GBR Tuesday | Golf Club Software, Compared: What You’re Really Getting for Your Money
Every Tuesday and Friday, we connect the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR community,
All hail Scottie Scheffler!
The title of “Champion Golfer Of The Year” has never been so apt. Scheffler is dominating golf and creating a gap between himself and the chasing pack that seems as wide as an agreement being struck in the near future between the PGA Tour and PIF.
I wasn’t old enough to witness Jack in his prime, but I certainly saw Tiger Woods at his peak. What I’ve grown to appreciate more about Woods is just how he never gave the field a chance. Woods seldom made mistakes at critical moments. Woods still hit errant shots, but his short game saved many a par. Since Scheffler changed putters last year, his game looks to be the complete package like Woods’.
Now, we wait till the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills next June. Can Scheffler join the grand slam club?
On to today’s edition of GBR.
Our major story looks at some of the leading software providers for golf club management. We take an objective look across the spectrum of services offered by some of the leading providers along with case studies highlighting the pitfalls and peaks of choosing the correct software for your golf club.
Have you recently upgraded your golf club’s software? What worked—and what didn’t?
Hit reply or comment below—we’re building a community of shared experience.
Along with this, we’ll have our usual mix of stories covering:
Industry
Circuits/Professional Game
Equipment
People To Watch
Which Golf Club Membership Software Is Right for You? A Practical Comparison.
Enjoy your week.
INDUSTRY
F&F THREATENS LEGAL ACTION OVER POTENTIAL TAYLORMADE SALE
South Korean fashion group F&F Co has enlisted Goldman Sachs to advise on a potential acquisition of global golf brand TaylorMade, while warning it will take legal action if current owner Centroid Investment Partners proceeds with a separate sale process.
We reported here on the early skirmishes on the battle of who ownes and has the right to sell TaylorMade Golf, a brief recap of the situation is:
F&F, which invested 358 billion won ($258 million) in Centroid’s 2021 acquisition of TaylorMade—making it the largest equity investor—claims it holds contractual consent rights over key decisions including equity sales.
F&F has not approved Centroid’s reported plans to sell the Carlsbad-based golf company, which sources say could fetch up to $3.5 billion.
In a statement, F&F accused Centroid of breaching its consent rights and said it is “fully prepared to deploy all available legal and contractual measures” to protect its interests, including exercising its Right of First Refusal (ROFR).
While Centroid confirmed F&F’s ROFR, it maintains the sale process is lawful and necessary to maximise returns for limited partners. No formal auction has been launched yet, but confidential sale documents have already circulated to potential buyers. Kane Wu’s full article for Reuters can be viewed here.
TRUGOLF TO OPEN FIRST FRANCHISE LOCATION IN ILLINOIS ON JULY 29
TruGolf Holdings, Inc. will open its first franchise location under the TruGolf Links brand on July 29 in Manteno, Illinois, marking a significant milestone in the company’s national expansion strategy. The “Executive” facility will feature four state-of-the-art TruGolf Premium Simulators and a TruGolf Multi-sport Arcade, offering an immersive indoor golf experience without food and beverage service.
A grand opening celebration is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a formal dedication at noon.
CEO Chris Jones noted that the franchise program was launched just 14 months ago and now includes over 160 units in development across four states, with more openings expected in late 2025 and 2026. Operator Bob Early, a Manteno native, said the venue will host teaching professionals, leagues, tournaments, and offer 24/7 access through memberships and private bookings.
TruGolf’s simulators combine proprietary software, precise tracking systems, and immersive course visuals, and are increasingly used for both recreation and performance training. Franchisees have also been confirmed in New Jersey, Tennessee, and New York, with additional expansion in the works. Exploring TruGolf’s commerical opportunities can be found here.
CLUB PROPHET LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC INSURANCE SOLUTIONS FOR GOLF COURSES
Club Prophet, a leader in golf course management software for over three decades, has introduced Club Prophet Insurance Solutions, a new insurance program built exclusively for golf facilities.
Designed to address operational risks often missed by conventional policies, the offering includes coverage for errant ball liability, irrigation systems, greens and tees, clubhouse structures, and golf-specific equipment.
It also provides general and liquor liability, cybersecurity, business interruption due to closures, and event-related risks. “This is about more than just coverage—it’s about helping our customers protect the businesses they’ve worked so hard to build,” said Ian Versaw, Vice President at Club Prophet. Available nationwide and open to all golf courses regardless of software provider, the program was developed in direct response to customer demand for simpler vendor relationships and more tailored insurance options. A demo of Club Prophet Insurance Solutions can be requested here.
BERNHARD ACADEMY ANNOUNCES AUTUMN 2025 TRAINING SERIES FOR TURFCARE PROFESSIONALS
Bernhard Academy has unveiled its Autumn 2025 training schedule, offering a comprehensive lineup of professional development courses aimed at turf equipment technicians, greenkeepers, and grounds maintenance specialists.
The program kicks off on 23 September with the Turf Equipment Technicians Conference, followed by a series of practical, hands-on sessions including Cutting Unit Setup and Sharpening Techniques (24 September and 8 October), Basic Machinery Maintenance (7 October), and a three-day Fundamentals of Turfcare Mechanics – Level 1 course (21–23 October).
Courses will take place at Bernhard and Company’s manufacturing headquarters in Haverhill, Suffolk, and at Moortown Golf Club in Leeds.
Led by seasoned instructor Barry Drennan, the sessions are designed to deliver immediately applicable technical skills and enhance career growth in an evolving industry. Participants will also gain valuable networking opportunities with peers from across the turfcare sector. More details on the courses available can be found here.
GOLF INDUSTRY FACES URGENT CALL TO ADDRESS WATER SUSTAINABILITY
Syngenta Golf has released a detailed feature addressing the growing pressure on golf course businesses to achieve water sustainability amid rising global temperatures and increased competition for limited resources.
Drawing on case studies from drought-prone regions such as Arizona, California, Spain, and Italy, the report presents seven practical solutions, with insights from course superintendents and sustainability experts. With 2025 projected to rank among the three hottest years on record—and AI-driven power demands expected to significantly increase water usage by 2028—the urgency for golf to reform its irrigation practices is mounting.
Syngenta’s Global Head of Marketing, Mark Birchmore, emphasized that golf’s public image remains highly negative on sustainability, especially around irrigation during heatwaves, citing findings from a study analyzing 16 million global social media posts.
The feature also highlights the need for golf businesses to better communicate their environmental strategies and showcase their broader community value.
This latest publication builds on Syngenta’s sustainability advocacy, including The Green Report documentary series, which launched with a spotlight on Bethpage State Park, where treated water from a former landfill site is used for irrigation. Syngenta’s report on how golf can become water substainable can be downloaded here.
FALDO DESIGN COURSE TO OPEN IN QIDDIYA CITY BY 2026
A new championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo is set to open in 2026 at Qiddiya City, the expansive sports and entertainment hub rising 45 kilometres outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Built against the dramatic 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the Faldo-designed layout will feature a mix of innovation and accessibility, including a unique three-hole loop for quick rounds and floodlighting for night play.
The Faldo-designed course is part of a wider initiative to boost golf participation across the Kingdom. Qiddiya has also signed on as a global partner of the Faldo Series, committing to host youth development events and help nurture Saudi golf talent.
A full-service clubhouse, academy, and wellness complex is scheduled to open in 2028, reinforcing Qiddiya’s ambition to integrate golf into the lifestyle fabric of the new city. More details on the Faldo Design course at Qiddiya City can be found in Richard Humphrey’s article for Golf Course Architecture here.
CIRCUITS/PROFESSIONAL GAME
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE TO RETURN IN 2026 WITH EXPANDED FORMAT
LIV Golf Adelaide will return to The Grange Golf Club from February 13–15, 2026, following a record-breaking 2025 edition that drew over 102,000 spectators and generated $217 million for South Australia's economy.
The 2026 edition will feature LIV Golf’s new team competition format, featuring the local favorites, Australia’s Ripper GC, led by Cam Smith and Marc Leishman.
Organizers confirmed Adelaide will remain LIV Golf’s Australian host through 2031, with additional investment planned for upgrading North Adelaide Golf Course. More information on the 2026 hosting of LIV Golf Adelaide can be found here.
FEDEXCUP PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP AS PGA TOUR HEADS TO MINNESOTA FOR 3M OPEN
With just two events remaining before the FedExCup Playoffs, the PGA Tour rolls into TPC Twin Cities for the 3M Open, where valuable points and late-season momentum are up for grabs.
Maverick McNealy leads the field as the highest-ranked entrant and is eyeing a Ryder Cup berth after six top-10 finishes this season and a T3 finish at this event last year.
Chris Gotterup, fresh off his Genesis Scottish Open victory and a solo third at The Open Championship, arrives with red-hot form, while defending champion Jhonattan Vegas looks to make history as the first back-to-back winner in tournament history.
Veterans like Adam Scott—making his 3M Open debut—and promising PGA Tour University graduates Luke Clanton and Gordon Sargent add intrigue to a field packed with players fighting for playoff contention. More details on the build up to the 3M Open can be found here.
RYDER CUP TO RETURN TO SPAIN IN 2031 WITH CAMIRAL NAMED HOST VENUE
The 48th Ryder Cup will be held at Camiral Golf & Wellness in Girona, Spain, in 2031, marking only the second time the biennial contest has been staged in Spain and the fourth time in continental Europe.
Formerly known as PGA Catalunya, Camiral will follow Bethpage Black (2025), Adare Manor (2027), and Hazeltine National (2029) as the next European host of golf’s premier team competition.
Spain last hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 at Valderrama, when captain Seve Ballesteros led Europe to a 14.5–13.5 victory over the United States. Guy Kinnings, CEO of the European Tour Group, described the announcement as a testament to Camiral’s reputation as a top-tier venue and a reflection of Spain’s enduring legacy in Ryder Cup history.
The Stadium Course at Camiral has previously hosted several DP World Tour events, including the Spanish Open, and is expected to bring substantial economic and global visibility to the Costa Brava and Barcelona regions. More details of the announcement that Camiral will host the 2031 Ryder Cup can be found here.
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS TO LAUNCH FIRST-EVER INDIVIDUAL STROKE PLAY EVENT IN PORTUGAL IN 2026
PGA Tour Champions, in partnership with Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve, has announced a five-year agreement to establish the Portugal Invitational, set to debut the week of July 27, 2026, at The Els Club Vilamoura.
Featuring a $3 million purse and a 78-player field comprising PGA Tour Champions and Legends Tour players, the tournament will mark the first PGA Tour-sanctioned individual stroke play event held in Portugal. It will be positioned in a three-week European swing between the ISPS HANDA Senior Open and the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship.
Designed by Ernie Els—who will also participate—the recently renovated Vilamoura venue hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022, with past champions including Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington. More details on the new co-sanctioned event can be found here.
EQUIPMENT
TAYLORMADE’S P·UDI BOMBER REPORTING FOR DUTY
TaylorMade has introduced the P·UDI Bomber iron, a limited-edition release blending 1940s military aircraft aesthetics with tour-level performance. Styled with riveted panel details, a grinning bomb icon, and vintage script on the toe, the Bomber One mirrors the standard 17-degree P·UDI utility iron in build but is designated as a 1-iron.
Engineered initially for TaylorMade’s staffers and released with the Scottish and British Opens in mind, the club features a strategically located center of gravity for a penetrating ball flight, advanced back wall construction, and a sound stabilization bar. Key technologies include a 4140 high-speed face, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket for forgiveness on low-face strikes, and 26 grams of tungsten to boost stability and feel. Priced at $299.99 (£219.99, €259.99), the first batch of P·UDI Bombers are already sold out. The next batch is on the way, ordering information can be found on TaylorMade’s website here.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
PAUL AZINGER HAS BEEN NAMED THE RECIPIENT OF THE PGA TOUR’S PAYNE STEWART AWARD. The honor recognizes Azinger’s long-standing PGA Tour career and dedication to charitable work throughout his career. Azinger, a 12-time PGA TOUR winner, is best remembered for his victory at the 1993 PGA Championship. The award, named after World Golf Hall of Famer Payne Stewart, is one of the TOUR’s most prestigious recognitions of integrity and community impact. More details on Azinger’s career and achievements can be found here.
Which Golf Club Membership Software Is Right for You? A Practical Comparison.
We covered a story in Friday’s newsletter, which outlined a survey conducted in the UK, where the key takeaway was that two-thirds of all golf clubs surveyed were considering a change of software to help them run their golf club more effectively.
If that is the case, what are the options out there?
If this is the feedback from UK golf clubs, is this mirrored elsewhere in the world?
Our focus for our piece today looks at some of the software providers available in the marketplace today.
The modern golf club is under pressure to digitize. Members expect mobile booking, instant communication, and frictionless renewals. Club managers are told they must “upgrade or fall behind.” But in the process, many find themselves locked into systems that don’t talk to each other, fail to deliver promised features, and come with opaque pricing that feels more like a mobile phone contract than a software subscription.
This isn’t a celebratory roundup of “the best platforms.” This is an unsponsored look at what the software market really looks like—and what you need to consider before signing the next contract.
Before we dive deeper into our piece, I’d like to get some feedback from you.
If you are a club manager, here are some questions for you to ponder:
Do you know exactly what your software is costing you—all in?
Can your current system support multiple membership types and billing cycles?
Are your staff still using spreadsheets as a workaround?
Can your members actually use the app—and enjoy doing so?
The Problem Behind the Platforms
Let’s start with a question. Why are two-thirds of UK golf clubs considering changing software providers? Surprisingly, the feedback is not because it’s too expensive. Not because they hate change.
But because their current systems are letting them down—in functionality, service, or integration.
If you're in the U.S., the story isn't much different. Across North America, golf software adoption is surging—but satisfaction isn’t keeping pace. The explosion of cloud-based platforms has created an arms race of features and add-ons, but not necessarily clarity or cohesion.
For most clubs, the core problem isn’t just poor software. It's a poor fit. Many platforms were either built for a different kind of club or never built for golf at all.
What Most Clubs Actually Need
Forget the buzzwords. Most golf clubs are looking for:
A clean, centralised CRM that manages members across categories
Easy-to-run billing and renewals, with custom instalment plans
Communication tools for emailing or texting members
Integration with the tee sheet, POS, and website
A member app that is functional and easy to use
Support from the software provider when it’s needed
And yet, many of the most-used systems fail on one or more of these points.
To access real-world case studies, pricing breakdowns, red flags to watch for, and a practical checklist for selecting the right software—unlock the full GBR content below.