The EIGCA is organizing a conference, which will be held at The Hastings Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Friday 15th April. The topic of the conference will be how technology is impacting on golf. It is a nice and useful topic. I would be really happy to hear about how golf clubs would like to use the latest innovations to grow the game, improve customer experience and last but not least to turn their golf course sustainable (e.g. how to use water more efficiently).
As I see in the agenda of the conference, most of the speakers will talk more about softer topics like game improvement and less about such crucial issues as like how to use technology to: acquire and retain customers, improve operations (e.g. pro-shop, F&B, golf course etc.), achieve sustainability.
- Steve Otto, The R&A’s Director of Research and testing, will be looking at the latest research on the speed of play and also the dispersion of golf shots, illustrating some of his talk using information gathered from golfers participating in the EIGCA’s President’s Cup at Royal County Down.
- Michael Malone from Trackman will explain how technological innovation is improving performance in sport.
- Francois Haughton from the popular golf app, Game Golf, will show how golf is finally moving into the 21st century.
- John Aherne from GolfGraffix will be investigating the various ways technology can enhance the understanding between golf course architects and their clients.
- Billy Dixon (keynote speaker) will present some thoughts on how to improve their leadership and communication skills, build self-confidence and reach their full potential.
- Former EIGCA President, Ken Moodie, will be giving his thoughts on why tracking devices in golf balls would help to improve the enjoyment and speed of the game.
- Speakers from Ransomes/Jacobsen, MJ Abbott and Jacklin Golf will look at how technology is improving construction and maintenance operations.
If I were the organizer, I would rather invite such innovative companies like Hole19, BevNow, OnGolf USA or Soil Scout who can show golf clubs and golf architects how could they improve the efficiency and profitability of a golf club. So probably Ransomes/Jacobsen, MJ Abbott and may be Jacklin Golf’s presentations will be the most useful for golf club managers and golf architects.
