MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., – The first and only nationally networked, database-driven USGA handicap service, designed to enhance the enjoyment and participation of the game for all golfers, was announced today by GOLF Intelligence, Inc., a provider of customer-focused technology solutions to the golf industry. The company’s National GOLF Network (NGN) system is poised for national roll-out following a successful test launch in 2004 after four years of development and testing.
The NGN features a standardized USGA Handicap Service® with value-added “Golf Life Management™” services, including score posting, game analysis, course information and tee times, tournament and league management with online registration, instruction and online tools that enable golfers to interact with their clubs and fellow members. The system was developed by GOLF Intelligence in collaboration with golf associations, golf course owners and operators, amateur tours and leagues, clubs, and golfers of all types.
“We are prepared to provide the NGN system and services to every club in America,” said John Montague, founder and CEO of GOLF Intelligence. “Our vision is to help grow the game and business of golf by serving the fast-growing population of nomadic, public golfers in addition to players at traditional clubs, both private and public golf courses.”
The NGN system was tested in 2004 by more than 800 clubs and 35,000 golfers to ensure its national scalability and provide feedback to improve its functionality. This test group included clubs without real estate, such as health clubs and retailers. More than 250,000 scores were posted to the USGA Handicap Service® via NGN in 2004.
“The system makes it easy for golf courses to operate clubs as valuable loyalty programs and revenue sources,” said Curt Walker, executive director, Midwest Golf Course Owners Association. “The NGN helps drive business to the courses through partnerships with local clubs without real estate. We are very excited about anything that helps fill tee sheets.”
Organizations that have selected the NGN include: Golf Galaxy, Pro Golf of America, Nevada Bob’s, Austad’s, Life Time Fitness, The Golf Channel, ESPN, Clear Channel, Michelob Ultra Golf Tour, National Amateur Golf Tour, NHL Alumni Association, The Minnesota Wild, sections of the PGA of America, chapters of the National Golf Course Owners Association, Spirit of Golf Foundation/National Association of Golf Coaches, and the Executive Women’s Golf Association. In addition, the company is partnering with prominent junior golf associations and organizations to offer its NGN services at no charge to every junior golfer in America.
“We needed a single system that could serve our entire membership, so we looked at all USGA-authorized handicap service providers,” said Sara Hume, executive director of the Executive Women’s Golf Association. “This system was in a class by itself and uniquely capable to meet the needs of our association, chapters and (18,000) members.”
Based in Minneapolis, GOLF Intelligence provides nationally networked and standardized services to golfers through an alliance of associations, organizations and clubs that are dedicated to grow the game and business of golf. More information is available at www.GOLFintelligence.com.

Contact:
Susan Blakely
Blakely and Associates
(952) 937-2869
sblakely@mn.rr.com