We knew about the GPS fitted in golf carts, here comes the personal GPS! What can it do? Help the player improve through a great deal of technology! Appraisal of distances, visualization of holes layout, map of the golf course, statistics… Such are the functionalities now available in models on the market. To satisfy the golfer, some companies do not hesitate to complete this base with practical modules: management of the score of multiple players, game rules, index update, historical accounts of shots, note taking, digital caddie (clubs’ recommendation), glossary, listing of rules… At the source of this innovation, is an observed need. Explanation from Michel Auge, cofounder of Teewin, the only French company to propose this type of products: "In France, more than 70% of golf clubs do not propose golf notebooks. So it is impossible to have a sketch of the holes and to make scouting notes without having already played…”

No more measuring with the geometer’s wheel
How does it function? Simple. You just need a GPS case specific to golf (Skygolf, iGolf, Suunto… technologies), or a digital GPS assistant on which is installed a specific software (Teewin, Intelligolf, Master GolfGPS… applications). All you have to do is to enter data about the course in the device (either manually, or by downloading them on the manufacturer’s website) And that’s it! There is no hidden cost, these are the only acquisitions you need to do once and for all to enjoy this technology. But actually, is this advantage really in line with the rules? “Absolutely” answers R&A, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, an institution responsible for golf rules at the international level (www.randa.org). Since 1 January 2006, the latter authorizes the use of distance measuring devices, GPS-type or laser telemeters, on the fairways (local rules that the club has the right to apply or not). It is to be noted that only this measurement is tolerated: game conditions such as wind or gradient are still up to the player to appraise.

Difficult to locate the clientele
Only grey area: product positioning! While this technology is fast spreading in the United States, its penetration in France is rather luke warm. As confirmed by Stephane Damiano, Chairman of the PACA pros: “Even if this novelty is attractive, at the moment I do not know any pro or amateur who uses their PDA for this purpose”. Regional players look more “in search of relaxation in the middle of nature than of technological frenzy”. An opinion that Michael Auge (Teewin) does not share: "We have already near to 1 000 clients in France. Although the evolution of this market is still difficult to predict, out of the 650 000 French golfers, 10% are potentially interested by this new tool.” Let us keep a watch.
Arnaud Brisset

GPS APPLIED TO GOLF
Based on a network of 24 satellites that send out radio signals, the GPS (Global Positioning System) makes it possible to determine a position with accuracy anywhere in the world. Although the network belongs to the American Ministry of Defence, who operates and controls it, it can be used free everywhere and by everyone (today, 80% of users are civilians and 20% are militaries). So the player can use his personal golf GPS on any golf course in the world and irrespective of the club’s technical infrastructure.

PRODUCT SELECTION
All-in-one cases (software + GPS)
www.skygolf.com (300 €)
www.igolf.com (200 €)
www.suunto.com (watch G9: 700 €)
Software only (for PDA with GPS)
www.teewin.com (from 78 to 158 €)
www.intelligolf.com (from 40 to 70 €)
www.mastergolfgps.com (from to 84 €)
NB: these programs are available for the main PDA’s (Personal Digital Assistants) on the market such as Palm, Pocket PC, Smartphone, Symbian... and computers with Windows XP. The innovation by www.mobilegolfscorer.com is to be noted since besides the software offer it proposes an interface with Google Earth enabling the visualization of the different shots on satellite pictures. Useful!

THE OPINION OF A USER
A member of PGA France, Christian Carle is the pro of the Bieville-Beuville golf (Lower Normandy). He coaches students of all levels, from the beginner to national players. How did you get to use the personal golf GPS? “I was looking for a system to register information about the course and set up the game strategy for my students. In a few words, an electronic booklet of the course. This tool is perfectly suited to my need." Does this innovation replace the caddie? "No. However, the possibilities for locating, comparing shots, calibrating the clubs and measuring the distance to the green enable the player to make real progress." To whom would you recommend this and for what use? "It is well suited to new generations who are not scared of technology. In terms of level, I think it is rather reserved for players who practice competitions. Finally, for the use, it is more useful for scouting than during the game.