Month: November 2016

Golf Australia (GA) has reacquired full commercial rights to Golf Link in a move that the governing body hopes will benefit the sport, golfers and commercial partners.

Golf Australia, in conjunction with software service provider MSL Solutions and its platform MPower, have struck a strategic agreement that will allow all Australian golf club members to check their handicap information and scoring history via Golf Australia’s homepage from April 1 next year.

MSL had acquired Golf Link in 2014 but the partnership will allow the sport’s governing body to utilise MSL’s MPower technology platform. The technology partnership will enable GA to develop accurate, real-time insights into membership trends and respond to changes in golf participation.

Golf Australia chief executive, Stephen Pitt, said. “We will be able to exert more influence on the service we provide to golfers and hopefully give them a great experience as they check movement in their handicap and playing results.

“It will strengthen our ability to invest in golf and help drive our important development programs such as MyGolf and Swing Fit.

“It will allow us to better communicate with golfers around the country and make golf stronger in Australia, so it’s a very important milestone.”

MSL provides cloud-based and on-site software-as-a-service platforms to clubs, hospitality businesses and major facilities. The company aims to list on the ASX in 2017.

The company’s managing director and chief executive, Craig Kinross, added: “We are excited by the opportunity to upgrade our relationship with Golf Australia as its technology partner. Our purpose at MPower MSL is to empower the golf club with our unique open architecture platform. We deliver solutions that improve the clubs knowledge, understanding and engagement of the golf community to make more money, save money and improve their governance.

“MPower MSL can now also focus on the coordination of its golf offering both domestically and internationally through MPower Golf, a combination of the golf products from Golf Link Partners, iSeek Golf, Golf Computer Systems, GolfBox and Micropower providing a coordinated technology solution to consumers and the industry.”

Yesterday, MSL also acquired Denmark-based golfing software provider GolfBox as the company continues its acquisition of key golfing and hospitality software products.

The post Golf Australia regains commercial rights to Golf Link appeared first on Sports Business Insider.

A combined Brisbane Strikers-Ipswich bid for an A-League licence has come to light and it has come hot on the heels of both parties making seperate public overtures to join an expanded competition.

On Monday, Ipswich-based NPL Queensland club Western Pride became the latest club to consider putting in an expansion club bid.

SBS, citing AAP, have reported that Miron Bleiberg, the former A-League coach who has been the public face of a seperate Strikers’ bid, met with Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale to discuss the possibility of joining together.

The criteria for clubs wanting to pitch for an A-League licence will be released early next year and already a long queue has formed to submit bids even though Football Federation Australia is keen for more expansion clubs from major cities.

The report further states that the Strikers have not yet abandoned the idea of going it alone but a joint bid could expand the team’s reach across Brisbane’s western suburbs, including Ipswich, Toowoomba and Logan.

The Strikers’ brand would be retained, but the name of the team could change to include a reference to Brisbane’s west.

Where the team plays is unknown as a new stadium would need state and federal government backing for it to be built.

A new team would have to share Suncorp Stadium with Brisbane Roar until funding can be sourced.

Read more at SBS.

The post A Brisbane Strikers-Ipswich joint A-League bid could be in the works appeared first on Sports Business Insider.