What is ClubNet?

ClubNet is a secure, web-based software application that enables clubs to communicate and interact with their membership in a cost effective way that requires minimal knowledge and club staff resources.

A service offered to Member Clubs of the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association

Part of the overall WPGA mission:

To assist clubs with their day-to-day operations similar to the services of Member Club Surveys and Club Leadership Seminars.

To enhance the communication process between the WPGA, Member Clubs, their members and the golfing public.

Both public and private/member access.

Public access allows anyone on the Internet to access a club site for general information about the club such as club history, directions, or membership opportunities.

Private/member access for sensitive information that only club members can access.

Requires all members to login with a username and password that they choose to gain access to such things as the club roster information, tee times, committee minutes, or anything else the club wants to limit to membership eyes only.

Club administrators and staff access requires a Staff login with staff access authority specified by the individual club.

Software application that runs over the Internet.

Gives both members and staff a way to interact with the site.

Results in the information on the site being current and dynamic.

Modules developed that addresses the club's common needs such as an online roster, calendar of events, online sign-up forms, online scoreboard, committee information, online tee times, and message board modules.

Future modules to be developed as common needs arise by clubs using ClubNet.

Main function of ClubNet is to aide in the communication process between clubs and its members.

Club leaders should realize that the main function and feature of ClubNet is to enhance communication and provide an added service to members that eventually will be required and expected of clubs.

ClubNet includes everybody (staff and members alike) in the process to give the most current and dynamic content available.

It is important that clubs buy into the concept of spreading the interaction with the site through all the departments of the club. Instead of one person in charge of maintaining the entire site, all departments in the club can input current information. The clubhouse, golf shop, and grounds staff, etc. can all do their part to create a web site with so much current information and content that members will regularly go to the club website for the latest information.

Independent club website contracted to a Web Developer or Marketing Company would cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for initial development.

Monthly costs between $100 and $500 for site hosting and support.

Future enhancements and site maintenance would cost anywhere from $50 to $120 per hour.

Since all clubs have the same or similar needs, ClubNet allows us to spread the costs over the entire association of clubs participating.

In addition to the website cost savings, clubs will also have a cost effective way to keep members abreast of club activities.

Monthly newsletter or separate mailings for special events can be posted (.pdf files) to display the newsletter online and let members print them out in the exact format that they would have received.

An up-to-date calendar.

Special events can also be posted ont he website with an optional sign-up followed up with an email.

Members can choose if they want their correspondence via the website or traditional mail so the offline members can keep informed.

Forms and modules are all text driven which means that if a person can send an email then they have the ability to update and input information into the ClubNet application.

Normal web sites require an administrator to have development knowledge which can limit the frequency of updates.

All club staff are able to interact with ClubNet, spreading the maintenance time around.

Fifteen minutes a day from each department is sufficient to keep information current.