GolfCard GPS 4User’s Guide(for mobile devices)

© 2008-2012 Senygma Inc. All rights reserved.

Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Senygma. Your rights to the software are governed by the accompanying software license agreement. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Senygma is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Senygma assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products.

Senygma Inc.www.senygma.com/GolfCard.html

Written for GolfCard GPS 4.0 Revision 1

Contents__________________________________Introduction! 1

...............................................Supported Mobile devices! 1_________________________________Range Finder! 3

.......................................................................Course List! 4.........................................................Removing a Course! 4

..................................................Getting Course Updates! 4...................................................................Range Finder! 4

.......................................................................Marker List! 5...............................................................Satellite Display! 6

.....................................................................Trace Mode! 7....................................Range Finder Tools and Settings! 8

.....................................................Tracking Ball Distance! 9________________________Rounds & Tournaments! 14...............................................Getting the Round Started! 14

..........................................................Score Card Screen! 18........................................................Leaderboard Screen! 21

................................................................Syncing Online! 22________________________________________Stats! 23

.............................................................................Overall! 23.......................................................................Per Round! 24........................................................................Club Stats! 24

...................................................................Club Hit Map ! 25....................................................Official Handicap Index! 25

________________________________Buddy Tracker! 26.............................................................................Privacy! 26

...............................How often is my location published?! 26..................................................................Buddy Names! 26

..................................................Using the Buddy Tracker! 26................................................................I Am The Golfer! 27

..................................................Sending Text Messages! 27.................................................................Watch A Golfer! 28

__________________________________Conclusion! 29

IntroductionGolfCard GPS (and GPS+) is a mobile app for the following features:

• GPS based range finder (marker list, satellite image, or traced image)• Hole by hole score tracker (large list of optional stats to record)• Casual tournament tracker (each contestant can be on a different course)• Buddy tracker (from anywhere in the world, friends and family can see where you are

on the golf course)

It’s designed to be the most advanced but most simple golf app on the market.

You download the courses you play, and if the course does not exist in the database, then you can use the free desktop PC application called GolfCardGpsMGR (pronounced GolfCard GPS Manager) to easily map out a course and add a score card in minutes. Get it from http://www.senygma.com/GolfCard/GolfCardMGR.html

GolfCard GPS and GolfCard GPS+ are essentially the same with a few differences. GolfCard GPS is free, but has the option of a few in-app purchases. The in-app purchases unlock some advanced features, but are not required to use the range finder or normal scoring for rounds. GolfCard GPS+ has all features unlocked, but the app is not free. The rest of this guide refers to both GPS and GPS+.

Supported Mobile devicesThis users guide is based on the iOS platform (iPhone, iPad, and iPod).

Android, Windows 7, and Nokia devices are also supported, but do not include all the features of the iOS version.

Go to the GolfCard website to know what features are included for a particular version: www.senygma.com/GolfCard.html

Page 1

Page 2

Range FinderUsing the range finder is easy. Just download your favorite course and go to the range finder.

You don’t need to set up a round to use the range finder, but if you do set up a round, you can use the range finder right from the score card. More on this in the chapter on playing rounds.

To get started:

1. Start GolfCard GPS.2. Tap ‘Range Finder’.3. Tap ‘Download’.4. Tap ‘Current Location’.5. Tap on the courses you want to

download.

You can download as many courses as you would like.

Each item in the course list shows how many holes there are and how many of the holes are traced, and the number of tees in the score card.

All courses are marked out with at least the center of green marker and the furthest tee marker. This lets GolfCard know how to properly display the tee at the bottom and the green at the top.

Over 50 markers can exist per hole.

Not all courses are traced, so a simulated image is created based on the tee and green markers.

Back out of this screen when you are done downloading courses.

Page 3

Course ListNow that you have downloaded some courses you’d like to play, these are stored and will remain in GolfCard unless you delete them.

Removing a CourseIf you want to remove a course just tap on the minus symbol next to the course name, and confirm the removal.

Getting Course UpdatesCourses are updated by the community, so before you go out golfing, just tap ‘Get Updates’ and it will download the latest information for all courses in your list.

To save time, just update the one course you are playing by tapping on the sync button to the right of the course name.

Range FinderNow just tap the course you want to play to see the range finder.

Page 4

Marker ListThe mode displays the list of all the markers for the hole.

These markers are ordered by distance from the tee. Scroll up and down to see all the markers. As you are walking the distances for each marker distance and direction will adjust properly.

There is an arrow next to each marker pointing in the direction of the marker assuming you are pointing the screen towards the center of green.

Buttons• Back Arrow - Back out of the range finder.• Gear - Tools and settings.• Ball - Mark the ball and record club hit.• Previous Arrow - Previous hole.• Next Arrow - Next hole. If this is a paper

and pencil instead it means it will record you current scores before advancing to the next hole.

Page 5

Satellite DisplayThis mode displays an overhead satellite image where the image is rotated so the green is above the tee.

Buttons• Back Arrow - Back out of the range finder.• Gear - Tools and settings.• Ball - Mark the ball and record club hit.• Previous Arrow - Previous hole.• Next Arrow - Next hole. If this is a paper

and pencil instead it means it will record you current scores before advancing to the next hole.

• Flag - Zoom the satellite image to view just the green area.

• Tee and Flag - Zoom the satellite image to see both the tee area and green area.

• Layup - switch between layup mode and zoom/pan mode.

Finger ModeBy default, touch anywhere on the satellite image to instantly see distances to that point from your current location and the center of green.

Change the mode to zoom/pan by tapping the layup button. Then you can use one finger to pan around and two fingers to zoom in and out.

Page 6

Trace ModeThis mode displays a drawn outline of the hole. This is beneficial because it has much better contrast in bright sunlight and uses a patent pending technology to rotate, zoom, and pan to always keep the golfer at the bottom and the hole at the top even while you are walking around. This minimizes the amount of screen taps needed, and you will always know what’s between you and the center of the green.

Buttons• Back Arrow - Back out of the range

finder.• Gear - Tools and settings.• Ball - Mark the ball and record club hit.• Previous Arrow - Previous hole.• Next Arrow - Next hole. If this is a paper

and pencil instead it means it will record you current scores before advancing to the next hole.

• Flag - Zoom the satellite image to view just the green area.

• Tee and Flag - Zoom the satellite image to see both the tee area and green area.

Finger ModeTouch anywhere on the traced image to instantly see distances to that point from your current location and the center of green.

Page 7

Range Finder Tools and SettingsTap the gear icon to see the list of tools and settings.

Display TypeSwitch between market list, satellite , or trace mode.

Current HoleIf you need to just to a hole quickly without skip hole by hole, you can use this.

Market PinsSelect if you want to display marker pins, and if so, how they are displayed.

Distance circlesIf turned on then circles will be draw on the satellite and trace screens every 50 yards, feet, or meters depending on the setting of units.

Distance UnitsSet the unit of measurement. You can choose between yards, feet, and meters.

Hit AveragesDisplay a bar chart of average distances you hit with each club in your club bag.

Hit MapDisplay a map of where each hit goes. This is great to see a trend of where you hit for each club.

Location ModeIf manual mode is turned on then the GPS hardware will be ignored and you can manually select your current location on the satellite and trace screens. This is good if your device does not have a GPS, the GPS is not working, or you just want to play around while at home.

GPS on when SleepingThe GPS hardware consumes a lot of battery, so if you want to conserve then leave this unchecked. If you want the GPS to be responsive and accurate even while your device is sitting in your pocket with the screen off, then check this. It will consume battery life more rapidly when in this mode.

Page 8

Tracking Ball DistanceGolfCard GPS uses a very simple method for tracking ball distance and recording the hits to your club bag.

The following describes the steps for marking the ball and recording club and distance.

Mark the Ball1. When you tee up your ball, then tap the ball icon. This will then show a distance of

zero just above the ball icon.2. Now put the phone in your pocket and hit the ball.

Page 9

Walk to the Ball3. Turn your device back on and walk to the ball. As you are walking, notice the

distance above the ball icon increases. When you get to the ball, the distance above the ball icon is the distance you hit the ball.

Record the Hit4. Tap the Ball icon again. Notice this time a new screen popped up.5. Tap ‘Club’ to select the club you hit with. If the clubs in your bag are not correct, then

tap ‘Change Clubs in Bag’.

6. Set the swing strength.7. Tap ‘Record Hit and Update Ball Location’.

Page 10

Once you are done recording the hit, notice the current ball location has already been marked so time to put away your phone and hit your ball.

Automatically Recording your Tee Off Hit to the Score Card.If the range finder was started from the score card screen, and advanced scoring is turned on, then you also get the option of recording the hit as your tee off hit. If set to “ON” then the club you used and the distance will both be recorded to your score card.

Page 11

Club SuggestionsIf you don’t really know how far you hit with each club, then you can see averages for each club by simply tapping on the gear icon, then tap on “Hit Averages” to see your averages.

You can also see a map display of your hits on the hole by tapping “Hit Map” instead.

Page 12

Scoring and Range Finder at the Same TimeIf you started the range finder from the score card, then you get a nice convenience to easily score the round without ever needing to leave the range finder.

Notice the bottom right button does not look like an arrow pointing to the next hole, but instead, it’s a paper and pencil with a number showing you what hole you will be scoring when you tap it.

When you finish the hole and you’re on your way to the next tee, this is the time you tap the pencil and paper icon. This will bring you right to the score entry for that hole. When you are done entering the score, it will bring you right to the next hole.

This tightly integrates scoring with the range finder, so you’re not slowing down the normal pace of play.

Page 13

Rounds & TournamentsGolfCard GPS can record casual rounds, up to 8 players, or tournaments with any number of player (up to 8 players per device).

With tournaments, each player can play a different course anywhere in the world, or just play all at the same course. This is great for leagues or if only two of you want to play against each other but happen to live in different locations and can’t play on the same course. The tournaments are scored using net score to keep things even, so if one of you is on a difficult course, and the other is on an easy course, the net scoring will keep it even. You can see where you rank any any time via the leaderboard. Remember that these are just casual tournaments that are tracked by you. GolfCard lets you handle all the details, so anyone can run a tournament, wether it’s for 2 people or 200 people.

Getting the Round StartedAfter tapping ‘Rounds & Tournaments’ you’ll see the following screen. All scoring and tournament features start here.

Page 14

Tap ‘Start New Round’ to start a new round.

Normal RoundsTap ‘Normal Round’ and follow the instructions until the round is set up and you’re on the score card screen.

Once the round is set up, most of the attributes can be changed from the score card screen. You will be able to add, edit, and delete players as needed. You can also add or remove the front or back nine as needed. This makes it convenient to deal with changes while in the middle of a round.

Quick Round and Quick PrefsIf you always play with the same players (or just yourself), tees, and same side games, then it’s good to use quick setup. Tap “Quick Prefs” to set up the players and the side games. Then each time you start a round, just tap “Quick Start”, select a course, and have fun playing.

The “Quick Start” and “Quick Prefs” buttons only show up if you have played at least one round.

You can only add players to the quick prefs if the player had played a previous round. If you do play with a new player, you can still use the quick start, then on the score card screen, you can add a new player by tapping on the player button.

Page 15

TournamentsWith tournaments, there are two processes... creating a tournament, which is done by a single leader, and then entering the tournament which is done by the competitors.

A leader can create a tournament. All that is needed is:• A leader name - Only let people know this name if you want them to enter the

tournament or to view the leaderboard. Keeping this a little bit private will stop other people from accidentally entering the tournament and skewing the results.

• A tournament name - Since you might create many tournaments over time under a single leader name, try to name the tournaments appropriately. For example, if you run a tournament called ‘Sun Shine Classic’ each year. Then use a name like, ‘Sunshine Classic 2012’. If you a running a weekly league, then maybe use something like ‘My League week 23’.

• Number of holes - Everyone entering the tournament will be required to play this number of holes no matter what course they play at.

Tournaments in GolfCard GPS are amazing because each player can play at any course they want to. So if you are in Florida and your friend is in Hawaii, then you can still play a live tournament and view a live leaderboard, even if the tournament only consists of two people.

Some other key points about tournaments:• All tournaments are net based. When you enter the tournament, you need to enter the

tournament handicap. Ask your tournament leader if it should be a net or gross tournament. If gross, then use 0 for your tournament handicap. If net, then ask if it should be based on your USGA handicap, league handicap, or some other handicap.

Page 16

If it’s a causal tournament, then just use your average over par, which is displayed right in GolfCard GPS.

• Any number of players can enter the tournament.• Only strokes and putts can be entered.• Side games are not allowed with tournaments.• Up to 8 people scored per device.• All scores are stored online and in the device each time you enter strokes and putts.• You can view the leaderboard right from the score card screen at any time, and people

not even in the tournament can view the leaderboard from the ‘Rounds’ screen displayed above.

Once a tournament is created by the leader, then the participants can enter the tournament. One person might enter 1 to 8 players, and that person would score for all the players they enter. Typically 1 person per group of 4 would do all the scoring. Enter all the details as needed until the round is set up and you’re on the score card screen. Once the round is set up, you won’t be able to change any of the information.

Page 17

Score Card ScreenThe score card screen looks just like a real score card.

Unfortunately a mobile device is not big enough to show the whole score card, so you can scroll back and forth to see it all (landscape or portrait).

• Use the settings icon to change things as you like (e.g. light or dark screen, yards or meters, etc).

• Tap the players icon to add, edit, or remove players.• Tap the course icon to add or remove front or back nine.• Tap the share icon to email, tweet, or upload your scores to GolfNet (a.k.a.

USHandicap).• Tap the ‘i’ button to know all the details of the scoring feature.

Page 18

Recording ScoreTo record a score for a particular hole, just tap the empty box where the score is supposed to go. If the player is set to use advanced scoring, they will have a lot of details they can enter. For players not using advanced scoring, they can enter score and putts. Swipe left and right to score each player.

Accessing the Range FinderTo get to the range finder right from the score card, just tap a hole number (top row of numbers). You will be able to keep score right from the range finder.

Page 19

Player StatsThere are lots of great stats to view during or after a round. Just tap a player name to see the stats. You can share them with others.

Page 20

Leaderboard ScreenThere are two ways to get to the leader board screen for a tournament.• If you are already scoring a tournament round, then just tap the ribbon icon from the

score card screen.• If you just want to view the leaderboard but not play in the tournament, then from the

GolfCard home screen, tap ‘Rounds & Tournaments’, then tap ‘View Leaderboard’ and go from there.

Tap the sync button at any time to get the latest leaderboard. It will automatically update every minute if you don’t tap the sync button.

Leaderboards on a Big Screen TV

Some devices can be hooked up to a TV, so a useful thing would be to show the leaderboard on a TV in the club house of an active tournament.

League Leaders and Handicap Index TrackingLeague leaders can easily track the details of all the players in a tournament to know what their current league handicap indices are. To do this, just tap the share button and choose the CSV option. This will send a CSV compatible email that can be imported into a spread sheet to do analysis on every player’s hole by hole stats. You can also email or tweet the leaderboard.

Page 21

Syncing OnlineSyncing online is the ability to backup your rounds online. If you lose, break, or replace your phone, you’ll have the ability to download past rounds in an instant.

Just tap ‘Setup’, fill in your email and set a password. Go back a screen and tap ‘Sync Online’ and go from there.

Page 22

StatsGolfCard GPS provides many high level stats to help you understand your golf game.From the GolfCard GPS home screen, just tap ‘Stats’.

OverallThis probably gives you the best overall view of your game.

If you use advanced scoring, then you will get even more details of your golf game. Tap the player icon to select a player. Tap the share icon to email or tweet your overall stats. Set how many rounds you want your stats to be calculated. Last 5, 10, or 20, or all of your rounds.

Page 23

Per RoundThis shows you how you did on each round for a single stat. You can choose from many different stats to review. Choose the particular player. Choose all courses or just a single course. Share your stats with others.

Club StatsSee how well you do with each of your clubs in your bag.

Set the swing strength to see how far you hit the ball depending on your strength.

Page 24

Club Hit MapSee where you tend to hit the ball on a particular hole. This will show how consistent you are with direction and distance.

See all your hits at once for all rounds played, to see the trends, or look at just a single day to know which clubs you used.

Official Handicap IndexSee what your official handicap is if your association is powered by GolfNet.

Page 25

Buddy TrackerBuddy tracking allows a golfer to publish their current location on a golf course, and also upload messages. Friends and family can watch them from anywhere including home or work. They can also see the latest messages published by the golfer.

PrivacyYour location is only uploaded if the tracking is turned on, you're on the range finder screen, and only if you're within 1000 meters of the green of the current hole. You can see on the GolfCard GPS home screen if tracking is currently on or off. Once you leave the vicinity of the golf course, your location will NOT be uploaded even if you are on the range finder screen. So your privacy is protected.

How often is my location published?The golfer location is published a few times a minute.

Buddy NamesSince we don't ask for your email or ask you to register, buddy names are open for anyone to use. So if you try to use a buddy name that is already established, then you may see the satellite image jump back and forth between golfers using the same buddy name. Respect buddy names and try not to use someone else's buddy name unless it appears to be inactive.

Using the Buddy TrackerTo use buddy tracking, first tap the Buddy Tracker icon on the GolfCard GPS home screen. Then, if you are the golfer and you want to publish your location, tap the “I Am The Golfer” icon. If you want to track a golfer, then tap “Watch A Golfer”.

Page 26

I Am The GolferTo allow the golfer location to be uploaded, just tap on the “Activate buddy tracking” check box. The golfer location will not be uploaded at that point. The golfer location is only uploaded if the tracking is turned on, you're on the range finder screen, and only if you're within 1000 meters of the green of the current hole. To know that tracking is enabled, an indicator on the GolfCard GPS home screen will show that it’s “ON” on the top right corner of the buddy tracking icon. This indicator is also on when on the buddy tracking selection screen.

You also need to create a nickname otherwise the location will not be uploaded. Tap “Set New Nickname” to create a name.

You can change the name at any time, so you are not locked into a particular name if decide to change it.

Sending Text MessagesTo send a text message, just tap “Upload New Message” this will allow you to enter a text message and then send the message even if you are not on the golf course. This message will display on the “Watch a Golfer” screen if they are using the same nickname that you previously set up.

Page 27

Watch A GolferWhen you go to this screen, it will first ask you for the buddy name. Type it in, and if it exists, this screen will display.

The top section shows you the last known golf facility, course, and hole number of the golfer.

The middle section shows you the last message they sent.

The final section shows you there last known location on the golf course. You can pan and zoom this satellite image.

Page 28

ConclusionHave a great time golfing!

Page 29