Golshot GPS (or similar) on SmartWatch

[dufferman]

Golfshot GPS for Android & iOS is now available on the Android and Apple smart-watches.

It sends over the hole data, just like you'd find on the app on the phone, with distances to bunkers etc.

However, because the phone itself is in the bag, does that make it legal? Or does having the smart-watch connected to the phone make it illegal?

As I understand, things like temp & wind speed make certain phones illegal. The smart watch wouldn't be displaying that info, even though the phone it is working from would be illegal to use.

Any ideas???

 

[Rooter]

An iphone is not capable of measuring wind speed or temperatures, so the hardware (iphone) is not illegal. (I think!)

 

[pbrown7582]

safest bet? just get a skycaddie!

 

[woody69]

There was a really good thread on here regarding legal phones and the use of GolfShot Pro. Most are OK tbh and the use of the software is not a breach in itself (providing the LR is in place to allow DMD of course). I'll try to dig it up.

 

[duncan mackie]

I would suggest that the watch is merely the viewing medium ie the screen, to the multi function device (as the rules define it) and that exactly the same rules apply to the phone as they would if you were viewing it directly (see other threads for those if unsure!)

 

[woody69]

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/showthread.php?65078-Mobile-phone-legal-or-not&highlight=mobile

 

[woody69]

I would suggest that the watch is merely the viewing medium ie the screen, to the multi function device (as the rules define it) and that exactly the same rules apply to the phone as they would if you were viewing it directly (see other threads for those if unsure!)

Completely agree.

 

[gjbike]

It doesn't matter if your smart phone has wind speed on it or not it's the fact that it has the ability to download the software/app that makes it illegal.check with the R&A.

 

[dufferman]

Seems my thoughts were correct. I'm sticking with my Garmin

Interesting to see though, some golfers may think it is legal not using the phone in hand...!

 

[duncan mackie]

It doesn't matter if your smart phone has wind speed on it or not it's the fact that it has the ability to download the software/app that makes it illegal.check with the R&A.

this is very misleading - I suggest that you read the thread referenced in post #6 and re-read the R&A guidance.

put very simply software and apps are not the core issue - hardware and sensors are.

 

[woody69]

Seems my thoughts were correct. I'm sticking with my Garmin

Interesting to see though, some golfers may think it is legal not using the phone in hand...!

Do you have a non conforming phone then?

 

[woody69]

It doesn't matter if your smart phone has wind speed on it or not it's the fact that it has the ability to download the software/app that makes it illegal.check with the R&A.

Yeah, that isn't actually true at all.

 

[rulefan]

See this flowchart:

http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...ublications/2014/DMD flowchart v2_Jan 14.ashx

On the “Multi-functional device" side of the flowchart, it delineates between the functionality of the device and the functionality of the actual distance-measuring application. It may sound like semantics, but you have to remember that the term "multi-functional device", extends beyond smartphones. This is accomplished in the flowchart by asking two questions:

1) “Is the distance-measuring application capable of measuring conditions or providing information other than distance (e.g. wind speed, temperature… ?”. If the distance-measuring application isn’t capable of measuring or providing any other information, then…

2) “Does the device contain other applications or features that, if referenced at any time during the round, might assist the player in his play… ?”


Therefore, if the actual distance-measuring app, provides slope, wind speed, temperature, etc., the device, as a DMD, doesn’t conform with the Rules, because the app itself doesn’t comply…. go directly to jail, do not pass Go and do not collect $200!! However, if the distance-measuring app does comply, i.e., only measures distance, then the player may use the device provided none of the "non-compliant” apps are accessed during the round.

 

[palindromicbob]

See this flowchart:

http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...ublications/2014/DMD flowchart v2_Jan 14.ashx

On the “Multi-functional device" side of the flowchart, it delineates between the functionality of the device and the functionality of the actual distance-measuring application. It may sound like semantics, but you have to remember that the term "multi-functional device", extends beyond smartphones. This is accomplished in the flowchart by asking two questions:

1) “Is the distance-measuring application capable of measuring conditions or providing information other than distance (e.g. wind speed, temperature… ?”. If the distance-measuring application isn’t capable of measuring or providing any other information, then…

2) “Does the device contain other applications or features that, if referenced at any time during the round, might assist the player in his play… ?”


Therefore, if the actual distance-measuring app, provides slope, wind speed, temperature, etc., the device, as a DMD, doesn’t conform with the Rules, because the app itself doesn’t comply…. go directly to jail, do not pass Go and do not collect $200!! However, if the distance-measuring app does comply, i.e., only measures distance, then the player may use the device provided none of the "non-compliant” apps are accessed during the round.

The part I've highlighted directly contradicts the published guidance which states that ,even if not used, an installed application or feature that can measure conditions or analyse the swing ("non-compliant") installed on the device renders it non-conforming.

http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...Equipment Documents/RandA-DMD-13mar-2014.ashx

Same applies via the note on the flow chart.

http://www.randa.org/~/media/RandA/Downloads and Free Publications/2014/DMD flowchart v2_Jan 14.ashx

and again here.

http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...les-Regarding-Distance-Measuring-Devices.aspx

Maybe next year they'll actually put the issue to bed once and for all. I doubt it butl we can live in hope anyway.

As for the OP. If the phone and the watch both comply you can use them.

 

[gjbike]

Yeah, that isn't actually true at all.

According to the flow chart it is.
http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...les-Regarding-Distance-Measuring-Devices.aspx

 

[woody69]

According to the flow chart it is.
http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/...les-Regarding-Distance-Measuring-Devices.aspx

I really don't understand how you are getting that:

The flow chart says:

1. What type of device is it?

It's a multi-functional device, e.g. a mobile phone.

2. Is the distance measuring application capable of measuring conditions or providing information other than distance (e.g. wind speed, temperature or club recommendation)

Let's assume it is a mobile that has none of these things.

3. Does the device contain other applications or features that, if referenced at any time during a round might assist the player in his play (e.g. anemometer, thermometer or club recommendation)

Again, let's assume no.

4. Does the device contain other applications or features which, if used in a specific way could assist the player in his play, (e.g. camera, video camera or spirit level)

Here we can say, no or yes because as long as they aren't actually used it is no breach of the local rule.

So where from that do you get...

It doesn't matter if your smart phone has wind speed on it or not it's the fact that it has the ability to download the software/app that makes it illegal.check with the R&A.

Where is any mention made on the ability to download software/apps etc?

 

[rulefan]

The part I've highlighted directly contradicts the published guidance which states that ,even if not used, an installed application or feature that can measure conditions or analyse the swing ("non-compliant") installed on the device renders it non-conforming.

.

The comments at the end of my post pointing to the flowchart were published after the entries on the R&A website by a senior member of the USGA committee.

At the end of his note he added - Essentially, we’re trying to protect players (i.e., not trap them), who use smartphones as DMDs and the phone has other apps installed which may be a breach of the Rules. Provided the player doesn’t access those other apps… no harm, no foul.

 

[palindromicbob]

The comments at the end of my post pointing to the flowchart were published after the entries on the R&A website by a senior member of the USGA committee.

At the end of his note he added - Essentially, we’re trying to protect players (i.e., not trap them), who use smartphones as DMDs and the phone has other apps installed which may be a breach of the Rules. Provided the player doesn’t access those other apps… no harm, no foul.

It's a statement from a USGA official that flies in the face of all published guidance. Yet to see it appear anywhere near the R&A of USGA websites and until it does and the published guidance reflects that stance I wouldn't fancy it holding much water.

Would also need to hear the stance from an R&A official before it would actually apply here and any guidance I've sought from the R&A would fall in line with what is published on randa.org/dmd and also usga.org/dmd

Oh tried to PM you the details of who I had gotten a response from with regard to barometers but can't seem to send you PM's. It was Claire Hargan (Manager).

 

[rulefan]

Please try again

 

[rulefan]

It's a statement from a USGA official that flies in the face of all published guidance. Yet to see it appear anywhere near the R&A of USGA websites and until it does and the published guidance reflects that stance I wouldn't fancy it holding much water.

What do you make of this?

Q. My smartphone has an inbuilt spirit level as part of the functionality of the phone but it is not part of the distance-measuring app. Can I use the phone as a distance-measuring device?

Yes, provided that you do not use the level in a manner that might assist you in your play.