Handicap Management – New Platform

Introduction

• Golf Link, the software which currently manages golf handicaps is Australia is being retired this year.
• It is being replaced by a new handicapping club management platform called GolfConnect.
• A service provider, DotGolf, has been appointed to deliver GolfConnect.
• The DotGolf technology is already used by national associations in New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Timings

• The transition to the new platform will commence on Monday, 29 September.
• The Brisbane Golf Club will plan to run non-handicapped competitions only between Monday 29 September and Friday, 10 October.
• During the transition, score uploads and handicap access will be temporarily unavailable.
• GA will launch a new Handicap App at the same time.
• GA will also launch a new website newGOLF.com.au at the same time.
• These tools will be able to be used by members to view their handicaps.
• Information on how to download and access the new Handicap App and website will be provided in due course.
• The transition will be completed as quickly as possible. During this time we will not be able to upload scores for handicapping and handicaps will not be able to be viewed by members.

Impact for Members

• Golf ID will replace the term Golf Link Number.
• For existing members these numbers will remain unchanged. For new club members a randomly generated, 10 digit number will be created. The first five numbers will no longer indicate a person’s home club.
• The physical golf link card will also be retired.
• Golf IDs will be used to log into the new app and website.
• To administer GolfConnect, GA needs to collect data from each of our members. A summary of this data has been included in the attached file.
• Most of the data listed in the attached file is being passed currently to GA through GOLF Link.
• A new data point that Golf Australia requires moving to the GolfConnect platform is the golfer’s email address. This is needed to verify each member’s identity.
• GA have confirmed that data collected cannot and will not be used for marketing purposed, unless GA obtains permission directly from the golfer.
• GA and DotGolf have provided a Data Security Statement which can be viewed here: https://assets.ctfassets.net/3urhge2ecl20/xaUirZq5edwU7uW1lafxp/770a1c1cd1b742cd8ff134c4b9c6c02b/250318-M-DotGolf-GolfAustraliaCONNECTPlatform-PrivacySecuritySummary.pdf

Changes to the Australian Rules of Handicapping

• These will take effect at the time GolfConnect commences and include:

1. Change to the Daily Handicap formula – inclusion of new ‘Consistency Factor’
2. Change to the Daily Handicap formula for 9-hole rounds
3. Use of an ‘Expected Score’ for a Hole Not Played
4. Inclusion of shorter-length golf courses within the Course Rating System
5. Change to the Daily Difficulty (PCC) formula (to be back-calculated to 1 January 2023)

• You can learn more about these changes by clicking on the following link: https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?e=__test_email__&u=71135e470ef3e6fc3b75367fa&id=303bf1d67e

Will we continue to use MiClub, MiScore and our Club App?

• Yes, MiClub, MiScore and our Club App will continue to be used to manage our golf operations.
• All three will interface with GolfConnect.

Do we have to change?

Yes, Clubs who don’t agree to the change won’t have access to a handicapping system.