Compare
ClubNet vs GolfTap
ClubNet and GolfTap are both full club management systems with different areas of emphasis and a different pricing structure. This article covers the areas where they genuinely differ, so clubs can make an informed decision based on what their operations actually need.
Quick answer
Choose ClubNet if: live scoring on competition days and direct member messaging are central to how your club operates.
Choose GolfTap if: you want tighter payment and finance integration, automated membership renewals, and real-time reporting without manual reconciliation.
About ClubNet
ClubNet is a golf club management system covering tee sheet management, competition administration, membership records, and member communications. The system has a long track record and is familiar to many club administrators and committee members who have worked across multiple sites.
Live scoring is a built-in feature, which is a genuine strength for clubs running regular competition days. Member communication tools are central to the platform, with direct messaging to members included as standard. ClubNet typically serves smaller clubs and charges on a module basis, so the total cost depends on which features a club activates.
ClubNet has an established community of clubs on the platform, which means peer references are straightforward to find.
About GolfTap
GolfTap is a golf club management platform used by clubs. Tee sheet, competitions, memberships, payments, and finance are all connected in the same system. Automated membership renewal reminders, segmented member broadcasts, and a live finance dashboard are part of the standard platform.
The comparison with ClubNet is most relevant for clubs weighing up live scoring capability against tighter payment and finance integration. It is also relevant for clubs where end-of-day reconciliation, membership renewal chasing, and accounting connection are currently taking more manual effort than they should.
How each handles the key areas
Covering the areas where ClubNet and GolfTap genuinely differ.
Live scoring and competition results
ClubNet includes live scoring as a built-in feature. Members and club staff can enter scores during a competition round and results are available without a manual compilation step at the end of the day. For clubs where competition day flow is a priority, this provides an advantage in removing a step that many clubs currently handle manually or through a separate tool.
In GolfTap, the scoring engine is built and the results calculation is WHS-compliant. Competitions sit directly on the tee sheet with no separate module. For clubs where live scorecard submission is the central competition day requirement, this is a genuine difference to factor into the decision.
Member communications
ClubNet has messaging as a central part of the platform. Clubs can contact members through the system, and this has been a strength of the product for clubs that place member communication at the core of their operations. The messaging tools are familiar to club administrators who have used the system for a long time.
In GolfTap, communications work through segmented email broadcasts drawn directly from the member database. Broadcasts can be targeted by membership type, renewal status, booking history, or any tag applied to a member record. Open and click tracking is included. Renewal reminders are automated: emails go out at 30 days before expiry, 7 days before, and on the expiry date, without any manual action. These are different approaches to member engagement.
Finance, reporting and accounting
ClubNet covers core reporting needs: revenue summaries, membership counts, and booking history. Clubs that need detailed finance analysis typically export data and work with it separately. Accounting reconciliation with packages like Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks is typically handled manually, which adds an administrative step at month-end.
In GolfTap, the finance dashboard is live. Revenue is broken down by category (green fees, membership, competitions, events, pro shop), and the settlement report separates online payments from counter card payments automatically. GolfTap integrates with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and other accounting packages, so revenue flows to the right accounts without a manual export step. For clubs where the treasurer and manager need to agree figures at the end of each day or week, this removes the process of compiling data from multiple places.
Where each has the edge
Where ClubNet leads
-
Live scoring is a built-in feature - a genuine advantage for clubs where competition day results and handicap processing need to happen without additional tools or manual steps.
-
Established presence across clubs - familiar to committees and members, with a community of existing users available for peer reference.
-
Strong member communication history - used in clubs that place direct member messaging at the centre of their operations rather than email broadcast.
-
Existing community of clubs on the platform - useful for clubs that want to see the system in use at a club similar to their own before deciding.
Where GolfTap leads
-
Live finance dashboard and settlement reporting by payment method - no need to export and compile data for end-of-day or end-of-week reconciliation.
-
Accounting sync included with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and other packages. Revenue flows to the right accounts automatically, removing the manual reconciliation step.
-
Member wallets with ring-fencing: bar levy credit stays in the bar, pro shop credit stays in the pro shop. The club defines what each wallet type can be spent on. ClubNet's wallet configuration is known to be complex to set up; GolfTap's is configured through a straightforward admin interface.
-
Automated membership renewal sequence: reminders go out at 30 days, 7 days, and on expiry without any manual action - less chasing for the club office.
Which clubs typically choose each
Clubs that tend to choose ClubNet
ClubNet suits smaller clubs that prioritise live competition scoring and direct member messaging as their core requirements, and where familiarity and peer reference carry weight in a committee decision.
It is a common choice where the club's existing workflows are built around ClubNet's module structure and the committee is comfortable with that approach.
Clubs that tend to choose GolfTap
GolfTap fits clubs that want tee sheet, payments, and finance to work together in one system, with no manual reconciliation step at the end of each day or week.
It is a common choice for clubs where membership renewal chasing is a seasonal burden on the office, or where connecting to an accounting package without extra admin work matters.
Still deciding?
If any of these differences are relevant to your club's situation, we're happy to walk through them in a short call. No hard sell. 20 minutes, focused on what your club actually needs.
Also comparing
Last updated April 2026. GolfTap maintains this comparison. We've tried to be accurate about both platforms. If you spot something that needs updating, let us know.
GolfTap features mentioned in this article