London Golf Club improves operational efficiency with secure tab-keeping

March 13, 2026

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Hospitality and leisure businesses strive to improve their bottom line month after month. There are numerous ways to do this, from offering extra value to customers to ensure repeat business to creating not-to-be-missed promotions. Enhancing operational efficiency will also be a top priority for the manager, as lower losses translate into higher profits. That could mean less damage or loss of hire equipment for golf courses’ pro shops. Streamlining processes will also reduce waste, improve productivity, and minimise spoilage and waste in the food and beverage areas.

One significant area to examine to improve the bottom line is technology. The systems in place could determine how best to improve efficiency and minimise waste. These systems could range from property management systems(PMS), which streamline operations, manage reservations, and track guest data, to customer relationship management (CRM) systems, which manage customer interactions, personalise communication, and track customer preferences.

CardsSafe has been used by golf centres across the UK for over twenty-five years. It retains customers’ banking or ID cards, enabling secure bar tabs and golf equipment hires. CardsSafe’stab-keeping system works alongside existing POS systems to securely store customer credit and debit card information. As a result, CardsSafe virtually eliminates chargebacks and is a strong deterrent to dine-and-dash because customer bank cards are securely retained upon arrival. It’s cost-effective as well and practically pays for itself. Just one £120 dine-and-dash incident or a chargeback costs the same as one unit with 10 draws per year. In addition, each hire includes customer service support, free replacement keys, and the option to add additional units at any time.

CardsSafe is a tool that improves customer service and helps staff upsell. Safely securing customers’ bank cards while running a tab builds trust between the venue and customers, helps the team build loyalty and confidence, and increases sales. Customers who set up a tab inevitably spend more time eating and drinking.

The system is used by nationwide venues, including Young’s Pubs, Hilton Hotels, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and many independent restaurants and bars. Golf courses include Silvermere, Redlibbets, The London Golf Club, and, more recently, Golf World Stansted, Pine Ridge Golf Club, and Royal Ascot Golf Club.

At The London Golf Club, the units were first installed in 2008, with additional units added in 2014 and 2020 to support on-site customer golf equipment hires. CardsSafe is also used by the catering staff at the club to serve golfers’ food and drinks on the course to their hundreds of weekly visitors, both club members and the wider public.

Food and Beverage operations manager Grant Rumbelow says, “CardsSafe has been a welcome addition to the London Golf Club. We utilise the system in our golf shop and spike bar and on-course with our drinks buggy. With CardsSafe, we can safely store customers’ cards while they enjoy their round of golf.”