In focus Booking tee-times on the Internet: Deciding on that impromptu fourball or planning an afternoon on the fairways has never been easier following the launch today of a product that offers Europe's first open, real-time online golf network at www.teetimes.ie.

The online booking method provides golfers with straightforward access to tee-times on the Internet at 24 courses around Ireland, including some of the most prestigious venues.

The service allows the user to book their tee-time in "real-time", which ensures it is fast and reliable, one of Europe's premier booking systems.

It has been possible to book tee-times on the Internet for some time, but that involves a succession of e-mails between those looking to purchase a slot or slots and the club in question. This new system allows the golfer to buy the tee-times there and then without the need for correspondence.

The website was developed by Online TeeTimes Ltd (OTL), a Wicklow-based company, whose idea it was to provide a system whereby golfers could search for and book tee-times at a range of quality courses in Ireland.

FEXCO, the Kerry-based global payments company, has acquired a majority shareholding in OTL. The company announced that Dick Spring, FEXCO's executive vice-chairman, will serve as OTL's chairman and that it will make a significant investment in the system.

The format is very user-friendly and represents quite a simple premise.

Every course involved in the new project sets the times it wants to make available for online bookings and manages these times accordingly. The green fee rates and course information are managed by the course to ensure the latest information is always available to potential customers.

To facilitate speed of access for both clubs and customers alike, OTL has undertaken to provide Internet access, where possible, to eligible courses using broadband technology and tee-time software, backed up by training and support services.

OTL claim the following benefits for clubs: "enhanced revenue opportunities, free member bookings, online booking facility directly from the course's web site, significantly reduced time and cost of processing reservations, streamlined interaction with tour operators, no upfront fees or charges and 24/7 broadband Internet service."

The system operates on a straightforward payment model. When a customer makes a booking they pay either a booking deposit or the full green fee (this is set according to each individual golf club) via credit card. The payment is processed and sent to the relevant golf course's account.

OTL buy the green fees at special rates and the difference between the two is their commission.

The new company has also outlined the benefits of joining the network for third party distributors like hotels and car rental companies, who can see in "real-time" availability at courses, which courses are being booked, which agents (as opposed to individuals) are booking them.

The company also maintain a database of information on each course that they can forward to clients, complete with directions to the course and likely weather conditions for a particular day.

Some of the leading clubs in the country have offered tee-times on OTL, including Druids Glen and Druids Heath, the North and South courses at the K Club (their tee-times are due to be released by the end of the week), Portmarnock Links (due by Friday) and Adare Manor.

There are 22 clubs (24 courses) that will be available in the initial phase, the last ones up and running by the weekend; but the company hope to quickly offer a much wider choice range.

OTL will operate within FEXCO's Travel & Leisure product market group in conjunction with Gulliver Ireland, a leading provider of tourism information and reservations.

Essentially Gulliver provides and maintains Ireland's national tourism database and powers, among others, the Fáilte Ireland website (www.ireland.ie) and the Northern Ireland tourist board website (www.discovernorthernireland.com).

OTL see this latest innovation and the first fledgling steps in tackling huge market demand both at home and abroad.

DUBLIN: Corrstown, Donabate, Luttrellstown Castle, Malahide, Portmarnock Links, St Margaret's.

WICKLOW: Charlesland, Druids Glen, Druids Heath, Glen of the Downs, Powerscourt (East), Powerscourt (West), Tulfarris.

CORK: Bantry Bay, Cork GC.

KILDARE: K Club (North and South).

LIMERICK: Adare Manor.

LOUTH: Seapoint.

WATERFORD: Gold Coast, West Waterford.

WEXFORD: St Helen's Bay, Seafield.

CLARE: Dromoland Castle