SARASOTA, FLA. (April 28, 2009) – Golfers approaching the Journey at Pechanga’s first hole might be surprised to see Corey Pavin appear on their golf car’s GPS screen and hear the former U.S. Open champion launch into an introduction of the distinctive Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest design they’re about to play. As they get closer to the first tee, the voice of Mark Macarro, the Tribal Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, tells them the first hole is called “Chuxívonga,” which is the Luiseño word meaning “the beginning place.” The next images they see – shot from high above California’s picturesque Temecula Valley – might remind them of a PGA Tour telecast’s flyover.
“As you play the course, the (GPS) system is not only giving you information about each hole, but you’re also getting a history lesson about the Pechanga people and their culture and heritage,” says Rich Dominguez, director of information technology at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. “It’s amazing we were able to leverage the technology to give golfers this experience.”
The Inforemer WiFi/GPS Management System from GPS Industries (OTCBB: GPSN), which is installed on 82 golf cars at the Journey course, is pushing the GPS envelope in terms of the functionality it offers golfers, according to Kevin Carpenter, vice president of sales and marketing for the Sarasota, Fla.-based company.
“The Pechanga owners are known for leading-edge technology in their gaming operations, and there was an expectation that this system would live up to that tradition,” Carpenter said.
Mission accomplished, according to Dominguez. “We want to make sure that when we deploy any technology, that it exceeds our high our expectations of functionality and value.”
The pursuit of perfection was evident in the owners’ commitment to comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage throughout the course, a decision that required helicopters to drop in the poles and hardware for 20 additional Wi-Fi access points over the rugged southern California terrain. The extra access points, which are powered by solar panels, ensure that golfers never have to wait for satellite updates to get the exact yardage information they need and that they’re never cut off from communications.
“Customer service is key to our success,” Dominguez said. “Making sure we were able to deliver the level of service and satisfaction on the golf course that we do elsewhere in the resort is consistent with our mission.”
It’s also an effective combination of resources and technology, Dominguez adds.
“These days you look for technology to drive business and create added value,” he said. “This was a big win for us.”
About GPS Industries
Founded in 1995, GPSI (OTCBB: GPSN) develops and markets the industry’s most technologically advanced GPS-based solutions to help golf courses, resorts and residential communities generate incremental revenues and improve operational efficiencies. GPSI owns the GPS golf patents for major worldwide golf markets, including those for North America, Australia, Japan and 11 European nations. Major GPSI investors and advisers include Greg Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises and Dubai-based Leisure Corp. GPSI’s worldwide installed customer base includes more than 300 golf facilities. For more information, go to www.gpsindustries.com.
About Journey at Pechanga
Journey at Pechanga is the Pechanga Resort & Casino’s 7,219-yard par 72 course set in southern California’s Temecula Valley. The course offers breathtaking scenery along with plenty of challenge for players of all ability levels. Each hole bears a Luiseño name, and several of the holes showcase cultural exhibits that chronicle the history of the Pechanga people. Former U.S. Open champion and 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin is the official touring professional and national spokesperson. The 62,000-square-foot clubhouse includes the Journey’s End restaurant, which features a three-story waterfall; and a 2,800-square-foot golf shop. For more information go to www.journeyatpechanga.com.
Contact:
Bill Bryant, Bryant Marketing Communications
678-366-3232, bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com
