Holywood Golf Club, renowned for its rich history and famous alumni like Rory McIlroy, continues to uphold high standards in course maintenance and club safety with the integration of the award winning, digital safety and compliance platform, Obbi. Both Phillip Shields, greenkeeper, and Stuart Cameron, maintenance manager, have highlighted significant improvements in efficiency, communication, and safety since adopting Obbi.
“The introduction videos were great with Obbi — really self-explanatory,” emphasised Shields. “They were particularly helpful for some of the older staff members who weren’t up-to-date with current regulations.”
Shields highlighted how Obbi’s user-friendly interface has raised awareness and adherence to essential health and safety standards, such as proper rest periods and equipment handling protocols.
One of the most impactful features, according to Shields, is Obbi’s efficient maintenance reporting system. “Before Obbi, the checklist wasn’t there to check the machines after use. Now, I can report an issue instantly by taking a photo and uploading it to Obbi. This visibility means issues are addressed much faster, improving overall efficiency. This capability has fostered a proactive maintenance culture, with daily checks becoming a routine that ensures the golf course remains in pristine condition.”
Stuart Cameron, Holywood Golf Club’s maintenance manager, echoed Shield’s sentiments, emphasising the enhanced communication Obbi has facilitated. “Communication is the biggest change we have noticed because everything goes on to Obbi. Everyone can see everything instantly, which helps us get things done quicker.”
Cameron underscored the importance of consistent procedures and checklists, drawing from his extensive experience in the Prison Service where meticulous record-keeping was crucial. He also highlighted the broader advantages of digital transformation with Obbi saying: “The paper trail is reduced because everything’s digitised and on the platform. It’s helped me with multiple external bodies such insurers and licensing. This transition to digital has not only streamlined operations but also provided robust documentation that supports regulatory compliance and risk management.”
Reflecting on over a year of using Obbi, Cameron highly recommends the solution to other clubs. “I suggest you take Obbi on,” he said. “The help and support from the Customer Success Team was fantastic, and it actually makes life easier.”
