Remploy Electronics has been chosen by World Golf Systems to support the enhancement of the company’s TopGolf centres worldwide.
TopGolf is a new game, developed in the UK, that uses conventional clubs and golf balls equipped with microchips to create a points-based competition for players.
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."
About World Golf Systems
World Golf Systems (WGS) is a British company that was set up in 1997 to develop and exploit its invention - the I.D. Ball System. From the technology, WGS developed the TopGolf game concept and the TopGolf Game Centre. WGS owns all associated patents and intellectual property rights.
The I.D. Ball System and TopGolf brand are revolutionising the sport of golf by creating a new leisure experience that is broadening the appeal of golf by creating a fun, point-scoring game. A proven technological and financial success in the UK, WGS has global patents for the I.D. Ball System in all major markets and is licensing the technology and TopGolf opportunity to leisure developers around the world.
For more information, visit www.topgolf.com