What Can the iPhone do For Golf?
Being involved in the financial industry (yes I do have interests other than golf), I am always keeping a close eye on earnings season to gauge just how optimistic/pessimistic companies are for both the near and long term future. So, when Apple blew away earnings estimates yesterday as they reported increased sales in every division, it got me thinking if there could be any impact on golf. Of course, the answer to this is a resounding yes and in particular the role the iPhone could play.
For those who have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, the iPhone is Apples phenomenal phone that launched in 2007 and I can admit I have been converted to an Apple Addict over the past 12 months. However, it is the “Apps” which you can download to smartphone devices that have seen so many manufacturers rush to get their name in this space. True, App’s have existed for some time but it is the iPhone popularity that has catapulted them into stardom.
What does all this have to do with golf though. Well, for starters, there are some pretty cool Golf Apps (all non golfer are now snickering after I mentioned golf and cool in the same sentence). Take for instance the PGA Tour App. Here I can stay abreast of the latest tournament scores with an interactive leaderboard right in the palm of my hand. I can also view upcoming fixtures, get an insight into each individual player and view the latest videos. Add to this the ability to browse the Champions Tour and Challenge tour and you have in my eyes what is a really convenient piece of software. Unfortunately, the European Tour must be under that rock I spoke of yesterday because there is still no sign of them releasing an App. I have sent them an email re: how they were lagging the USPGA Tour when it came to social media outlets like Apps, YouTube, Facebook etc but with no response. I am amazed at how behind the curve they are here considering how proactive they have been with regards the promotion of the Tour, for which they deserve immense credit.
While Apps like these are great, it is the real golf functional apps that really grabbed my attention. For instance, I came across the Rules of Golf App the other day and proceeded to download it to my phone. Now I know the rules of golf are not exactly a stimulating subject but bear with me. Too often in club competitions, rules are broken, perhaps not intentionally but nevertheless errors are made. I agree there are way too many rules for everyone to remember but for those in the dark, a simple thing like a rule book in the bag is an obvious solution. For some reason though, this little book seems largely unpopular with the golfing population and hence the introduction of the Rules of Golf App.
I want to be one of the first to commend the R&A for the creation of this App. When you log in, you are met with a very detailed menu presented in very simplistic fashion. It is designed so anyone can navigate the software with absolute ease and find the answer to their question within seconds. Not only that, when you search for a ruling you will find the text is accompanied by images and even a video. I don’t think it could be any clearer and how much more efficient could this possibly be for golfers who need a ruling on the course! Finally, there is a quiz for those who need to brush up on their knowledge. Yes I know a quiz on the rules of golf might not be everyone’s idea of a fun night in but golf is a game of etiquette and it is ignorant in my view to play the game without some knowledge of the rules. Spend 5 mins per day on this App and you will find your knowledge will improve dramatically within weeks. So for those with an Apple iPhone, I would strongly encourage you to download it.
Needless to say there are many golf apps which provide a service. For instance, there are also GPS systems for yardages you can download but I am unclear as to how good they actually are at this point (Im going to download one today and test it on my local course Saturday if it is indeed available). It is a step in the right direction though and I am sure that in time we will be marking score cards, signing into competitions etc all through our phones etc. Some don’t particularly like all this movement away from the traditional forms and decide against embracing the changes we see happening around us. I am the complete opposite though and find these revolutionary adjustments to the old traditional methods exciting. Lets all just admit and welcome the “Planet of the Apps”
If anyone has any interesting information on alternative golf apps either in Europe, the US, Asia or wherever, please do leave a comment below.
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