To say Spikemark’s debut in the college golf world has been a struggle may be an understatement.
In July, the NCAA announced Spikemark Golf would become the provider for all golf scoring and ranking services utilized by the NCAA, beginning with the 2023-24 season. Spikemark took over the service role previously provided by Golfstat.
Nine days later, Golfstat responded with a statement, saying the company wasn’t going away, though its role was going to be reduced.
The 2023-24 college golf season got underway last week across the country, but there has been no shortage of issues with Spikemark and its scoring system. Although rankings weren’t going to be released until October, tournaments, teams and fans across the country have had myriad issues trying the scoring side of it.
A message on Spikemark’s website as recently as Wednesday morning said the site and accompanying apps are currently “Ground Under Repair” as it carries out essential maintenance work in order to deliver the best possible service.
“Providing timely and efficient information for all collegiate golf coaches, players, and fans is always our #1 priority, and we will update this page accordingly.”
Spikemark was created and founded by former collegiate player and coach, Derek Freeman. In the initial release, the company said it would provide tournament scoring, real-time leaderboards, detailed statistics, in-depth analytics and media, allowing fans to keep track of their favorite teams and players. Spikemark would also provide real-time access to team schedules, up-to-date results and the latest rankings.
However, many tournament directors have been left scrambling because of the live scoring issues in the first week. Some tournaments have switched to Golf Genius or even to Golfstat. Others have been forced to keep scores on team websites.
With Spikemark down, there’s no way to track schedules or results all in one place. Even when the website wasn’t undergoing maintenance, many users reported extremely slow load times and issues navigating the site, as well as difficulty setting up tournaments and inputting scores.
It’s still early in the season, but Spikemark’s debut was anything but flashy. Here’s a look at reactions in the college golf world to the new scoring system.
Spikemark statement
— Spikemark Golf (@SpikemarkGolf) September 4, 2023
What a concept
I remember a time not long ago you could access a website and find every college golf tournaments scores in one spot…. what a concept 🤷♂️
For those interested in following the Boilers tomorrow we will be at the link below. https://t.co/brlnbBs6Lc@PurdueWGolf
— Zack Byrd (@zbyrdgolf) September 4, 2023
Ditch Spikemark
Time to ditch Spikemark already and use #golfstat #NCAAGolf. Not a great start!!
— Phil.Somerfield (@philsom68) September 4, 2023
Longing for the old days
We miss GolfStat @NAIA @NCAA @RiverStatesConf
Bottom line is Spikemark isn’t ready— IUE Women's Golf (@IUEastWGolf) September 3, 2023
Not a good look
Not looking good at Spikemark or for NCAA going with an untested app. Hopefully they get the “Ground Under Repair” fixed quickly. So used to using a great Golfstat app/website.
— Dave Wuethrich (@DaveWuethrich) September 3, 2023
Disaster
Gotta love the "newer" "better" Spikemark has been a disaster thus far.
— Joel Armstrong (@jetsarebest) September 3, 2023
From the teams
Play is underway. No live scoring due to Spikemark website being down.#HailWV pic.twitter.com/CSmKCSXQ2s
— WVU Golf (@WVUGolf) September 3, 2023
Problems everywhere
Spikemark isn’t getting off to a great start. @NCAA
— Larry Ward (@larrywardgolf) September 3, 2023
Another statement
A statement from our founder and CEO concerning live scoring. pic.twitter.com/VPwZdUIsQv
— Spikemark Golf (@SpikemarkGolf) September 1, 2023
Insanity
Definition of insanity… Checking Spikemark every day to see if it's working 🤦♂️ @D3golfguys
— Coach Jon Lester (@CoachJonLester) September 6, 2023
Not a surprise
NCAA's decision to drop Golfstat for Spikemark is starting to look like a huge mistake already. Not a surprise unfortunately.
— Jim Veator 🌴😎🌴 (@JimVeator) September 5, 2023
