a lot of the margin for error out of chip shots and is more comfortable for a lot of golfers,” Solheim said. “Knowing that, we’re building the ChipR at our standard putter length and lie angle to make setting up to the ball easier while providing the right amount of loft to get the ball in the air and eventually rolling closer to the hole. We recommend applying the same amount of force for a putt of the same distance. A lot of golfers will be amazed at how easy it is to use and more importantly, the number of strokes they’ll be saving.”

The ChipR’s compact size and shallow face combine with the cambered sole to optimize performance and provide versatility from the rough and fringe. The precision milled MicroMax grooves deliver consistent and predictable trajectories for improved control.

“We designed the ChipR to fit seamlessly into a golfer’s set,” Solheim said. “Whether they replace an existing wedge or another club in their bag, it’s a tremendous option to save strokes around the green. Just like all our clubs, it’s forgiving and can be custom fit and custom built to match the needs of the player. We’re excited to get it into golfer’s hands so they can share their results with us and their playing partners can ask them how their short game got so good.”

PING ChipR Specifications

Material/Manufacturing Process: Investment-cast 431 stainless steel head; composite cavity badge; tungsten toe/shaft weights; precision-milled MicroMax face and grooves; hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish

STD. LOFT/BOUNCE: 38.50°/8°

STD. LENGTH: 35” (available in custom lengths)

STD. LIE: 70° (avialable in 10 PING Color Codes)

STOCK SHAFTS: Steel: PING Z-Z115 wedge; Graphite: PING Alta CB Slate (R)

STOCK GRIP: 360 Dyla-wedge Lite Grip (3/4” longer than traditional grip)

RRP : £160 (steel), £170 (graphite)

FIND OUT MORE AT PINGEUROPE.COM

“Viktor is a great fit for the PING brand. He’s an elite player and one of the most likeable and engaging personalities on tour. He’s fun to watch, and golf fans have really connected with him,” Solheim said. “When we signed him right out of college, we knew he was a special player. The connection to Norway and our relationship with Oklahoma State over the years made it a no-brainer for us to add him to the PING team. He’s quickly proven himself to be one of the best players in the world in less than three years as a professional. We’re very excited to extend our relationship with Viktor.”

Hovland, 24, has three PGA Tour titles (plus one unofficial win, the Hero World Challenge), and two victories on the DP World Tour. He won in back-to-back appearances last autumn, then won in Dubai in January to give him three victories in five starts. He’s currently 8th in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s the first Norwegian to win on the PGA and DP World tours, the first to compete in the Ryder Cup, to win the U.S. Amateur, and to play at the Masters.

A native of Oslo, Hovland shares a special connection to PING Founder Karsten Solheim, who was born in Bergen, Norway. The country’s national flag has a place on Hovland’s PING Tour Staff bag

Talking about his new agreement, Hovland expressed his excitement and appreciation for his relationship with the family-owned company.

“Since turning professional and joining PING, I’ve felt very much a part of their golf family,” Hovland said. “The Norwegian connection is really cool and one of the many things that makes our relationship so special. Their team is out there every week on tour, working with me, fine-tuning my clubs but also just listening to me, watching me hit shots and helping determine what I need to elevate my game. I like that it’s a collaboration. We talk through everything, whether that’s at tour events or at the PING Proving Grounds. I’ve always learned a lot from our discussions, which makes me a smarter golfer. The equipment is fantastic and everyone who supports me is really experienced and passionate about what they do, so I look forward to continuing what has been a very rewarding arrangement for me personally and professionally.”

As part of the multi-year agreement, Hovland will play PING clubs, carry a PING staff bag and wear PING-branded headwear (front of hat).

FIND OUT MORE AT PINGEUROPE.COM

He has played on four winning Ryder Cups and was Vice Captain in the last two contests.

The 44 year old is a former World Number One.

Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023.

Donald represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, including in 2012 when he led Team Europe out in the Singles, securing the first blue point on the board in the ‘Miracle at Medinah’.

He also has served as a Vice Captain in the last two editions of the biennial contest, under Thomas Bjørn in 2018 and Pádraig Harrington last year.

The 44 year old Englishman’s impressive individual playing career includes holding the position of Number One on the Official World Golf Rankings for a total of 56 weeks, and in 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year.

Donald said: “I am incredibly proud to be named European Ryder Cup Captain for 2023. It is truly one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon a golfer, to lead a team of your peers and be an ambassador for an entire continent.

“I feel extremely privileged to have been given that responsibility and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

“Some of my best experiences in golf have been in the Ryder Cup and I would not swap those for anything. It is an event like no other and I cannot wait to create more special memories in Italy next year.

“I love everything the Ryder Cup embodies, from the camaraderie and companionship of being part of a team, to the history of the contest, but most of all playing for something bigger than yourself.

“Rome will be a fantastic host city, and I have always enjoyed spending time there. It is a city rich in history and hopefully we can create some of our own in 14 months’ time.”

Guy Kinnings, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: “Luke is a former World Number One who possesses a superb Ryder Cup record, so he undoubtedly has the credentials required to be a successful European Captain.

“He is hugely respected by the players and by the wider support team at Ryder Cup Europe who have already done an immense amount of work behind the scenes to give him a strong platform for the remaining 14 months before the match gets underway.

“We have continued the tradition of moving forward with players in the role of Captain who have excelled in the Ryder Cup arena; and in terms of Luke, we are combining that experience with strong leadership and a meticulous approach. On behalf of everyone at Ryder Cup Europe, we look forward to fully supporting him in the quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup next year.”

Donald has wasted little time in ensuring continuity in the key backroom area of Team Europe, confirming that both existing Vice Captains – Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari – will continue in their respective positions.

“In my opinion, it was essential that Thomas and Edoardo remained part of the team. They were the first two calls I made once I got the nod to be Captain and I’m delighted that they are fully on-board.

“Nobody needs any explanation of how important Thomas is to the Ryder Cup – one glance at the history books will show you that. He has lived and breathed European golf for the past 30 years and having his know-how behind me, not least as a winning Captain, will be vital.

“Furthermore, Edoardo has blazed an impressive trail for himself in the world of stats and his knowledge in this area with the players who will be on the team, in addition to extra-special Italian element he will bring to the entire occasion, is an extra bonus for Team Europe.”

Donald boasts a formidable playing record in the Ryder Cup, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches.

He made his debut as part of Bernhard Langer’s record-breaking team at Oakland Hills Country Club in 2004, halving his opening match with Paul McGinley against Chris Riley and Stewart Cink, before teaming up with Sergio Garcia in the foursomes to defeat Cink and Kenny Perry 2&1 on the Friday, followed by a 1 up Foursomes victory with Garcia against Jim Furyk and Fred Funk on the Saturday.

Donald claimed a maximum three points from his three matches at The K Club, in Ireland, in 2006 under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam as Europe retained the Ryder Cup with a second consecutive 18½-9½ victory. He once again teamed up with Garcia in the Foursomes, defeating Tiger Woods and Furyk 2 up on the Friday, then Phil Mickelson and David Toms 2&1 on the Saturday, before exacting revenge on Chad Campbell for his loss in the Singles two years earlier with a 2&1 victory.

His next appearance came at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010 when he contributed a further three points from his four matches, partnering Ian Poulter to defeat Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton 2&1 in Foursomes, before teaming up with Lee Westwood to beat Steve Stricker and Woods 6&5 in the same format. Donald then defeated Furyk on the final hole of their Singles match as Europe claimed a memorable 14½-13½ win in Wales.

Donald was also an integral part of another dramatic European victory two years later in Illinois, the State where he studied at Northwestern University. Partnering Garcia in the Saturday afternoon Fourballs against Woods and Stricker, his stunning tee shot inside Woods’ on the elevated par three 17th hole was a pivotal moment in the Miracle at Medinah, as the pair went on to win their match on the final hole, shortly before Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy reduced the deficit to four points with their victory against Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner.

Captain José María Olazábal then handed Donald the responsibility of leading Europe out in the Sunday Singles against Bubba Watson, and Donald duly set the tone for one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Ryder Cup, winning his match 2&1.

Donald had entered the record books of his own accord a year previously when in 2011 he became the first player to top the season-long money lists on both sides of the Atlantic, winning the Player of the Year award on the PGA TOUR and Golfer of the Year in Europe in the process.

His four victories that season included the WGC-Accenture Match Play, defeating Ryder Cup teammate Martin Kaymer in the final to reach World Number One for the first time.

He also won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart and the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a title he successfully defended in 2012 to take his total of victories on the DP World Tour to seven.

Donald returned to the Ryder Cup arena in 2018 when he was selected as a Vice Captain by Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National in Paris, a role he also performed last year at Whistling Straits under Pádraig Harrington.

[Images Courtesy of Getty Images]