As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Trentham Golf Club developed a customised system of online competition entry for members, using cashless payments, timesheets and competition management. This system has been so successful it has been retained for future competitions.
For those members who are unfamiliar with or who need refreshing on Trentham's competition system, this article will provide information on how to enter and pay for competitions at Trentham.
There are two components to the competition system:
- The online GolfOn competition credits system that handles competition payments, and
- MiClub that handles timesheets, competition management and handicapping.
Benefits
- Members don't have to pay with cash (or even remember to bring cash) on competition days.
- There is no need for the clubhouse to be open.
- Competition payment can be made online using a variety of methods, including Paypal, Visa, Mastercard and direct bank deposit. If the clubhouse is open, credits can also be purchased at the finishing table using EFTPOS or cash.
- There is no need for starters to take payments and organise groups.
- Competition start times are available for a much longer period of the day, from 7am to 12.30pm.
- The system is "self-service" and easy to administer.
Please note that the GolfOn competition credits system and MiClub fulfil different functions and are not integrated.
Competition credit basics
Members purchase credits for future competition use. When you play in a competition, one credit ($7) is deducted from your account. You must be in credit (i.e. be financial within the on-line entry system) in order to play.
Access members pay $21 (including the comp fee) when they play in a competition. Access members will therefore have three $7 credits (total $21) deducted each time they play in a competition.
Please see the basic diagram of the system at the bottom of this section.
Registration
All members with handicaps (inc. Access and Lifestyle members) are now registered for the competition credits system. You are registered with your name and GolfLink number, and when first registered given 0 (zero) credits. You can then purchase 3, 6, 9 or 12 credits at a time.
Purchasing credits
Buy member competition credits
There is a Buy Member Competition Credits page on the club website that enables you to manage your competition credits. You can check your current balance, and if low, purchase more credits using Paypal, Visa, Mastercard or by making a direct bank deposit.
We prefer Paypal or card as it helps reduce administration and cross-checking bank deposits. Please note that credits will not be added to your balance until a successful transaction or bank deposit is made.
When the clubhouse is open it is also possible to purchase credits by EFTPOS or cash at the finishing desk after your round. You can also convert a trophy voucher to credits (1 credit per $7 voucher value).
Please note: vouchers such as Drummond Golf vouchers cannot be redeemed, they must be spent at Drummonds.
Paying for competitions
When members play in a competition, one credit ($7) is deducted each time from their account (three credits or $21 for Access members).
MiClub
Trentham Golf Club uses the MiClub competition system for timesheets, competition management and GolfLink handicapping.
Entering a competition
To enter a competition timesheet, members must log in to MiClub with their user name and password. Most members now have this log-in, but if you don't please contact entries@trenthamgolf.com.au.
Competition timesheets open 7 days in advance. Click on "Bookings" in the MiClub member home page, then find the timesheet you wish to enter by clicking on the green OPEN. You can enter yourself on a timesheet ("Book Me") or a group ("Book Group" under each time). Using "Book Group" you can also add a visitor from another club who has a GolfLink number and handicap.
Visitors can pay for their round by using the ticket machine, or the Pay a Green Fee website form.
Teeing off
Starting is basically a "self-service" procedure. You must go to the 1st tee when it is your time according to the timesheet. Players who miss their teetime may be required to wait for a vacant time, which could be 1-2 hours later if the bookings are heavy.
Scoring
There are two options: the MiScore App or a traditional card.
MiScore App
We recommend the MiScore App as it reduces administrative time and your scores can be reported and processed immediately when you finish. The MiScore app has a high player approval rating, and includes features such as a GPS, leaderboard, round stats and even counting putts.
The MiScore app is available from the Apple Store for iPhones or the Play Store for Android phones. The user subscription cost is $16.49 (inc GST) per year.
Traditional Card
You can use a paper card for scoring. You can use the touchscreen to enter your hole-by-hole scores.
Results
Full results are available for every competition through the MiClub Leaderboard. This can be accessed from the MiClub home page menu after logging in, or through the "Latest Results" link on the home page of this website (no log-in requi\red) .
A summary will also be provided on Facebook.