GolfFans

I went on the course this morning with this App GolfSites. First I need to add my club set to this App. This is not apparent until the point you enter your score. I had downloaded my course (Brookside) the night before so I can try run this App first. Brookside is in a valley and don't have good signal for my iPhone so I want to make sure I have the course. Turns out even when there's no signal, the GPS runs just fine, maps all there. Potentially great because if I go on vacation, I don't have to worry about roaming data charges on my phone bill. This App uses a strange way to enter score, it's like the shape of the course. So when I hit a ball, I press Tee button, then it will ask me which club I use, I picked the driver. Then my second shot in hole 1 is on the left rough, I press the left rough button and then it ask me which club i use. So everytime I hit a ball, I press 2 buttons. It's quite easy as you get the hang of it. First few times a bit distracting and forgotten to press buttons. But after a while it's simple. The press of buttons marks my location apparently. At first I am used to the scroll wheel like GolfShot to enter score. But I don't like this type of entering because I have to think too much and that takes my mind off my game. GolfSites way is a "no brainer" for a non tech person like me. After the round, I saved my round and when I go to review it. Wow! I see my ball path outlined in green and blue. Maybe not all is accurate, as they did not show shots in some cases, I suppose it's too small to be viewed on the iPhone. But overall, it's a great way to review the game. The rest of the features are pretty much like all other features I have seen on the App store. Believe me, I checked a lot of them. By the way, I charged my iPhone 4 before I go on the course and end up using 50% of the battery. I do use the sleep button quite a bit too.

I see all your pros and cons of GPS Golf equipment. Went to the App Store to look for my own one. Then I found something that is out of the discussion you guys have. I immediately bought this App - GolfSites. This one has a Golf shot path replay thing. That means it can show you on the satellite photo of the hole you played where you hit your ball. This seems to be something no other GPS equipment cover. If anyone is interested, I will be playing this Thursday and can write something up for you all.

Well, I think the use of an App during non competition environment certainly helps me play better. which can be translated to a competition environment, with/without the same App. The statisitics on some of these Apps certainly let me know where my strong points and weak points.

I suppose if I do competition non stop, I should not use an "electronic device" with compass. Well, I don't play competition that much, so it's good to have something that helps. I think these devices or Apps do make you a better player. it helps you understand your game, thus allows you to improve.

I don't quite understand the wisdom of not allowing a compass on device, can someone share the thinking behind this rule? I suppose I can look at the sun direction to tell the direction and then why rule out devices with compass? Trying to understand.

Thanks for all the recommendation. I am using TM Burner right now. I got tested with both the R9 and Burner. The computer tells me when I hit the R9, I got 4,000 RPM on my spin. But when I hit Burner, I only got 2800 RPM. So it's the Burner for me. I had tried my friend's Titleist and it's superb! Except he wont' tell me which model at the time ;-)

Good for you. I got club fitted for Callaway once. Just somehow, none of the clubs fit me. I just cannot hit them well. So I gave up on Callaway. Maybe it's psychological.

I think this is an issue of inertia. Rules does not keep up with times. I am sure if this is illegal, someone somewhere will still use it. So the bottom line is: does this iPhone and it's App makes the guy play better during the tournament? If it does, then it should not be used. I see the same deal with new equipment vs. old equipment. So should we make new equipment illegal just because we are not comfortable with their "technology"?

what about the R11 or the new Burner? If you use R 7, I am sure you are used to the "adjustments" of TM's clubs. I do like their designs, although I don't know how I would react with the white club head under the sun. Let me know what you think of these clubs.