iPhone Break Meter App, Is this Legal Options

[harpua728]

I just saw this iPhone app. I don't have an iPhone and I probably wouldn't use this if I did but I was wondering if it was legal.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/apps-for-iphon...breakmeter.html

Interested to hearing various opinions about this.

[jsanatx]

i've read somewhere that its not legal for tournament play. i think its considered getting outside help since you can get phone calls, emails, etc. its probably ok for casual use, but i may be wrong. maybe someone with rules knowledge can chime in.

[ZBigStick]

No it would not conform with the rules of golf, but of course you could use it for practice purposes.

Do you lay the iphone flat on the green? I never understood how these 'green readers' apply to real golfing. Break is dependent on speed.

I guess if you use it enough you can tell how many degrees of break equals how many inches of aim?

[nevets88]

It's a fun app, and I'm sure it's not legal, but I'm no rules expert.

It's more of a distraction than I thought, especially if you're using a paper scorecard, but I use my iPhone to keep score.

You have to pick out the right spots on longer putts. Plus you really have to press down your iPhone on the grass since a tuft here or there can throw off the measurement.

I am hardly a luddite but I only use it now for misread or hard to read putts.

[mjtoal]

How can it possibly work for any putt longer than the length of the iPhone?

[nevets88]

No it would not conform with the rules of golf, but of course you could use it for practice purposes.

Do you lay the iphone flat on the green? I never understood how these 'green readers' apply to real golfing. Break is dependent on speed.

I guess if you use it enough you can tell how many degrees of break equals how many inches of aim?

It gives you direction and degree of break in terms of angle, not where to putt. I had to use it a number of times to calibrate myself and go be relativeness of the measurements.

The great thing about these apps is that they are so cheap. What is it, $2? Just buy it and give it a go.

[mdouet]

Actually it's only $0.99, at that price I'll give it a go.

[Auditor_Kevin]

How can it possibly work for any putt longer than the length of the iPhone?

It can't.

But the app fulfills the #1 priority of any iPhone app - it gives the owner an excuse to whip the overrated thing out for yet another menial decision so everyone around them can know that they have an iPhone.

You know what gives me the best read of the slope of a green?

A golf ball.

I'm going to create an app that measures your swing speed. Just put your damned iPhone on a tee and hit it as hard as you can.

[mdouet]

Sounds like someone's jealous and wishes he had an iphone....

[finalist]

Any iPhone app is not legal. They have internet access and can't be used in Tournaments... That's what I hear.

[UFMatt]

Sounds like someone's jealous and wishes he had an iphone....

LOL! I seem to get a lot of negative feedback when it comes to my iphone (and mac computer for that matter), I guess there are some out there that ruin it for the rest of us who just like a very intuitive phone? Oh well!

[Auditor_Kevin]

Sounds like someone's jealous and wishes he had an iphone....

No. I was just poking some fun. Despite what all the marketing suggests, there are plenty of other smart phones out there that do all sorts of neat things that the iPhone can't. I have one of those. Plus it's on a network that gives me 3G speed in a much greater area.

To the point of this post, I just don't see how this app makes an ounce of sense. It's obviously illegal for tournament purposes, and if you're practicing then nothing beats a good old fashioned roll of the golf ball to determine the break.

[mjtoal]

How can it possibly work for any putt longer than the length of the iPhone?

It can't.

But the app fulfills the #1 priority of any iPhone app - it gives the owner an excuse to whip the overrated thing out for yet another menial decision so everyone around them can know that they have an iPhone.

You know what gives me the best read of the slope of a green?

A golf ball.

I'm going to create an app that measures your swing speed. Just put your damned iPhone on a tee and hit it as hard as you can.

Ah, but that is not Apple's fault, but maybe that of some of the developers. I am sure some useless stuff exists for other phones too. I have an iPhone and it has never appeared on a golf course.

But it is a bit like plumb bobbing, which is equally useless as it can only tell you about the slope where you are standing (if at all) and not any other part of the putt.

[nevets88]

Johnny Miller uses Breakmeter (that might be an non-endorsement for some, but if I wrote the app, I'd give Mr. Miller a call):

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2...nny-miller.html

In the above link - I like the idea that a glass of water is actually the low tech equivalent. I sometimes carry a cup of coffee during my early rounds. I could use that.

[jjj912]

Using an iphone would be a breach of Rule 14-3.


14-3. Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment

Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:
a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or
c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
(i) plain gloves may be worn;
(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
(iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.
Exceptions:
1. A player is not in breach of this Rule if (a) the equipment or device is designed for or has the effect of alleviating a medical condition, (b) the player has a legitimate medical reason to use the equipment or device, and © the Committee is satisfied that its use does not give the player any undue advantage over other players.
2. A player is not in breach of this Rule if he uses equipment in a traditionally accepted manner.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 14-3: Disqualification.

Note: The Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.

[golfismygame]

Bringing an iphone on the round would not be a breach of any Rule as such, but if the gadget can read the slope of the green, the player would be disqualified under Rule 14-3.

BTW - Placing a glass of water or a bottled drink to gauge the slope would result in the same penalty!