ClubCorp announced on June 23rd in Denver, CO that it has joined the Affinity VideoNet affiliate network.  ClubCorp is a world leader in private clubs, and this move will offer its members access to more than 50 HD videoconference suites in major markets all around the U.S.  This also gives members the ability to connect with thousands of Affinity VideoNet rooms in over 60 countries world wide.

ClubCorp is a Dallas-based company that was founded in 1957.  Its affiliates own or operate over 150 country clubs, golf courses, sports clubs and resorts, including the nationally known Firestone Country Club in Akron, OH.  ClubCorp facilities are known for offering numerous memorable and elegant settings for every kind of special occasion.

Under this new agreement, Affinity VideoNet will promote and manage ClubCorp reservations of video conferencing locations exclusively.  According to major executives of both companies, this agreement will offer clients outstanding executive experience in first class private club facilities.  Services such as catering and meeting coordination are other services that will make this situation a win win for Affinity VideoNet, ClubCorp and their members and customers.

Shanty Creek Resorts in Michigan has partnered with Northwind-Maestro PMS to put into place a multi-property, multi-module hotel software technology platform that helps people shop and book their own accommodations online.  This has resulted in a ten dollar increase in ADR, because of the ease of use for guests.

Shanty Creek properties provide everything for travelers, whether business or recreational.  Championship golf courses, ski mountains and fine dining outlets help create a very attractive destination throughout the seasons.

Northwind-Maestro’s ‘Web Connection’ is a complete eBusiness package of online profitability tools.  Some features include the ResWave booking engine, and a tool that maximizes revenue, enhances service provided to guests and lowers the cost-per-reservation booked directly on the hotel website.

According to Leslie Chinn, Shanty Creek Resorts’ revenue management director, all three “Village” properties are unique.  Cedar River Village offers one and two bedroom condos, Schuss Village is a budget minded property, and Summit Village is their flagship.  By implementing the Maestro Multi-Property Suite that supports these three separate operations on one database, personalized guest service is streamlined and clients experience faster reservation booking.

Due to these changes, the company has noticed that direct hotel website bookings have risen by five percent, and ADR is up ten dollars.

ClubCorp of Dallas, founded in 1957 and the world leader in private clubs, and Madison, Wisconsin-based Laser Link, producer of the Laser Link Distance System for golfers, have announced a partnership involving over 100 golf facilities in more than 25 states. Laser Link’s SmartStick reflective flags will be installed at each facility, and the golf shops at each facility will stock Laser Link handheld range finders.

With the handheld range finder units, golfers have available a high-tech distance measurement device to determine the exact distance from their ball to the flag. Various range finder units from Laser Link will be available, including the QuickShot, the Gold NFE, and the Lady Laser Link.

Dan Cortese, Director of Retail Operations for ClubCorp, said “We are extremely excited about the partnership between ClubCorp and Laser Link Golf. ” “The Laser Link Distance System has proven time and time again to be the simplest, fastest, most golfer-friendly distance measurement tool on the market. We’ve done the research, and our clubs have tried other distance measurement tools, including GPS, and they just don’t measure up. Our business is providing the best for our members, and the best is the Laser Link Distance System.”

Rob O’Loughlin, president of Laser Link Golf, noted “ClubCorp is a world leader in the private golf club business, and their endorsement of our product only further validates our concept - simple, fast, accurate distance that any golfer can use.”