Your opinions please folks.....................................

[haplesshacker]

...............particularly those attending the Spring Blackmoor meet.

The question is simple, even if the answers might not be!

For those without a dedicated GPS unit, should smartphone (iPhone in particular) golf GPS apps be allowed to be used at the Blackmoor meet?

The reasoning:

We all know that these are banned in competition play, but are okay to use in non competition games.

For.

The Blackmoor meet is not a qualifying comp for handicapping purposes. Therefore it is not a comp.
I'd like to think that we're a trust-worthy bunch, and won't use the compass, green reading spirit level, or elevation apps that you may have on your phone.
It makes it a bit fairer for those that can't or won't fork out for a dedicated GPS unit.
It's quicker than pacing or trying to work out the stroke saver book, assuming there is one.
It only provides the same information as a dedicated GPS unit.

Against.

It's illegal to use in competions.


The reason I ask is straight forward. No doubt a number of us will have a smartphone, but not a dedicated GPS unit, but would still like to have the information to hand. So I guess I've stated where I sit on this one. For which I'm expecting, perhaps rightly so, to get flamed for. But I think the question needs asking.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Can't say it bothers me either way. I'll be using my contact lens enhanced eyes, the marker posts, an old stroke saver and my memories from last time I played there.

What I think might be fun would be, as we register, to note down who is using GPS/rangefinder and who isn't then compare scores at the end. Could do the same for who has c/f gear and who hasn't etc. Might be interesting to see the results as there is always lots of debate about the value of these options.

 

[Bratty]

Interesting post.

I'm not playing in it unfortunately, but I'd have no problem with people using one.

I'm assuming you can't get much more info of the iphone app that you can from a strokesaver (and a bit of mental arithmatic).

Also, I thought the app was allowed in comps, but only if you don't have the other apps mentioned on your phone (even if not used, their presence means it's illegal)?

 

[Mongoose]

I'm not playing in the event so have no skin in it, but I would urge not use phone applications. The better solution is to get a device (rangefinder, laser) that is allowed in all events where DMD's are allowed. There is also the aspect of people keep getting their phones out, its the last bastion free of mobile phones, and I cant believe those usingg their phones for measurements wont be sneaking a peek at texts.

 

[Bratty]

There is also the aspect of people keep getting their phones out, its the last bastion free of mobile phones, and I cant believe those usingg their phones for measurements wont be sneaking a peek at texts.

Now THAT'S a different issue... and one I fully agree with. God help us when they put mobile signals on the London Underground and airplanes!

 

[haplesshacker]

Fwiw. Phone capabilities can be turned off when using an iPhone for GPS use. The phone GPS app is as easy, if not easier to use than some dedicated units. I tried a Skycaddie SGX last night on the course. Not the easiest thing to use without reading some instructions first.

iPhone is currently banned for competitions due to the compass app that is pre-installed on the phone and cannot be deleted. Add the plethora of apps the could be used for other banned purposes, such as green reading, elevation etc. Whether installed or not.

 

[Bratty]

Took a look at some other posts re ihone apps, and discovered that ( ), but thanks for clarifying.

 

[Imurg]

As its really a Social event I wouldn't have a problem with it.
If it was part of an Order of Merit spanning several meetings with a Sooper Dooper prize at the end then that's another story.

 

[Losttheplot]

Don't see it an issue if people use a smartphone for the Blackmoor meet. Might use mine if others are going to, if not I'll be buying a strokesaver booklet.

 

[Basher]

I have no problems with GPS devices, unless it holds up play!

 

[jammydodger]

I'll be there and have no issue with the use of them. If the bloomin' thing rings then i'll have an issue but otherwise fill your boots. It wont hit the shots for you so I cant see someone suddenly becoming a superstar golfer just because he's using an iphone app

 

[HRC99]

The rules are the rules, surely?

You can't just pick and choose which ones you'll abide by.

 

[Imurg]

Don't think so as it's not technically a "Competition".
It's a Social thing so certain "Competition" rules don't apply in my opinion.

 

[Swinger]

Bring as many gadgets as you like.

It'll make the victory taste even sweeter.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not really fussed too much either way. I'll have my trust skycaddy and will be too busy in the trees and heather looking for my errant drive to be too bothered what anyone else is using on the fairways

 

[haplesshacker]

Swinger. You're probably right. To coin a phrase, at the end of the day you've still gotta hit a ball!

 

[haplesshacker]

I'll give a bit more time, but interesting result on the poll so far.

 

[Smiffy]

It's Richards party, but as "co-organiser" I haven't got a problem with it personally.

 

[Leftie]

I have no problems with GPS devices, unless it holds up play!

I have no problems with people not having DMD devices - unless it holds up play of course