With the changes in golf in 2020 (Covid requiring Tee Booking , World Handicap System being introduced, increased membership numbers) Stromness Golf Club decided to signup to use Scottish Golf’s Venue Management System (VMS). This software handles everything from running competitions, tracking handicaps, tee bookings, membership & subscriptions, new website, etc.

So as a member what does this mean to me?

Well firstly you’ll see a new club website (still to be found at www.stromnessgc.co.uk). On this website you can login as a member and book tee times and enter competitions as well as reading the latest news. Guests can also pay green fees and book times via the site too.

The website is linked to the club’s VMS as is Scottish Golf’s App. The app is free and not only can you view what’s on the website and book times and enter competitions but more… much much more!

So how do I get this app and what does it do?

It’s found on either the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store (just search for ‘Scottish Golf App’) and install on your compatible phone or tablet.

Once you’ve registered and signed in (same details as your website sign-in) you can:

Enter competitions both in the club and nationally.
View your handicap details.
Use it as a scoring app for competitions.
A GPS strokesaver is there for any Scottish course.
Purchase green fees for any other Scottish Club also on VMS (many at reduced rates).
Top-up and use a digital wallet enabling you to enter competitions and receive winnings back into your account.
Book and pay for your guests green fees.
Contact fellow members to arrange ties.
Input the distance you hit each club… or would like to!

What if I don’t have a phone that can run this app?

The club will be getting an iPad which you can use to enter scores in competitions (much like the laptop did with HandicapMaster in the past) but obviously until Covid restrictions are relaxed this won’t be an option. The Handicap Secretaries can input and override scores in the VMS but again with play being held throughout most days there won’t be anyone sitting at the club waiting to collect paper scorecards. So short term at least I’m afraid you will need something or someone to enter scores for you.

Top-up? How and why?

The digital wallet is a way we can pay entry fees into competitions and dish out the winnings without ever needing to handle cash. Each member has their own wallet which they can pay into and check the balance either in the app or signed into their member account on the club’s website.

You can top-up any amount between £25 to £100. Secure payments are made via Credit or Debit cards.

Competitions will have their usual entry fee and for mens competitions the optional ‘Hole-in-One’ sweep is still available by adding a pound in the optional ‘Supplement’ section when entering. You will not be allowed to enter a competition if you don’t have enough in your account and it will prompt you to add additional funds if this is the case. Fees will be deducted from your account on entry but should you have to withdraw then the money will be returned to your account.

If you are fortunate enough to win any money in a sweep then the winnings will be credited to your account automatically.

Entering a score – how and when can it be done?

There’s a nice YouTube video from Gourock GC showing how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdODynXOU4s

Ideally you and your partner(s) should enter scores and agree as soon as you complete your round.

As for ‘checking in’ for the competition you can do this as long as you are within the Stromness area, you don’t have to be at the club.

For further information Scottish Golf have a FAQ section here.