In the beautiful and peaceful golf areas of Finland, Linna Golf is known not only for its perfect golf courses but also for its modern way of running the business. Since they started using the WiseGolf in 2022, the club, led by CEO Esa Honkalehto, has made big changes in how they handle everything from advertising and marketing to dealing with customers.
Linna Golf is a well-known club within the European Golf Course Destinations and is located in a place with a rich 19-year history.
Replacing Old Systems with WiseGolf
Before they used WiseGolf, the club had trouble managing various parts of its operations because the needed tools and systems were all over the place.
"Time before WiseGolf was a bit more complicated," Honkalehto admits. WiseGolf centralized these essentials, simplifying processes dramatically. The choice to switch was driven by the software's strong features, particularly in marketing communications and essential features like tee-time reservations.
A big advantage of the WiseGolf system is that it combines many different systems into one single platform. Honkalehto pointed out that their old systems were difficult to use, where even easy tasks like updating shareholder records took a lot of work and had to be done on four different systems. Now, these are streamlined into one efficient hub. "It helps in daily activities...We have replaced 4-5 systems with WiseGolf. It has reduced a magnificent amount of work."
Moreover, WiseGolf has tackled complex challenges like the shareholders register, a critical component for any golf club. The new system allows for real-time updates accessible to all relevant staff, enhancing efficiency and security.
Carita Helminen, service manager of Linna Golf, adds a practical perspective: "First and foremost, the best aspect of WiseGolf is that all functions are built-in in the same system. Previously we had separate websites, cash registers, billing, appointment scheduling and so on, and now our seasonal workers have had it much easier during orientation with WiseGolf. Nowadays, our caddiemasters only have to use one pretty simple system. WiseGolf offers really good instructions for seasonal workers and new users. For that reason, we saved a lot of time."
A New Era in Customer Satisfaction at Linna Golf
Beyond operational efficiencies, WiseGolf has also enhanced Linna Golf's customer experience. According to Honkalehto, the WiseGolf App is ease of use across demographics—from youngsters to retirees—is a testament to its user-friendly design.
"It's very simple and easy. That's the best that WiseGolf can offer to the average golf player."
Its straightforward billing and cash flow monitoring tools have been particularly well-received, making financial management a breeze for the club’s staff.
Collaboration at Its Best
WiseGolf's collaborative development with WiseNetwork and input from golf managers has ensured that the platform meets the nuanced needs of golf clubs. This partnership model leverages collective expertise from various sports facilities, enhancing the system's versatility and effectiveness.
"One of the best parts of WiseGolf is that the development continues, together with us, the golf clubs. I personally have plenty of new ideas on how to improve the system within a year, and many of those are already in action." Helminen praises.
"I know WiseGolf is built on WisePlatform and is widely used in gyms and sports companies. I think we benefit because they have experience from all these sports companies, which they've used to develop this system for golf. We've also had development groups with golf managers. Combining feedback from these managers with their experience from other sports companies has been crucial in developing WiseGolf." Honkalehto says.
The Smart Solution for Modern Golf Club Management
In a candid reflection on the benefits of WiseGolf, Honkalehto notes the long-term cost savings and time efficiencies the system offers. For golf clubs considering a switch, he stresses the importance of evaluating core business needs and how a comprehensive system like WiseGolf can meet them.
"The golf club should carefully consider what is most important for their business. Is it the bookkeeping system, the time reservation system, or any other system that WiseGolf offers? If there is a need for all these systems, choosing WiseGolf becomes an easy decision."
In conclusion, as Linna Golf keeps improving its operations with WiseGolf, this partnership shows how technology can change traditional sports institutions. It gives them an advantage while making business management easier. The successful use of WiseGolf at Linna Golf can be a model for other clubs that want to update their operations without losing the true spirit of the sport.
Esa Honkalehto / CEO of Linna Golf
Carita Helminen / Service Manager of Linna Golf