[CaptainCook]

Upgraded the wifes iPhone at Xmas and now have a spare 3GS hanging about. Kids as using it for music, but thought I might try uploading a Golf GPS app to see how I get on with using some tech on the course.

It no longer has a 3G data/internet connection, so I need an app that I can download from iTunes beforehand via the home wireless and then use the GPS function to track my progress on the course.

Anyone know of an app that can do this? I've tried a few and can't find anything remotely sensible that doesn't need an active internet connection.

Thanks. CC

[Scotty Pro]

I use Golfshot but the Android version, I honestly don't know if you need an internet connection whilst on the course for yardages etc. I do know that you need the connection to upload your scores to their server but I tend to do that when in the clubhouse and we get a free WiFi connection.

I would assume that most apps need a connection if they show you the course details on screen, unless they have each course built into the app but I think that is highly unlikely. Can you not download a free one to try?

[CaptainCook]

Through trial and error, I've found two this week that seem to work:

Swing by Swing: Free Golf GPS Range Finder | Swing by Swing

myCaddie Pro: iMakePars - myCaddie

The last one has a course mapper, so if it's not listed, or in my case doesn't show the winter mats correctly, you can map your entire course in about 15 mins.

Turned the Wi-fi off after installing them and they still seemed to still show full functionality. With the tiny bit of battery left (forgot to charge the bloody thing) I went onto the first tee and the yardage was pretty accurate.

I'll give it a blast this weekend and if anyone's interested, I'll post how I got on.

[BT@HOME]

Why do you care about the winter mats ?

[CaptainCook]

The mats on some holes are "miles" away from the summer tees. Some Par 5's become 4's as the hole is 80-100yds shorter and some Par 3's have a completely different route into the green.

I understand that the GPS is still going to measure from where I actually tee the ball up, but at least I can load the default winter tee positions into the software correctly, rather than it thinking I'm going to be driving from halfway down the fairway!

[BT@HOME]

Sorry still don't understand. Can't see how it makes any difference, unless you need a satnav to find the green

The only thing that matters is the green (so if you use temp greens then they are all useless).

BTW: They are still illegal in comps to use an iPhone on the course (no change in the rules was made in 2012 even though they could of clarified it more)

[badkarma]

Originally Posted by BT@HOME

The only thing that matters is the green (so if you use temp greens then they are all useless).

kind of agree but if winter greens are on you can use distances to nearby hazards to gauge distance to the green so still useful.

Originally Posted by BT@HOME

BTW: They are still illegal in comps to use an iPhone on the course (no change in the rules was made in 2012 even though they could of clarified it more)

I use mine regularly you can use a gps as long as it gives distances only, not data on other conditions like wind or slopes.

[BT@HOME]

Originally Posted by badkarma

I use mine regularly you can use a gps as long as it gives distances only, not data on other conditions like wind or slopes.

You are correct you can use a gps (if the local rule is in place to allow this), but you can not use an iPhone (or similar smartphone) as a GPS, they are considered to be illegal. The R&A ruled that iPhones etc can not be used as DMD's in competitions.

If you using one in competitions then you are breaking the rules and could be DQ'd for doing so.

[badkarma]

Agree, I hadn't realised they had tweaked the rules recently. Bugger.

Can the local rules be adjusted to over rule Rule 14-3 though or is that it ?

[BT@HOME]

Originally Posted by badkarma

Agree, I hadn't realised they had tweaked the rules recently. Bugger.

Can the local rules be adjusted to over rule Rule 14-3 though or is that it ?

Strangely the rules haven't changed for a while but with smartphones they have made a more specific description, and to be honest I still think they need to be more specific.

A club can not overrule the rules of golf, so they would not be allowed to allow smartphones.