State of the Art buggy GPS installed at the Grove

Visitors to The Grove who choose to use a golf cart to get around the 7,200-yard championship golf course, will get more than just an easy ride, following the installation of a new state-of-the-art Visage GPSi system in its fleet of new Club Car carts.

Known as Visage, the new information system represents the golf car industry’s most extensive marriage of buggy and technology to both inform and entertain golfers throughout a round.

Visage draws on a combination of mobile, wireless and Global Positioning System technologies to not only allow golfers to gain precise measurements on pin positions and hazards (and measure the length of drives off the tee), but it also is the first cart to feature a two-way communication channel with the golf operations team.

This exciting breakthrough will allow golfers to not only pre-order drinks and food at The Grove’s legendary half-way house, but also to order extra balls to be delivered out to the course (should you happen to run low), and even call out someone in case of an injury to a player or any other request which requires an immediate response.

The system also allows golfers to be contacted by the golf operations team, for example, in case of course closure due to bad weather or the threat of lightening, as well as informing slow players to step up the pace should they fall behind the group in front.

Each Visage system comprises a 10.2-inch colour screen which automatically adjusts it brightness levels to suit the ambient light. Touch screen technology allows players to scroll quickly and easily between holes, while full-colour graphics and 3-D flyovers providing detailed overview of every aspect of each hole, ensuring there are no hidden surprises for first-time players and regulars alike.

The system can also be used to record scores, as well as providing a central database so that golfers can keep tabs on how other teams are doing in corporate or society events. Knowing you need a birdie on the last to take the title has a tendency to ramp up the excitement levels.

So the next time you book a round at The Grove, make sure you book a buggy, and see how much more to using a cart there is than saving yourself the walk.

Rounds at The Grove can be booked up to 30 days in advance. To book your next round call 01923 294266 or make a reservation online at www.thegrove.co.uk/golf.