Automated Booking Tool Guidance
The behaviours below do not, on their own, prove the use of an automated booking tool. However, they may indicate activity that warrants further review. Clubs should avoid drawing conclusions or challenging members based solely on a single indicator.
o Popular tee times being secured immediately upon release.
o The same members consistently obtaining high-demand tee times.
o Frequent booking, cancellation and rebooking activity.
o Booking activity occurring at the exact moment tee times become available.
o Repeated complaints from members regarding access to popular tee times.
Many automated booking tools require golfers to provide their VMS username and password in order to make bookings on their behalf. Members should be aware that sharing account credentials with a third party carries inherent risks, including:
o Providing usernames, passwords or membership details to external services.
o Losing control over how account credentials are stored, processed or used.
o Increased exposure if passwords are reused across other personal accounts.
o Unauthorised access to, or use of, a member's account.
o Potential breaches of club booking policies which could result in booking restrictions.
Action | Recommended approach |
Set expectations | Ensure club booking policies clearly prohibit the use of automated booking tools, scripts, third-party booking services and the sharing of login credentials. |
Monitor patterns | Review unusual booking patterns, repeated complaints, high cancellation rates and activity around tee sheet release times |
Use fair access measures | Consider booking limits with the Fair Use Policy in VMS, or flexible tee sheet release times |
Educate members carefully | If you wish to communicate to your membership to discourage the use of automated tools, then focus communications on fairness and account security. Avoid naming tools or explaining how automation works and highlight personal security risks. |
Members must book tee times
only through approved club booking channels. The use of automated tools,
scripts, bots or third-party services to secure tee times is not permitted.
Members must not share booking login credentials with any third party. Breaches
may result in booking restrictions or action under the club's rules |