Thursday 19 May 2011

How To Select A Golf Course App With A Range Of Features

By Wayne Hemrick


One of the most exciting new tools for golfers is the golf course app. These apps provide a range of features including yardages, scorecards, and statistics. Many golfers enjoy these options as a way to enhance their playing experience and results.

The primary component of these apps is the ability to calculate yardages. Distances use the internal GPS system on each phone combined with mapped courses. In most cases, there is no need to download courses ahead of time. The location services feature of the phone allows apps to find the closest courses. The user then selects the appropriate course along with the tee box to be played to set the starting point on each hole.

While playing, the golfer can check various yardages at the point where the ball lands. The application displays distance to the back, middle, and front of the green. It also shows distance to other points on the hole, such as how far to a bunker or how far to clear a water hazard. It can show distance to a layup area, as needed. This is made possible because golf courses are mapped ahead of time to show specific features and landmarks.

Along with yardages, some apps include a satellite view. This viewpoint from overhead helps show the shape of the hole in relation to the tee box. This is especially helpful on doglegs or when hazards are present. It also helps when golfers are not familiar with courses or need additional information along with what is provided on the scorecard. When combined with yardages, this is a nice tool to assist with knowing what types of shots are needed.

Electronic scorecards are a neat feature. This allows the golfer to track the score as each round progresses. This can include other pertinent scoring components like the number of putts taken on each green. Once the round is completed, scores and statistics are calculated. Some apps allow the golfer to download or store scorecards.

Along with scorecards, another feature is the ability to track handicaps. By storing a range of scores over time, the golfer's handicap can be determined using the statistics from various courses. The user is able to make his own settings for how handicaps are determined and maintained.

Other types of statistics can also be maintained. These are usually determined by individual preferences and settings. For instance, golfers may want to track their greens in regulation or how many drives landed in the fairway for driving accuracy. Additional options include recovery shots, putting averages, and scoring totals for birdies, bogeys, and other scores. These statistics help show progress and results over time so that golfers can get a solid view of their performance.

The individual features included on each golf course app vary somewhat from one to another. The most exciting feature is the ability to use the GPS for accurate yardages on mapped courses. The other features for statistics, scorecards, and handicaps are an excellent complement to any golfer's game. Players will enjoy experimenting with options and settings to decide what works for their own games.




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