Help for Golf Clubs

Clubs Looking to Join GOLF Link

Contents (Click on each link below for more detail, or scroll down)

What is GOLF Link and how does my club join?
: What does Tier 3 and Tier 1 mean?
: What does the Tier 1 system offer?
: What does it cost to be on GOLF Link?
: What Computer Hardware and Software do we need to access Tier 1?
: Is our club able to access Tier 1 from any computer?
: How do I add my members onto the GOLF Link database?
: How does our club get started on GOLF Link?
: What preparations do we need to make?
: Can we learn how to use the Tier 1 system?
: Accredited Tier 3 System Providers
: Privacy Policy

What is GOLF Link and how does my club join?

GOLF Link is an initiative of Golf Australia (GA) to centralise and computerise the Australian Golf Handicapping System, the Australian Course Rating System and other golf administration tasks. When fully rolled out the system will calculate and maintain the handicaps of all affiliated golfers across Australia. The system is a world first and has won a National Sports technology award and many Hitwise awards for the most visited site in golf. It has processed over 35 million rounds of golf since GOLF Link's inception and over 2 million since our major upgrade in March 2005.

GOLF Link is fast becoming golf's modern administration tool, and it not only provides us with invaluable information to improve the course rating and handicapping systems, but it also provides clubs and golf:

A basic competition management system with multiple round and graded scores facility.
A basic membership system
Remote access to club administration, making the job of voluntary administrators easier as they can access the system from home. E.g. Men’s and Women’s Handicappers
The club can set up its own security access granting permission to others to make the job of volunteers easier. E.g. competition only access can be granted without providing access to the membership system.
Continual upgrades and new functionality ensuring the currency of the system.
Online support and a 1300 Help desk
The only website allowed to display handicaps in Australia - http://www.golflink.com.au soon to be further enhanced.
The ability for clubs to update their own information for State and National Associations and linked websites. E.g. Update Captain & President information, membership availability which will display on GA’S and Golf Access’ club membership vacancy sections.

GOLF Link allows a uniform and consistent method of handicapping and provides the golfer with an identification card that is recognised at all affiliated clubs across Australia.

The process starts when a golfer swipes their GOLF Link card (or enters their GOLF Link number on the keyboard) to enter a club competition. (Note: Some clubs without direct access to GOLF Link may simply request the GOLF Link number for processing later, this request may be on the competition entry sheet.)
At the completion of the round the golfer submits the card to the club and the details are recorded and electronically sent to the National Handicapping System central database via the club's GOLF Link connection.
GOLF Link then calculates the CCR and updates the golfer’s handicaps.
The handicap adjustments and CCR are sent back to the club immediately.
No more having to wait days for your handicap to be adjusted.
In addition all GOLF Link visitor's records are updated immediately, no more return of scores to Home clubs!

What does Tier 3 and Tier 1 mean?

Tier 3 and Tier 1 are terms that describe the way a club connects to GOLF Link. Tier 3 users purchase software from an accredited GOLF Link software provider (see list provided in the Bulletin attached to the Tier 1 Registration form), Tier 1 users simply log on to a website and perform all of their GOLF Link processing directly over the Internet, similar to Internet banking. Generally speaking, clubs that chose to use Tier 3 have a large member base and require sophisticated software to run their club, whilst Tier 1 users are usually smaller clubs with minimal reliance on computer software. There is no restriction as to what method a club can use, the choice is yours.

What does the Tier 1 system offer?

Tier 1 provides all the required functionality to allow a club to maintain its member's handicaps on GOLF Link. Membership and Competition Management tools, as well as valuable reports, are available which allow the club and its members to fully utilise the benefits of being linked to GOLF Link. Of course, all Tier 1 club members enjoy the other benefits available to Tier 3 club members who receive a GOLF Link card and number that serves as identification for handicap purposes, especially when visiting other clubs. GOLF Link cardholders also have the convenience of access to the GOLF Link website at http://www.golflink.com.au which provides an accountable and transparent record of their scores and handicap history. The GOLF Link website is the most visited website in Australia for Golf.
For Tier 1 tutorial, please click here.

What does it cost to be on GOLF Link?

All GOLF Link Clubs (Tier 3 and Tier 1) pay the GOLF Link fee of $2.50 (+GST) per affiliated member per annum or the number of Valid Members on the GOLF Link database, whichever is the greater. In the first year of joining, a club pays a Pro-Rata fee depending on the time of year. The financial year commences in April.

What Computer Hardware and Software do we need to access Tier 1?

Your club must provide its own computer and internet access and preferably minimum Windows XP operating system with Internet Explorer 6, which is available for download from Microsoft if required. A Dial-up Internet connection is adequate but Broadband is highly recommended.

Is our club able to access Tier 1 from any computer?

One of the great benefits of Tier 1 is that a club administrator can access GOLF Link from any computer with Internet access (and minimum program requirements). This allows the clubs who don't have a computer facility at their course or club to process at home or the office or wherever they wish.

How do I add my members onto the GOLF Link database?

Once you are provided with your access details, you will be able to download a spreadsheet that you can fill out offline with your member's details and send to GOLF Link for loading, or you can enter them directly via the Tier 1 application. If you have a large number of members or are using a Dial-up Internet connection, filling out the spreadsheet may be the best option for you.

How does our club get started on GOLF Link?

All clubs have been sent access details to get started with GOLF Link. If your club has not received this you should email us at help@golflink.com.au with all of your contact details.

You can also visit the Help Section of the GOLF Link website for more detailed operational information in the Club FAQ's section http://www.golflink.com.au/Help.aspx#ClubQtop or view the Tier 1 Tutorial at http://www.golflink.com.au/Downloads/GLT1_Tutorial_v1.2.pdf

What preparations do we need to make?

Once your club is online, if your club has a course, please check your course information in the Tier 1 system under Club Details. If this is not correct please contact your state association to adjust. Also please ensure you find out your Non-Home club members’ GOLF Link numbers if these numbers are not available, or these members are not yet on GOLF Link, upload them at a later date.

Can we learn how to use the Tier 1 system?

The tutorial is available on the GOLF Link website, http://www.golflink.com.au in the 'Club Updates and Downloads' section. Please read through this tutorial to learn how to use the system. You can begin using the application immediately once you have read and understood the tutorial. You have the option of either directly entering your members into the system, or using the spreadsheet provided on the homepage to send us for uploading of your membership.

Accredited Tier 3 System Providers

Below is a list of Tier 3 accredited providers for the GOLF Link project. Click on each individual company to find out more detail. For further information about their systems please contact the provider.

GOLF Link Accredited Tier 3 Providers as at 1 January, 2007

Computer Magic (WebService Enabled) - Tel: 02 8206 9080
Electric Green - Tel: 02 9516 5853 (*formerly known as Jack Newton Group/Golf Networking Australia)
Golf Computer Systems (WebService Enabled) - Tel: 07 3366 6696
IFCA Solutions - Byte Power Group Ltd - Tel: 07 3620 1678
Infopower Pty Ltd - Tel: 07 5630 1122
MiClub (WebService Enabled) - Tel: (08) 9444 5300
Micropower Pty Ltd - Tel: 03 9898 3455
King Street Computers - Tel: 02 9888 4775
Pricap Pty Ltd - Tel: 0404 060 109
Pulse Club Computers - Tel: 02 4929 7822
Thyme Software - Tel: 08 8260 8245

WebService Enabled : The Tier 3 system provider is now using the new WebService technology to communicate with the GOLF Link server.

The advantages of using this platform instead of using the normal Comms Module are:
- Enable direct-connection between server and clients; therefore eliminating the need for a middle-man application (Comms Module – old technology), which significantly increases speed and reduces the possibility of failures in the communication.
- The more dynamic interface enables automated functionality to be implemented reducing administration time.
- Web Services technology also eliminates the possible Des-Key errors via integrated SSL web-standard encryption.

Privacy Policy

Please ensure you are sending your members' personal details to GOLF Link in accordance with the GOLF Link agreement. (Copies of this agreement are available from GA and the Tier 1 website).