World Golf Systems selects Remploy

Players tee off from a driving bay onto a landscaped outfield with targets ranging in distance from 20 to 240 yards. The aim of the game is to score points as balls are hit into the targets. Players receive instant feedback on how far they have hit a shot and are allocated points based on distance and accuracy.

Over £20m has been invested in the development of the initial UK centres and the research, development and testing of the enabling and tracking technology behind TopGolf – the I.D. Ball System. This patented system comprises a microchip in the core of a premium two-piece golf ball; ball dispensers that read and allocate balls to game participants; a range of targets that continually scan for balls; monitor screens in the player’s bay to show current scores for all players; and supporting software that integrates the whole process.

In addition to three UK sites, World Golf Systems (WGS) has opened TopGolf facilities in Bangkok, Thailand, and close to Washington DC. In order to increase the resilience of the system as it is rolled out in territories that experience more extreme weather conditions, WGS has embarked on a rolling upgrade programme for all sites. As part of this programme, Remploy is replacing connectors within the intricate interconnection system that links the various chip readers and cables and ensuring that these adhere to IP68. IP68 level protection guards equipment against long periods of complete submersion.

Commenting on the agreement, John Thirkettle, Product Development Manager for World Golf Systems, said: “Our systems utilise quite a complicated connector mechanism and Remploy was the only supplier that was able to complete the work to our satisfaction. The support they provided, including the ability to do daily drops, proved invaluable and ensured the programme ran smoothly from the start.”

Johan Olivier, Local Remploy Manager at Holloway, added: “Remploy’s policy of continual investment in employee training means that we have a highly skilled team. Our ability to satisfy the rigorous quality standards required by the TopGolf system is testament to the team’s expertise.”