Explore best pos system for golf courses in 2024

When it comes to golf course management, if you don’t have the best point of sale (POS) system, you could run into trouble. Long lines at the bar, impatient club members tapping their feet, and orders piling up can really put a dampener on the fun.

So, let’s explore how these smart POS solutions can help your golf course become the go-to spot for golfers looking to enjoy a fantastic day on the links!

Key features of a golf course POS system

As golf courses everywhere start embracing smart technology, it’s time to level up with features that’ll make your operations smoother and your golfers happier. So, what should you look for in a solid golf course POS system?

Flexible payment options

In today’s world, going cashless is the way to go. In fact, Clearly Payments found that around 84% of payments are being made digitally in the US. Whether it’s credit cards, mobile payments, or QR codes, your POS should handle it all. Golf courses are ditching cash to streamline operations, and players love it. This means faster transactions, shorter lines at the bar, and happier golfers who can just tap and go.

Inventory management

Keep tabs on your drinks and snacks with low-stock alerts and easy tracking, because nobody wants to run out of beer after a long day on the course. Good golf course management software should let you monitor inventory in real time, so you know exactly what’s flying off the shelves and what’s gathering dust.

Member management

Understanding your customers is key to providing an awesome customer experience. With robust customer management features, you can store client profiles, track their preferences, and even manage tee time bookings. Knowing your regulars by name can make a huge difference in creating a friendly atmosphere. Plus, with detailed records of their visits and purchases, you can tailor marketing efforts and special offers that keep them coming back for more.

Sales tracking & reporting

Want to know how many golf shirts you sold last week or which snacks are crowd favorites? The best POS systems have sales reporting features that let you dig deep into your numbers, giving you all the details you need. You’ll spot trends, identify peak sales times, and figure out which items keep golfers coming back for more. This customer data and sales data helps you make smart decisions about promotions, stocking, and pricing strategies. Plus, knowing what’s working lets you focus on maximizing your profits and keeping your course thriving!

Support and training

If you can’t figure something out, just click “Help,” and you’ll be back to serving happy customers in no time. When the stakes are high and the golfers are thirsty, the last thing you want is a tech hiccup slowing you down. That’s why having reliable customer support is essential. Look for systems that offer training sessions, detailed manuals, or 24/7 assistance. With solid support, you can tackle any issue that pops up—whether it's a software glitch or just a simple question—without stressing out. Knowing you have someone to turn to can make all the difference, letting you focus on what really matters: serving up those drinks and snacks and keeping the golfers happy.

Online ordering

In a world where everyone is glued to their smartphones, offering online ordering can be a game-changer. With a POS system that allows for pre-orders, your customers can browse the menu, place their orders, and pay, all before they even arrive. Imagine golfers strolling up to your stand, waving their phones, and grabbing their goodies without waiting in line. This feature speeds up service and helps you manage crowd control during peak times.

Loyalty programs

Golf management software that includes a loyalty program can help you build a community of repeat customers. You can offer rewards like discounts, free items, or exclusive deals for golfers who keep coming back. It’s a fantastic way to keep those loyal players engaged and feeling appreciated.

With these key features, your golf course POS system can transform the way you run your golf course operations. You’ll serve more customers, keep your sales volume high, and ensure everyone leaves with a smile (and maybe a cold drink in hand).

Top golf course POS system options

Here are some of the top POS providers for golf courses:

Epos Now

Epos Now provides a comprehensive point-of-sale (POS) system specifically designed for your golf club, offering speed, simplicity, and cost savings. Whether you’re managing retail operations or hospitality services, Epos Now allows you to engage more effectively with your customers and customize your system to fit your specific needs. With a user-friendly setup that can be learned in just 15 minutes, you can focus on delivering a great experience to your members and their guests.

Software

Epos Now’s software solution is all about streamlining operations. With an intuitive interface and integrated payment processing solution, you can quickly accept various payment types, ensuring fast and secure transactions. The built-in product matrix helps you organize items by size, brand, and color, simplifying inventory management. Automating manual tasks speeds up service and enhances guest satisfaction. Plus, with e-commerce functionality, you can expand your reach and sell online, attracting customers from all over the globe.

Hardware

The Epos Now Complete Solution comes with everything you need to run your business, including a POS system, cash till, and printer. The hardware is designed for efficiency, allowing you to process sales quickly and accurately. And the system is flexible enough to adapt to different service environments, whether you’re operating a pro shop or a restaurant, or you have a driving range on-site.

Integrations

Epos Now’s robust integration capabilities ensure that you can connect with other essential golf business tools. Use integrated accounting apps like QuickBooks and Sage to manage your finances effectively. Capture valuable customer data during transactions, whether in-store or online, and leverage this information to build relationships through targeted email campaigns. Create a loyalty program to reward your most dedicated customers and encourage repeat business. Advanced sales reports provide insights into customer preferences, helping you make data-driven decisions for promotions and stock management.

Square POS

Square is a payment processing and point-of-sale (POS) platform that serves businesses of various sizes. A Forbes review lists it as a potential option for newcomers to retail.

Pros:

• Free to start
• No monthly fees on the Basic Plan
• Offers a variety of POS hardware options

Cons:

• Accounts can freeze due to irregular activity
• Not cost-effective for high-volume transactions
• No phone support

Square's features and limitations mean it might not suit everyone, particularly those needing more comprehensive support and functionalities.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed has been in the point-of-sale (POS) market for over a decade. The system is cloud-and browser-based, and there is an app for iOS devices. While Lightspeed POS includes features like inventory management and 24/7 customer support, it may be overly complex for new golf courses. Here's what Forbes had to say:

Pros:

• 24/7 support is available
• Each account receives an account manager
• Inventory management capabilities

Cons:

• More expensive than other POS systems
• Lengthy contracts are required
• Difficult to cancel the service

Clover

Clover is a point-of-sale (POS) system aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a variety of software and hardware options for different business types, including retail, restaurants, and service providers. It’s not the most affordable choice on the market, but it has a selection of payment partners.

Pros:

• Pricing
• Free trial available
• Low-cost hardware options
• Suitable for businesses with an online presence

Cons:

• Online application for the POS system is not available. You must work through a sales representative
• Pricing details are not transparent
• No free plan is offered

Toast POS

Toast is a point-of-sale (POS) system specifically designed for restaurants, so may not be the best option for your entire golf course operations. Forbes said:

Pros:

• Accepts multiple payment methods
• Offers live customer service
• Able to manage multiple locations
• Entry-level packages

Cons:

• Scalable packages and pay-as-you-go pricing can make costs unclear
• High cancellation fees and costs associated with switching plans
• Poor Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, with minimal online support options

Choosing the best golf POS system for your golf course

Choosing the right point-of-sale (POS) system for your golf course can make a huge difference. Here’s how to find the one that fits your needs:

• Identify your needs: Start by thinking about what you need from your golf course management software. Do you want it for accepting payments, managing tee times, or tracking inventory? Make a list of must-have features to narrow down your options.
• User friendly interface: Look for a golf POS system that has a user-friendly interface. If your staff can easily work out how to use it (without a degree from CalTech) you’ll save time on training. This is especially important in the hospitality sector of the golf industry, where fast service is super important.
• Read reviews and ask for demos: Nothing beats real-world feedback from fellow golf course owners. Look for reviews on sites like G2, Forbes, Capterra, or Trustpilot. These platforms often provide detailed user experiences and ratings for various point of sale systems. You could also participate in online golf community forums and social media groups. Here, you can ask other owners about their experiences with different systems.