How sports clubs are using wallet passes to improve the way they work

Published on 26th November 2024

Sports clubs come in all shapes and sizes, from the local bowling club with a quaint clubhouse, to the sprawling golf club with locker rooms, a bar, and even a spa. No matter the scale, one thing these clubs all have in common is the need to control access for their members.

Without proper systems in place, memberships can easily lapse as people continue to access the facilities even after letting their membership expire.

In addition, better access control means that members can make use of the facilities out of hours without the need to put staff on duty or provide an individual key for each person.

A simple but powerful solution that sports clubs are turning to is digital wallet passes, compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Wallet and Google Pay.

Wallet passes are low-cost and easy to implement, but they offer far more than just access control.

Here are some of the top ways that sports clubs are using wallet passes to improve the member experience and run their operations more efficiently:

Centralised member access control

A digital wallet pass acts in much the same way as a traditional membership card - by scanning their pass against a reader which permits access to the main entrance.

This allows club managers to centrally manage who has access and revoke privileges when needed.

For example, a golf club might choose to issue wallet passes to all members. When members arrive, they can scan their passes at the gate to verify their active membership and grant them access to the course, driving range, and other facilities.

Improved security

Wallet passes are much more secure than physical cards that can be lost or shared. The passes are tied to a member's device, so you can be sure only authorised people are accessing your facilities. This helps prevent unauthorised entry and misuse of club amenities.

If a member loses their phone, the club can remotely disable their wallet pass to maintain security. This is much harder to do with a physical card that could end up in the wrong hands. Equally a missing phone is usually spotted long before a missing membership card!

Effortless member experience

Members benefit from the convenience of having their membership pass on their phone, which is almost always with them. There's no more fumbling for a plastic card or wasting time at the front desk. The quick scan-and-go process makes entry a seamless experience.

Imagine a tennis club where members can simply tap their device at the gate to enter, without having to wait in line or interact with staff. This frictionless access creates a far more enjoyable experience for the members.

More than access control

Wallet passes can do so much more than just verifying member identities. Sports clubs are using them to:

Manage loyalty programmes and bar tabs - Members can seamlessly charge purchases to their account, earning points or rewards with each visit.
Send push notifications - Instantly deliver updates, announcements, and offers directly to members' smartphones, ensuring they never miss important club news.
Enable building and room access - Passes can unlock doors and gates, controlling who goes where within the club's facilities.

A swimming club might use wallet passes to grant members access to the locker rooms and pool area, while also allowing them to pay for drinks at the cafe using their pass. The club can then send targeted offers and announcements about upcoming events or facility opening times directly to members' devices.

How to get started

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