The R&A has launched a free web-based benchmarking service designed to assist course managers and head greenkeepers. It is said to provide a means of collecting, analysing and reporting data that will enable golf clubs to maintain a record of all their relevant information on playing quality, turf quality and expenditure onthe course.

From this pool of information courses will be able to track their own progress from year to year and monitor trends and changes that occur.

Each course using the service will also be able to look at its own information and compare details statistically against other similar golf courses.

“This is benchmarking in its truest form and the service will provide complete anonymity,” said Robert Webb, chairman of the R&A golf course committee.

“We encourage use of this service because of the many benefits it will bring in coming years to those managing golf facilities and to the game itself which is under increasing pressure to provide evidence to support its credentials in terms of its performance as a sustainable user of land and its environmental footprint.”

Clubs wishing to use this service should register at www.bestcourseforgolf.org.