ORLANDO, Fla. – GameBook, the next generation real-time scoring system for golf, provided official scoring for the ninth annual Xona Media Classic played Dec. 6-8 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The Xona Media Classic, sponsored by Xona Resort Suites in Scottsdale, annually attracts 100 of the top golf writers and broadcasters from across North America and Europe. The event, the brainchild of veteran Arizona-based golf writer Bill Huffman, has become one of the foremost golf media events in the world, drawing participants from every major publication in the game.
GameBook, which provides real-time scoring and much more via hand-held electronic devices, provided “live” scoring for all three rounds of tournament play, played at Superstition Mountain, We-Ko-Pa and Southern Dunes golf clubs.
GameBook has been available for golf clubs in United States since October of this year. Already more than 5,000 players have experienced the interactive service at tournaments and events played across the country, with GameBook earning accolades from players and tournament organizers alike. The up-to-the-second scoring provided by the easy-to-use GameBook device brings added value to any event, making tournament operations easier and faster while providing more excitement for participants.
Veteran golf writer Mike Bailey played one round of the Media Classic with former PGA Tour player and now Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee. In his article posted on WorldGolf.com Thursday, Dec. 9, Bailey quoted Chamblee commenting on GameBook, saying, “Every pro-am should have this. That way, you know right where you stand.”
“We are extremely proud of how GameBook has proven to turn ordinary golf tournaments into memorable tour-like experiences,” said company CEO Mikko Rantanen, a former collegiate All-American at Georgia Tech and a PGA professional. “For players of all skill levels, GameBook increases the excitement and involvement in the events by sharing results in real-time. But just as importantly, the system allows upscale golf clubs and event organizers to separate themselves from the competition by providing golf’s ultimate scoring system to their clientele.”
“Club and event administrators also realize that GameBook represents an additional revenue stream for their operation,” Rantanen stressed. “With GameBook, golfers will always know their standing with the live leaderboards presented on the GameBooks, clubhouse TVs and online.”
Recognized as the industry innovator, GameBook is designed to attract more tournament rounds to golf facilities, generate more revenue and distinguish event organizers from competition. For course owner/operators, on-course and web advertising can provide additional potential revenue streams.
Events that have employed the GameBook scoring system in recent months include the Troon Cup at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, the Kingdom Cup hosted by Arnold Palmer at Orlando’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, the Nicklaus International Final at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., the ClubCorp Team Championship at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas and a special charity event hosted by Stewart Cink and Billy Andrade at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Other venues that have used GameBook to score various events include PGA National Golf Resort & Spa, Innisbrook Resort, Doral Golf Resort, the Ritz-Carton Club of Jupiter and Pinehurst Resort.
Working with professional golfers, including 2009 British Open champion Stewart Cink, GameBook was developed with specific emphasis on usability, allowing even first-time users to experience the thrill of live tournament scoring during their round.
The GameBook System for golf clubs includes the proprietary hand-held devices and an Extranet for event management. Each pairing uses one GameBook device to enter scores for that pair, as well as monitor scoring for the entire field in real time. In addition to overall event scoring, GameBook comes with a variety of built-in, easy-to-play side games, including many favorites like best ball, scramble and various Stableford formats where gross and net scores can be monitored simultaneously.
With GameBook, golf event management is easier and faster – from invitations to results. The system can be used to make pairings, hole assignments and cart signs, track groups’ positioning on the course and even keep up live leaderboards for closest to the pin and long drive competitions. Final results of all competitions, including any side games among individual players, are known within seconds of the final putt being holed.
In addition to enhancing the on-course experience, GameBook provides users opportunity to connect with one another through an online, web-based community. This virtual meeting place, called the GameBook Clubhouse, is available at www.golfgamebook.com and is free for all golfers to use and enjoy.
A GameBook application for iPhone users offers these same features, as well as statistics, and is available at the online Apple store.
About GameBook Inc.
The ultimate “value added” product for golf tournaments, GameBook offers real-time scoring via live leader boards, as well as other features that make tournament organization and administration more efficient and expeditious, all presented in easy-to-use formats. GameBook products include: 1) GameBook System licensed for golf facilities and golf tournament organizers; 2) GameBook iPhone App available from the Apple iTunes App Store; and 3) GameBook Clubhouse, an online community for golfers.
GameBook Inc. is the distributor of the GameBook scoring system for golf in United States. CEO Mikko Rantanen is a former All-American golfer at Georgia Tech and a current PGA member in Finland. The GameBook team also includes 2009 British Open champion Stewart Cink, European Tour winner Mikko Ilonen and Apple Design Award winner Elias Pietila. All these people have come together to create a product that helps golfers enjoy the game more than ever.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, Go to www.golfgamebook.com or contact:
CEO Mikko Rantanen
Phone: 561-306-1777 (or +358 500 656565)
mikko.rantanen@golfgamebook.com
Sales Manager Dave Rossi
Phone: 561-460-6152
david.rossi@golfgamebook.com
Contact:
Reid Nelson
Reid Nelson Promotions, LLC
Phone: 843-795-1778
reid@reidnelsonpromotions.com
