FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RCSC has recently begun an initial trial of tee time booking changes with the end-goal of eliminating the in-person draw for the golfing residents it serves. One of the most common complaints of RCSC golfers is the in-person draw, which requires golfers to be at a golf course no later than 6:45a.m. to make an advanced reservation.
The current point of sale system used by RCSC incorporates a feature that automates the tee time selection process. RCSC Cardholders will be able to register themselves and their guests in advance for the automated system through the RCSC Web Portal or by contacting one of six RCSC golf pro shops. On the day of the automated draw, RCSC Cardholders will be assigned a tee time for the day they have requested based upon either their preference of golf course or time of day.
Though the automated tee time selection functionality is currently in place, it has not been utilized due to the devastating impact it would have on the many informal golf groups that play RCSC courses. A purely automated system would not be able to keep these groups together. The first step of the trial involves finding a solution to book group play ahead of the normal draw day, which is currently five days prior to the day a golfer wishes to play.
The concept is to provide one rotating golf course each on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday that would be dedicated to group play (Tuesdays and Wednesdays would remain Ladies’ and Men’s Days). Large Sun City AZ groups (30+ players or so) would be eligible to register to play on the course assigned for group play six days in advance. Posting of the course that is open for group play on the golf calendar will allow non-group players to plan their golf rounds to avoid these groups, should they choose to do so. Groups not wishing to play on the course assigned to groups that day can partake in the automated draw five days in advance with all other golfers. Times not taken by group players on the dedicated course will become available to all golfers when the automated draw takes place.
Currently Sun City AZ groups that participate in the trial will pay an additional $1 per round, which will become part of a sweep that can be used for RCSC pro shop merchandise only. The trial is designed to define the proper number of golfers to be considered a “large” Sun City AZ group, the proper fee charged to Sun City AZ groups for advanced bookings, how to handle Sun City AZ groups requesting the same times and various other logistical functions required to ensure a smooth transition to a new system.
The first part of the trial began with a single group designed to assist RCSC with logistical issues that may arise with the new system. As the trial continues, additional groups will be offered the opportunity to participate. The final stage of the trial will be the implementation of the automated system, which will determine that participants in the automated draw are receiving tee times fairly. During all phases of the trial, RCSC will be collecting feedback and suggestions to ensure the entire system is as fair as possible and provides a measurable benefit to RCSC Cardholders.
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