GolfPad GPS releases it's own 'tagging' system (GameGolf/Arccos alternative)

[fr0sty]

Details here:

https://www.golfpadgps.com/tags/start

They took GameGolf's NFC tag approach so there are not batteries involved. You have to tag every shot (No automatic shot detection) but there is no separate data uploading step since the data is already on your phone. Price is $99 which is by far the most affordable system out there (currently). It is currently Android only but that will likely change.

I figured it was only a matter of time before some other company took this approach (GameGolf clone). Almost everyone has a GPS device with an NFC reader in their pocket already so you don't need a bespoke device, just a set of tags and the analysis software. What remains to be seen is exactly what sort of analysis you can do with their app/website since that is where the real value is derived. If their offering falls flat in that department then the price savings don't matter.

[bradsul]

Wow very cool.  For $100 I would pick up those tags just for my own programming fun, let alone to use with their app.  The only reason I haven't gotten a gamegolf is the price point, this is much more attractive.

[CarlSpackler]

Details here:

https://www.golfpadgps.com/tags/start

They took GameGolf's NFC tag approach so there are not batteries involved. You have to tag every shot (No automatic shot detection) but there is no separate data uploading step since the data is already on your phone. Price is $99 which is by far the most affordable system out there (currently). It is currently Android only but that will likely change.

I figured it was only a matter of time before some other company took this approach (GameGolf clone). Almost everyone has a GPS device with an NFC reader in their pocket already so you don't need a bespoke device, just a set of tags and the analysis software. What remains to be seen is exactly what sort of analysis you can do with their app/website since that is where the real value is derived. If their offering falls flat in that department then the price savings don't matter.

That is definitely the big if as well as if they make an iPhone app.

[fr0sty]

Wow very cool.  For $100 I would pick up those tags just for my own programming fun, let alone to use with their app.  The only reason I haven't gotten a gamegolf is the price point, this is much more attractive.

If you really want to experiment on the cheap go with these: 10x 30mm outdoor NFC tags with hole

[fr0sty]

The software engineer in me feels compelled to point out that GolfShot appears to have received a patent on their (neither novel or non-obvious) Smart Lock Screen feature which leaves a really sour taste in my mouth. They basically reimplemented the non-patented (but arguably patentable) GameGolf system using an android phone and then grabbed some software patents to try to block others from doing the same.

[RFKFREAK]

So, you tap your phone instead of a sensor?

[CarlSpackler]

So, you tap your phone instead of a sensor?

Yep.

[RFKFREAK]

Yep.

I'm curious if you tap it once you've finished a hole. One thing about Game Golf I don't like is that you don't finish the hole by tapping the device where the cup is.

[CarlSpackler]

I'm curious if you tap it once you've finished a hole. One thing about Game Golf I don't like is that you don't finish the hole by tapping the device where the cup is.

That I don't know.

[iacas]

I'm curious if you tap it once you've finished a hole. One thing about Game Golf I don't like is that you don't finish the hole by tapping the device where the cup is.

I don't really find that to be a problem. I like not having to have my phone in my pocket.

[RFKFREAK]

I don't really find that to be a problem. I like not having to have my phone in my pocket.

Yeah, I think I'd prefer to not have to use my phone, and I may be short-sighted with this, but I'd like to tap the device at the cup to finish the hole so I could keep putting stats like distance to the hole of my first putt.

[iacas]

Yeah, I think I'd prefer to not have to use my phone, and I may be short-sighted with this, but I'd like to tap the device at the cup to finish the hole so I could keep putting stats like distance to the hole of my first putt.

Just move it around afterward. You have to edit your rounds, so you just move the hole around. Plus it's not necessarily that accurate anyway - you're still dealing with GPS, and you're walking around, and it's pinging GPS only every five seconds or whatever. When you tap in, what are you going to do - tap your belt twice or something?

[CarlSpackler]

What intrigues me about this product over GG is that I wouldn't have an extra device to charge or potentially forget. I also don't have to go plug it in to sync my round. However, Apple's NFC on the iPhone 6 is only for ApplePay, so I would have to switch to a Droid phone to use this. I just don't see that happening.

[RFKFREAK]

Just move it around afterward. You have to edit your rounds, so you just move the hole around. Plus it's not necessarily that accurate anyway - you're still dealing with GPS, and you're walking around, and it's pinging GPS only every five seconds or whatever. When you tap in, what are you going to do - tap your belt twice or something?

Yeah, I just got Game Golf so I'm speaking from a concept of how I think it works. I haven't ever done this but I imagine I could try and remember every pin placement. I don't think it'd be hard for courses I would have previously played. For tap ins, yeah, I guess you would do it that way. Can't think of any other way. I wonder if they could have an options setting in the software whereby you could tell it if you're going to tap the device at the cup to end the hole or not. That said, IIRC, GPS is only accurate to three yards so it might not be that useful. I think when I get to use the device I'll have a better sense.

[Jeremie Boop]

I'm downloading the app now to use since it is free so I can compare it to how Game Golf works. From there I'll make the decision to get the tags for either GG or GPGPS.

[Lloyd Martinez]

I have been using this software/hardware paired with an Android watch for over a year.  I find the ease of use and stat tracking to be sufficient for the cost.  The $99 purchase of tags includes one year use of the premium version of the app.  The annual cost for the premium app is $20 for each year you renew.  I have never had an issue with my phone finding a course, but I have had an issue with my phone picking up a GPS section for a hole or two on a heavily wooded course.   I enjoy the dashboard and statistics maintained as well.

Feel free to look at my dashboard to find an example of the statistics tracked:  https://dashboard.golfpadgps.com/dashboard/VV7YB

The company is very reasonable to deal with.  They just recently sent me a replacement tag free of charge.  Long story, but rain + the Nike Tour wrap grips on the Covert 2.0 irons = flying club and lost tag.