Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

What is a "beta release"?

A beta release is when software version is made available to the general public to help with real-world testing before the final release. The specifics of Score Out's are:

Everything is free
It should last a few months and depends on problems that are discovered
We hope you will try it out, enjoy it, and recommend it to your friends!

What does Score Out cost?

During the beta everything is free. Afterward the website will remain free and a subscription fee will be placed on the Score Out Caddie. While the price has not been set, it will cost no more than a few boxes of balls for a year.

What is your policy on upgrades?

Upgrades are free and automatic.

How can I help?

Simply give us your feedback. We're looking for:

Problems with golf course maps
Problems with the website
Problems with the Score Out Caddie phone application
Features you'd like to see
Your opinion

Score Out Caddie

What phones are supported?

We do not yet have a complete list yet. Developing a list and expanding our phone support is one of our top priorities during the beta.

The following are not supported yet:

Verizon; except for smartphones like BlackBerries and Windows Mobile
Palm phones running the Palm OS
The iPhone

To find out if your phone works log in (or create an account) and then follow the Score Out Caddie installation link. On startup it will display an error if your phone does not meet the minimum requirements.

If you do install the Score Out Caddie, successfully or not, please contact us. We would love to know your cell carrier and phone's make and model.

What versions of Windows Mobile do you support?

Windows Mobile 2003 and newer (i.e. 2003, 5.0, 6, etc.).

How does the Score Out Caddie work?

The Score Out Caddie uses GPS to get your location. It combines that information with a map of the golf course that has location information embedded within it. So, for example, if you were standing on the 18th green the Caddie would know that from the GPS and calculate it as being within the boundary of the 18th green.

What is GPS?

GPS stands for "Global Positioning System". It is a technology that determines your location. It was developed by the US government and is freely available. It is the same technology now becoming popular for giving directions in cars. See Wikipedia's GPS entry to learn more about it and how it works.

How accurate are the yardages?

In practice the Caddie is accurate to within a couple of yards. The technical specifications for the variety of GPS we use says it is accurate to within 1 yard 75% of the time and 3 yards 95% of the time.

If you do not believe a yardage the Caddie gives you think about it for a second. We have found the Caddie is right much more often than our intuition, but not always. When the Caddie is wrong it is usually because the course map is wrong (e.g. a hole has recently been redesigned). Please let us know so we can fix it.

What is a "Bluetooth GPS device" and why do I need it?

While many cell phones today have GPS in them, their accuracy ranges from 10 to 60 yards. Bluetooth GPS devices use add-on technologies to reduce the error to within a yard. This is more accurate than pacing off distances.

The "Bluetooth" part of the name means the device sends its GPS data to your phone over Bluetooth. This is just like how a Bluetooth headset sends your voice to your phone.

Is GPS legal to use on the course?

Yes. The USGA issued rule 14-3/0.5 allowing distance measuring devices, such as the Score Out Caddie, to be used subject to your local rules governing body. A major reason for the ruling is it speeds up play.

How does the Score Out Caddie compare to laser rangefinders?

Compared to GPS the benefits of a laser range finder are it averages about a yard more accuracy and measures the distance to the flag, not the "center of the green". The Score Out Caddie is superior in that it:

Always works (rangefinders only work when you can see the flag and have problems when something is behind it such as a tree)
Gives you the distance to any spot on the green through the Yardage Anywhere feature
Gives the depth of the green
Gives distances to things off the green like sand traps and water
Is much faster to use
Fits in your pocket since it runs on your phone

Is the Caddie hard to use?

It is very easy to use. It is intuitive, provides clear instructions, and once your round has started you only need to press buttons if you are keeping score.

For example consider getting a new golf course map onto your phone. With other GPS products you need install software on your home computer, connect the device to your computer, and use your computer to search for the course. With the Score Out Caddie you walk onto the course, start the application, and it does it for you by downloading it based on where you are standing.

Is the Caddie hard to install?

It is very easy to install and can be done from the comfort of your home right now. Give it a try by signing up for an account.

Do I need anything special from my carrier?

The Caddie uses an Internet connection download golf courses and communicate with our server. Most people have "data services" in their plans. If you do not, your carrier may still allow it but will charge you. In these cases your first bill will be about $3 higher than normal and subsequent bills $1 more.

How does the Caddie affect my phone's battery?

Usually very little, but it depends on the phone. The worst are Motorola phones, like the RAZR, which leave the screen lit up while you play and drain about a third of the battery for a five hour round. On most phones battery use is negligible.

How does sunlight affect the Caddie?

Although the Caddie colors have been carefully chosen to show up well in sunlight, it depends on your phone. All phones work pretty well just by holding the screen in your shadow.

How does rain affect the Caddie?

We have used the Caddie in a light drizzle on various phones without problem. It depends on what you are comfortable with.

What happens if I get a phone call?

First we are not fans of calls on the course. But sometimes they are unavoidable. Please just remember to be considerate.

If you get a phone call or text message you will be prompted whether to accept it. If you choose to accept it you can talk or read the message normally. When you are done you will be immediately returned to the Caddie as if it never took place.

How can I find out more about the Score Out Caddie?

Read through the Score Out Caddie User Guide.

Golf Courses

What areas are courses available in?

Currently Score Out is limited to the San Francisco Bay Area. We plan to roll out to more areas soon. Let us know if you would like your area mapped.