The complete guide to implementing PuttScores' revolutionary paperless scoring system at your golf course.
Stationary Mode transforms your golf course into a fully digital scoring experience by placing tablets at each hole. Players simply walk up, tap their group, enter scores, and continue playing—no apps, no downloads, no hassle.
Most courses go live in 2-3 days
Eliminate paper cards forever
Live leaderboards & analytics
Week 1: Order hardware, prepare network infrastructure
Week 2: Install tablets, configure software, train staff
Week 3: Soft launch with select groups, gather feedback
Week 4: Full rollout to all players
Complete these steps before purchasing hardware to ensure a smooth deployment.
Walk the course with your phone, test signal strength at each hole location
Locate electrical outlets near mounting locations (or plan for solar/battery solutions)
Select visible, accessible spots near tee boxes (avoid direct sunlight when possible)
Decide: tablets at all 18 holes, or just 1st/10th tee and back 9 holes?
Get sign-off on hardware costs (typically $8,000-15,000 for 18 holes)
Schedule training sessions for pro shop staff and rangers
Plan how you'll introduce the new system (email, signage, staff announcements)
Keep paper scorecards available for first 2-3 weeks during transition
Detailed recommendations for every component you'll need.
9-hole course or pilot program
Full 18-hole implementation
Weather-proof + full features
The perfect balance of performance and cost for most courses. Excellent screen visibility, reliable software updates.
Upgrade option with larger screen, faster processor, better outdoor visibility.
Best for: High-end courses, premium experience
Compact option, easier to mount, still full iPad functionality.
Best for: Space-constrained locations, par-3 courses
WiFi vs. Cellular: Start with WiFi models. Add cellular ($130 extra per tablet) only if you have WiFi dead zones or want maximum reliability. Most courses find WiFi sufficient.
Weather-resistant, tamper-proof, wall or pole mount options.
IP65 rated, outdoor certified, excellent value.
Basic security, good for indoor/covered areas.
Important: Don't cheap out on mounts. A $50 mount failing can mean a $500 stolen/damaged iPad. Invest in quality enclosures with proper locks.
Purpose-built outdoor TV, 700 nits brightness, weather-sealed.
Best for: Outdoor club house displays, patio areas
Standard smart TV works great indoors—bar, pro shop, tournament room.
Setup: Just navigate to your leaderboard URL, set to full screen, done!
Pro Tip: Use a cheap Amazon Fire Stick ($30) to display leaderboards on existing TVs. No computer needed!
Professional-grade outdoor access point, 500ft+ coverage, centrally managed.
Coverage: 2-3 APs typically cover 18 holes
Power: PoE (power over ethernet)—one cable does it all
Budget-friendly alternative, still delivers 300ft+ coverage.
Best for: Smaller courses, tighter budgets
Your network is the backbone of Stationary Mode. Let's get it right.
Before installing anything, map out where you have (and don't have) coverage.
How to test: Walk to each hole, connect to WiFi, note signal strength. You want at least 3 bars (or -70 dBm or better). Mark any problem areas on a course map.
Strategic placement is everything. One well-placed AP beats two poorly-placed ones.
Most modern APs use PoE (Power over Ethernet), making installation clean and simple.
Don't skip this step! Test every single tablet location before final installation.
Troubleshooting Weak Spots: If you find dead zones, add another AP, use a WiFi extender, or consider cellular backup iPads for those specific holes.
Use a separate guest network for players. Don't put course tablets on the same network as your tee time system, security cameras, or office computers. Keep player devices isolated.
Setting up your iPads correctly ensures years of reliable operation.
Don't use personal Apple IDs. Create one specifically for the course.
This locks the iPad to PuttScores so players can't exit to other apps.
Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → Toggle ON
Set a Passcode → [create 6-digit pin]
Display Auto-Lock → Never
💡 To enable: Triple-click side button when in PuttScores
💡 To exit: Triple-click side button, enter passcode
Connect to your course WiFi network. Make sure "Auto-Join" is enabled so tablets reconnect after power outages.
1. Open Safari browser
2. Go to: puttscores.com/dashboard
3. Login to your course account
4. Navigate to Stationary Mode settings
5. You'll get a unique URL for each hole
6. Tap "Add to Home Screen" → Name it "Hole 1" (or whatever hole)
7. Now you have a one-tap app icon that opens directly to that hole
Open the PuttScores home screen icon, triple-click the side button, tap "Start" at top right.
✨ Done! The iPad is now locked to PuttScores and players cannot exit.
✅ Good: Near tee box, visible from cart path, 4-5 ft height
✅ Good: Shaded when possible (reduces glare & heat)
✅ Good: Accessible to all players (including those with mobility issues)
❌ Avoid: Direct sun all day (screen becomes unreadable)
❌ Avoid: Hidden behind trees or structures
❌ Avoid: Areas prone to golf ball strikes
Wall Mount: Use lag bolts into studs or concrete anchors. Make sure it's SECURE—these tablets will face wind, rain, and curious hands.
Pole Mount: Use stainless steel clamps, tighten firmly. Check tightness weekly for first month.
Pro Tip: Slightly angle tablets downward (10-15°) to reduce sun glare and make screen more readable.
If outlet nearby: Run power cable through conduit (for protection), plug in.
If no outlet: Consider solar+battery kiosks (more expensive but eliminates wiring).
Important: Use weather-rated outdoor power cables. Secure cables so players can't trip over them. Consider burying power lines if running across cart paths.
Put a small label on the back of each mount: "Hole 5 Tablet" + emergency contact number. Helps maintenance staff and makes troubleshooting easier.
Configure Stationary Mode settings in your PuttScores dashboard.
Login to puttscores.com/dashboard → Navigate to Settings → Stationary Mode section
Toggle "Enable Stationary Mode" → Choose which holes will have tablets
For each hole, you can configure:
Configure how groups move through the course:
Auto-Advance: When enabled, groups automatically appear on the next hole after scoring. When disabled, groups must manually select themselves from a list.
Group Display: Show group names, starting times, current hole—helps players find themselves quickly.
In the Stationary Mode tab, click "Generate All QR Codes (PDF)" button. This creates a printable PDF with one QR code for each hole and station.
✅ This is ONE-TIME setup by your staff, not for players.
Each tablet stays permanently configured for its assigned hole. Players never scan QR codes in Stationary Mode—they just walk up and use the tablets.
Before going live, create a test group and walk through the entire scoring flow:
Test these scenarios before launching to players.
The Ranger Portal is your command center for monitoring pace of play and managing groups in real-time.
A real-time dashboard that shows where every group is on the course, how long they're taking, and alerts you to slow play or issues. Access it from any device—phone, tablet, or computer.
URL: puttscores.com/ranger-portal
Login: Use your course admin credentials (same as dashboard)
Mobile Access: Works great on phones! Add to home screen for quick access while out on the course.
See exactly where every group is on the course in real-time.
Automatic color-coded alerts when groups fall behind target pace.
🟢 Green: On pace or ahead
🟡 Yellow: 5-10 minutes behind target
🔴 Red: More than 10 minutes behind target
⚙️ Configuration:
Set target time per hole in Ranger Portal → Pace of Play section.
Typical: 10-12 minutes per hole for 18-hole mini golf (3-3.5 hours total).
System automatically tracks time at each hole and calculates average pace in real-time.
Visual map showing congestion points and flow.
Send messages directly to groups on the course.
Get notified of issues automatically:
Group "Sunrise Squad" is 15 minutes behind pace at Hole 8.
Action: Drive out to Hole 8, politely remind them to keep pace, suggest they let faster group behind play through.
4 groups backed up at Hole 5 (narrow fairway hole).
Action: Station ranger at Hole 5 to keep groups moving, encourage ready golf, maybe send message to waiting groups to stay patient.
Group checked in but hasn't scored at Hole 1 in 20 minutes.
Action: Drive to Hole 1, check if they need help, make sure they understand how to use tablets.
Monitoring all tournament groups, want to know when leaders make the turn.
Action: Filter view to show only tournament groups, set alerts for when they reach Hole 10, announce on loudspeaker when leaders tee off on back 9.
Quick solutions to common issues.
✓ Press power button to wake it up
✓ Check if it's plugged in and charging
✓ Hold power button for 10 seconds to force restart
✓ If still black, battery may be dead—bring backup tablet
✓ Swipe down from top right, drag brightness slider to max
✓ Disable Auto-Brightness in Settings
✓ Consider repositioning tablet to reduce direct sun
✓ Long-term: Add sunshade or move mount to shadier spot
✓ Triple-click to exit Guided Access, go to Settings → WiFi
✓ Toggle WiFi off and back on
✓ "Forget" the network and reconnect with password
✓ Check if other tablets at nearby holes have WiFi (might be AP issue)
✓ Restart the tablet
✓ Restart the tablet (hold power, slide to power off, wait 30 sec, power on)
✓ Clear Safari cache (Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data)
✓ Check WiFi signal strength (might be poor connection)
✓ Close any other apps running in background
✓ Triple-click to exit Guided Access
✓ Close Safari, reopen the correct hole's home screen icon
✓ Triple-click to re-enable Guided Access
✓ Verify URL is correct for that hole number
✓ Check access point—lights should be solid (not blinking/off)
✓ Restart access point (unplug, wait 30 sec, plug back in)
✓ Check if other devices (phone, etc.) also have issues
✓ Interference from other WiFi networks—try changing channel
✓ WiFi password changed? Reconnect tablets with new password
✓ Router DHCP lease time too short—increase to 24 hours
✓ Too many devices on network—add another AP or upgrade router
✓ Interference from nearby businesses—use 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz
✓ Short-term: Use cellular iPads for those holes
✓ Long-term: Add another access point closer to dead zone
✓ Try repositioning existing AP to better cover that area
✓ Use WiFi analyzer app to confirm it's truly a dead zone
✓ Check WiFi connection—scores need network to save
✓ Refresh the page (pull down to reload)
✓ Try again—may be temporary server issue
✓ If persistent, contact PuttScores support
✓ Check if they're on the correct hole's tablet
✓ Verify they were checked in at pro shop
✓ Try manual search by name or tee time
✓ Rangers can manually advance group to correct hole via portal
✓ Check internet connection (try loading another website)
✓ Clear Safari cache
✓ Force-close Safari and reopen
✓ Restart tablet
✓ Refresh the leaderboard page
✓ Check if any groups have actually scored recently
✓ Leaderboards update every 30 seconds—wait a bit
✓ Clear browser cache on TV/display device
✓ Show them: tap your group name, enter scores, tap next hole
✓ Point out help button on screen
✓ Offer to walk them through first hole
✓ Give them paper scorecard if they're really struggling
✓ They can tap "Edit Score" button to change it
✓ Or Rangers can edit via Ranger Portal
✓ Or pro shop can edit in main dashboard
✓ Scores are editable until round is finalized
✓ Rangers can send group back to that hole in the system
✓ Or edit/add scores manually via Ranger Portal
✓ Tell them to score remaining holes normally, we'll fix it after
✓ Not a big deal—easily correctable
For issues you can't solve: PuttScores Support
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [your support number]
Response time: Usually < 2 hours during business hours
Budget setup (9 holes): ~$2,000
Standard 18-hole setup: $8,000-12,000
Premium outdoor setup: $15,000-20,000
This is a one-time investment. No monthly hardware fees.
No! Many courses start with tablets at:
This works fine. Full 18-hole coverage is ideal but not required to start.
iPads themselves aren't waterproof, but weatherproof enclosures (like ArmorActive) are IP65-rated—they handle rain, snow, dust, etc. Touchscreens work even with water droplets on them.
Security enclosures lock with keys. Tablets are screwed into mounts. In 5+ years across hundreds of courses, theft is extremely rare. The enclosures make it obvious the tablets are secured, discouraging attempts.
Many courses add small signs: "Surveillance camera" or "GPS tracked" for extra deterrent.
With proper weatherproof enclosures, iPads easily last 3-5 years outdoors. We've seen courses run tablets for 5+ years without issues.
Main factors: quality enclosures, keeping them charged, annual cleaning/maintenance.
No! That's the beauty of Stationary Mode. Players just walk up to tablets and use them. No downloads, no accounts, no login. Just tap and play.
Tablets will cache scores temporarily and sync when connection returns. For critical reliability, use cellular-enabled iPads as backup—they'll use cell data if WiFi fails.
Realistically, WiFi outages are rare and brief. Have paper scorecards as ultimate backup.
Yes, PuttScores works on any modern tablet. However, we strongly recommend iPads because:
If budget is tight, Samsung Galaxy Tab A series is acceptable.
Keep paper scorecards available for first few weeks. Most players adapt within 1-2 rounds once they see how easy it is.
Rangers can help on the course. Pro shop staff can demo at check-in. Put simple instructions on signs near tablets.
After 1 month, 95%+ of players prefer tablets over paper.
Yes! PuttScores has built-in sponsorship display options. Show sponsor logos, ads, or course info on scoring screens. Great revenue opportunity!
Cost savings:
Revenue increases:
Typical payback period: 2-3 years
Not if you have good WiFi coverage. Start with WiFi-only models.
Add cellular (~$10-15/month per tablet) only if:
Yes! If you add selfie stations (camera + backdrop), you can see in the dashboard which groups took photos, and download/share them. Great for marketing!
Lessons learned from hundreds of successful implementations.
Start with a 1-2 week "beta" period. Invite regular players to try it. Get feedback. Fix issues. THEN do full rollout. This catches problems early before your busiest days.
Email members 2 weeks ahead. Put signs at pro shop. Have staff mention it at check-in. Post on social media. The more you tell people, the smoother the transition.
Don't debut new tech during your biggest tournament. Launch on slower weekdays first, then weekends, THEN special events once you're confident.
Training Tip: Record a 5-minute video showing the basics. Much easier than explaining every time you hire someone new.
Use the tablet screen to show: hole layout, yardage, pro tips, hole sponsor. Makes tablets more valuable than just scoring.
Set up a selfie station at hole 18 or a scenic spot. Players share photos on social media = free marketing for your course.
Put TV in clubhouse/bar showing live scoring. Players love seeing their names up there. Creates buzz and excitement.
Enable closest-to-pin, longest drive, best score challenges. PuttScores can track these automatically. Adds fun competition.
Sell "sponsored by" placements on tablets. Every player at that hole sees the sponsor's logo/message.
Typical pricing: $500-2,000 per hole per year
Enable on-course ordering via tablets. "Order drinks delivered to hole 12" = increased F&B revenue + better player experience.
Offer "premium rounds" with extra features: professional photos, advanced stats, personalized highlights. Charge $5-10 extra per round.
Charge event organizers for enhanced tournament features: live scoring, instant results, photo packages, branded leaderboards.
Typical pricing: $100-500 per tournament
Check Out Our Service That Comes to You
Our experts visit your mini golf course and handle complete setup in 2 days—software, hardware, training, everything.
Dashboard configuration, hole setup, queue management
Mounting, securing, configuring all tablets
WiFi testing, access point setup, troubleshooting
In-person training for all staff and rangers
🛡️ 100% satisfaction guarantee - We don't leave until it works perfectly