Design an ideal GPS

[Play10s]

Rather than debate the merits of one over the other...

As I was reading this forum the idea came to my mind to ask the GolfWRX'rs to decide what they want in a GPS-based range finder.

So, lets design a 'realistic' ideal product via POLL, and add comments in this forum.

ARGGGH! I hit the wrong button before finishing the pole. Anyone know how to edit a pole once it is posted? :russian_roulette:

[milfordj]

I wish they would design one that is still very small, but has a larger screen that is much easier to see.

[riesman20]

Sounds like people are voting for the Golf Guru...even though it wasn't specifaclly mentioned. :man_in_love:

[777twist]

I have sent suggestions to more than a few of these GPS makers... So I will post my dream machine here!

 

Think some of the features of the Upro/Sonocaddie...

 

What I'm looking for is an interface that works without a stylus or small fingers...I also don't want to have to press multiple buttons all the time.

 

I would say a touchscreen is the way to go, but if someone could create a sweet unit with buttons, I'm not a opposed.

 

Like the Upro, I want the graphics for every hole... However, I would prefer to have the ability to turn off or go into a hybrid mode when looking at those graphics. In other words, I want a clean version that isn't just a satillite image.

 

I want a unit that tracks every aspect of my game...so I can review later and track my progress.

 

I think a sweet option would be for the program to suggest clubs and shots based on my past performace...especially for holes I have played before...in other words, make it like a true caddy.

 

Ok, now for how it should operate during a hole... I walk to a hole and it either auto detects the hole or I can (easily) change it to what I need. I select the club I'm using and click the mark button where I tee off...

 

Next I walk to my ball and click and click the mark button again and now (if the suggestions are active) it suggests what club I should use...otherwise I just chose the club and I'm good to go...no need to hit mark as that was already set when I got to my ball. I could click on the "layup check" button to set a point where I would like my approach shot to be...but again, that's an option.

 

So now I walk to my next shot...and click the mark button ...choose my next club.

 

Now, the software is not only tracking these shots, but it's also drawing a line from one shot to the next. At any time you can click on the line and select hook, draw, straight, fade, slice and it will more accurately show your shot...but that's again an option you don't need to do.

 

The best part is everytime you click mark, the system is tracking your shots...and putts. It's also tracking fairways, greens, up and downs, OBs, etc... When you hit in a spot where the system feels you should be taking a penalty (OB, hazzard, etc... oh yes, the system knows!!!) it will suggest the proper penalty based on the rules...however, due to the fact that accuracy can be an issue, you will have the option at any time to add or take away penalty strokes from any shot...again, you just click on the line that's drawn between the two mark points for those options.

 

The system should allow for you to score for other members (although, not the shot tracking, just storkes, putts, penalties).

 

And it should have a one hard button for switching between straight up yardage info, green info, and the hole picture info.

 

And a sweet addition would be a searchable rule database, so when you are in some situation, you can quickly type something in and through predictive text input, you will be able to find the rule quickly.

 

I'm personally a fan of this being on a smart phone (Iphone please!) because I'm a fan of convergence and I will always have my cell on the course...and hate having multiple devices with me. Plus, having the ability to review my game at any point at the office, at lunch, anywhere really, is nice. I do it all the time with Intelligolf right now.

 

That's my take... I may have forgotten something, but I think I put most of the important stuff.