Sentech, leader in telecommunications and sponsor of the Women’s World Cup of Golf (WWCoG), to take place at Sun City from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, is up for the challenge of meeting the communication demands of some of the world’s top women golfers.

Top golfers rely on technology, and a selection of cell phones, computers, PDAs, Ipods, MP3s, Internet, video cameras, radio and television are included as part of their daily on-tour routine.

For many of the golfers, cell phones, computers and PDAs are an integral part of the on-course game as well as an international communication necessity.

“Modern technology has certainly made my life much easier and for those of us who travel constantly, communication has become far simpler,” says Laurette Maritz, representing South Africa this year at the WWCoG.

“Golf-course designers use technology in the design and structuring of golf courses, while manufacturers of clubs use technology to test players’ swing speeds to ensure they are equipped with the most effective clubs that impact maximum ball speed and distance. Both regular and digital cameras are used extensively for media coverage as well as by golfers themselves, to analyse their swing.” Golf simulators are equally popular in cold climates so that players can practise all year round. These simulators vary in sophistication but some come complete with PC software, which allows golfers to ‘practise’ their game on 18 of the world’s best courses.

Rising local golf star, 16-year-old Ashleigh Simon, who will be partnering Maritz at the WWCoG, thinks the Ipod is the hottest thing to happen to technology and she makes particular use of it both while touring and on the course. There are different opinions about the level of technology around the world.

Many believe the US leads the way in technology, while others credit Western Europe with superior broadband wireless offerings available in hotels, and a continual flurry of new products.

One such innovation is the pocket-sized, smart card that keeps a player’s scorekeeping on track. This convenient device clips on to a belt or bag and automatically tracks stroke-by-stroke, front and back nine tallies and overall scores for up to four players.

Sentech CEO and keen golfer Dr Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane says the company is thrilled to be a part of such a world-class sporting event. As a major sponsor of this year’s WWCoG, Sentech sees the event as an ideal platform to demonstrate the functionality of its technological capacity while empowering women golfers with a high-profile platform to excel. The Women’s World Cup of Golf is not only a pioneering initiative in South Africa, but also in the global golfing arena. “It is for this reason that we are proud to align our vision of being the leader in providing world-class broadband communications to an initiative that is set to become the leader in international golfing events,” Mokone-Matabane says.