The private Sarasota, Fla., club’s free smartphone application provides members and guests with GPS tracking while on the golf course, current weather conditions, menus, special events, and schedules for fitness classes and sports leagues. Available for Apple and Android users, the app also provides quick two-way communication with club administrators.
The Founders Club, a private golf and social club in Sarasota, Fla., is enhancing the member and guest experience with a free smartphone application that provides on-the-course GPS tracking, a detailed hole-by-hole description of the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed championship golf course, current weather conditions, menus and more.
“This tool provides a resource for members to look up anything from daily operations and club events while providing the club with the ability to communicate effectively with members and guests,” said Brad Cecil, an account executive and developer for Talgrace Marketing, which developed the app. “By creating an app, The Founders Club is extending its reach to its members and making information more accessible. More than 80 percent of people access the web on a smartphone as opposed to a laptop or tablet.”
Available for Apple and Android operating systems, The Founders Club app allows users to log in as members or access guest features without a password or user ID.
“The new app will enhance an already close-knit community and its social and active lifestyle,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of London Bay Homes, which owns the majority of the Sarasota community’s homesites. “Because of the community’s intimate size, the club’s membership is active in events, clubs, activities and other offerings. The app is a perfect way to keep residents and members connected and updated on activities on a daily basis.”
On the course, the GPS yardage and scoring tab outlines potential hazards, provides strategic distances from fairways to bunkers and greens, and allows golfers to keep score. Users can also send stats to instructors.
Members can look up general information about The Golf House, dining hours, menus, special activities and events, and access the community’s website and member newsletters. The menu bar also includes links to fitness classes, tennis league schedules, resident clubs and social activities.
Both guests and members can preview the multimedia photo gallery, featuring community and club videos, virtual tours and snapshots from golf tournaments, food and wine events and special activities. They also can subscribe to specific channels to receive push notifications, updates and blogs tailored to their interests.
“Users can manage the alerts they receive,” said Cecil. “For example, an avid golfer can personalize preferences to receive only notifications involving the golf course or golf programs.”
The app also links members and guests to the club’s social media pages and provides telephone and email contacts for key staff members.
“What’s really unique about The Founders Club app is the ability for members to communicate with the club,” Cecil said. “If they see something that requires attention, they can take a picture, write a message and send it to administrators. Most apps only work one-way.”
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