Matt Leverich, co-founder of the comprehensive communications and technology system Playbooks for Golf, comments on its recent integration with Spiio sensors and data. How does streamlining these innovative technologies benefit clients in the turf industry?

A Kansas State University alumnus with over a decade of experience in the turf industry as well as some exposure to software development, Matt Leverich was uniquely positioned to recognize and fill a need in the world of golf courses. In 2008, he partnered with Greg Wojick to found Playbooks for Golf, a comprehensive offering of communications and technology products for managing golf course turf. Playbooks has taken off over the last twelve years, with its products now incorporated into 700 courses worldwide—including several of the top ten courses in the world. Leverich manages the day-to-day operations of Playbooks, including product, operations, integration, IT development, and client interactions. 

Playbooks’ Coverage System and its Integration with Spiio

One of Playbooks’ well-established and innovative products is the Coverage software system, which manages chemical and fertilizer tracking, planning, and reporting. Last winter, Coverage integrated with Spiio. Customers with Spiio sensors can now see the soil temperature and other relevant data from those sensors in Coverage, allowing for an even more streamlined experience as managers and superintendents plan and track their applications based on up-to-date, in-the-ground data.

This kind of third-party integration is a key part of what Playbooks does. “There is a lot of software out there,” says Leverich, “but nothing comprehensive like this. There are other products that attempt to track fertilizer and chemical applications, but typically, the burden still lies on the course and its superintendent. With us, the burden is on us. Playbooks is a turnkey product that’s simple for a non-tech person to use, but it comes with all the power that innovative software can offer. It really is a one-stop-shop.” So, whenever there is an opportunity to integrate with other high-quality programs, Playbooks takes the opportunity.

Biggest benefit of integrating Coverage with Spiio is just “having more actionable data.” 

Matt Leverich

Choosing to integrate with Spiio was an easy decision. Already familiar with Spiio’s National Sales Representative, Dave Latshaw and his family, Leverich learned about Spiio and found that its API was easy to integrate and made for a good fit. The integration is currently in beta testing, and things are looking good so far. Customers can see all the data from their Spiio sensors in one place with the other information in the Coverage system.

The Power of Actionable Data

Leverich comments that the biggest benefit of integrating with Spiio is just “having more actionable data.” Spiio sensors provide real-time data on moisture, temperature, and other indicators from the soil that is remotely accessible. Users can therefore base their chemical application, water management, and other maintenance decisions on accurate and current information that is convenient to access. Playbooks and Spiio hope that, in addition to benefiting current clients, their integration will allow other potential customers to be exposed to the possible advantages of the Spiio data as they see its integration tab appear in their Coverage software.

Of course, the importance of remotely accessible data and reliable software has been underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of their proven quality, Playbooks was fortunate to see no loss in clients and, in fact, saw 90% of the sign-ups in 2020 they had seen in 2019. “We have a product people need and want,” Leverich says, and it shows in times like this. 

“I’m an avid golfer, so I love being in the golf business and working to improve the golf experience.” 

Matt Leverich, Playbooks

The golf market is niche, so it can be challenging to target such a small market. It takes a lot of networking, time, and effort, but Leverich says it’s worth it when you’ve got a great product. “I’m an avid golfer,” says Leverich, “so I love being in the golf business and working to improve the golf experience.” 

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