Computerised handicaps for golfers

Unisys Australia has entered into an $11 million agreement with the Australian Golf Union to introduce a high-tech national computerised handicapping system for amateur golf.

The new system, called GOLF Link, will connect Australia's 1600 golf clubs and their members through a central computer system. The system will be based around a GOLF Link plastic swipe card and utilises EFTPOS type terminals, existing club facilities and a central computer system to manage the handicapping details of Australia's 500,000 club golfers.

Unisys will design and operate the network, write the software and implement the database system. The implementation of the GOLF Link system through the nation's clubs was expected to take 18 months, with the first clubs coming online in June.

President of the AGU, Dr Peter Davies, said the system would revolutionise amateur golf in this country.

"GOLF Link takes golf into the 21st century with a sophisticated, accurate and consistent handicapping system that will benefit all amateur golfers," he said.

"The Australian handicap will be recognised throughout the country and means that all Australian golfers can compete against each other with equitable handicaps."

The move to high-tech yet simple to operate handicapping system will be of particular benefit to the 800-odd clubs in Australia that currently use manual handicapping methods.

GOLF Link will allow the AGU to modify handicapping and Calculated Course Rating parameters at no cost to the clubs. It also provides the governing body with the capacity to gather statistical data that will assist in the development of the game.