Archive for category Golf Fun
Multiple Reasons to Love Links Golf
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun, Golf Traveling on April 25, 2013
Me and The Swilcan Bridge will meet again in coming weekend! What a happy reunion it’ll be! This pic has been taken in 2008.
Hi everybody! Like wrote last time I spent last weekend in Brighton and played there two great rounds of golf. Gosh, I had already forgotten how much and why I love links golf so much on British downlands.
For a one reason or another, I play good golf at links almost always. Almost! 
Links golf allows you to be creative and that’s suits my game – a creative guy plays creative golf… In States everything is played pretty much up in the air, and fair enough to say it’s the same thing in Finland as well. In Britain you get to use the ground as an ally and hit a lot of different shots. The wind is always present.
On Sunday The Old Course is closed and free to walk by anybody. Did that in 2008 and will definitely do that in coming sunday again.
Because the hard ground and short grass on fairways (and roughs too, it’s not always The Open kind of style setup luckily) a good drive from tee can easily be well over 300 yards long to the downwind… It is neat to hit bump and runs, and to putt from 50 yards off the green, and sometimes to the upwind to hit 5 irons from 135 yards and run the ball in.
It’s not always about what most people think about a traditional links golf course, which is being able to hit the ball low. At times you will have to do that. There is a varied amount of shots, but it’s just really getting used to chipping off the turf and controlling your distance off a different turf, which most of us don’t play that often.
Season Best
I played at Seaford Head Golf Course and Seaford Golf Club in a row. Seaford Head has one of the most breathtaking views in Sussex, especially from the last hole’s tee box – Spectacular cliff-edge finish! Over all it’s an undulating downland / links style course and pretty good one. Short, pretty easy too but at the same time the greens were like stamp-sized. If you hit good drives there, you’ll only face less 100 yard approach shots on most of the holes there.
Same thing at Seaford Golf Club: Hit long drives and you have only pitch shots left to the green. I did hit good drives, and because the great bounces and good roll I succeed pretty well there.
Have to use my chance and share my card here too, once I finally got the card not to be too shy to share 
That round was played at Seaford Golf Club on last Friday. Great greens there..
On Sunday, I encountered a huge and sometimes even frightening surprise. March for England protest attracted 150 people with a counter anti-fascist protest attracting more than 1,000 against it. Street near by the Brighton beach was closed as well as many other streets, the police walled all the areas and there were cops around more than I’ve ever seen in my life at the same time. Well, I survived.
Next Destination: Fife, Scotland
You know, when you’ve tasted it, it’s hard to stop. Leaving to Fife, Scotland tomorrow to play six more rounds of links golf. Planning to play at least St. Anderws’ Castle Course and hopefully the Old Course as well (if I got lucky in Ballot), both courses at Crail, Lundin Links and Leven Links. Not the cheapest trip I can tell you, but pretty special one for the Finn at least.
I’ve written before that already played the legendary Old course in St. Andrews. The memories you can’t buy – priceless! I recall once again: invite me as your friend on GameBook and you can follow my rounds live. Some of you have done that already, I’m happy to share my play with you guys. Golf is a social game and with GameBook I can promise you it’s even way more social!
View over Brighton to the canal from the 17h hole at Seaford Head Golf Club.
New Order in our Course Data
This brings me to an important issue that I’d like you all to notice. Sometimes it happens that some particular golf course is missing on GameBook’s database. You are always able to create a new course there just by your self! Or you can contact us directly as well and we will do that for you.
As we are cleaning up our database right now because the overlapping course data, you are not able to see unofficial courses there anymore unless you haven’t created it or played on that course.
How do you recommend so-called official GameBook course? When searching the course you’ll see small GameBook logo after course’s name.
Happy to help you guys also on Twitter & Facebook as well anytime!
Appreciate your help, dear Gamebookers!
Cheers!
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Sunny But Busy Days in Orlando
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun, Tournaments on March 22, 2013
Indiana University won Mission Inn Spring Spectacular at Las Colinas golf course.
Hey all! I spent last week in and around Orlando by organizing college golf scoring by Golf GameBook together with GameBook Inc.’s CEO, Mr. Mikko Rantanen. Also we got honor to organize live scoring for Ian Poulter’s Charity Classic at Isleworth Country Club, which was one of the most spectacular Country Clubs I’ve seen for a while. No wonder why so many pros are enjoying their lives on that area.
Saw Tiger Woods’ former house, currently owned by defending Masters Champion Bubba Watson (saw Bubba too on driving range btw.), the famous tree… and much more. Great place. If you ever got chance to visit there, use your chance!
I’m sure you all have noticed we’ve organized these college tournaments’ scoring before already. Golf goes mobile fast and GameBook is at the forefront in this progress. Soon our service is taking huge steps forward when we’re going to launch our brand new online service for every golfer around the world. Tournament organizing will be easier, faster and high-techer than ever! More to follow – stay tuned folks!
Also nice to see that college teams are using GameBook more and more on their own qualifying tournaments and practice rounds! GameBook saves a lot of time and effort not only on the tournament scoring but also on teams’ everyday life. What would be better system for Coaches than this: They can organize team’s qualifying and practice rounds with GameBook app as well and follow their players’ live scores & leave comments for them in real-time.
Indiana won at Mission Inn
“Mission Inn Spring Spectacular” was hosted by George Mason University and played at Mission Inn Resort’s course called Las Colinas in Howie-in-the-Hills, FL. One more time want to congratulate Indiana University, who won the tournament by two shots before Virginia Tech and Purdue University! Well played mates! What was different was that on this event, players recorded score to GameBook. Every group had one iPhone, and maybe it not even necessary to say, but everything worked well! Guys loved it.
After launched in last October in Atlanta at United States Collegiate Championships, Golf GameBook has already provided live scoring with its own app on several different college tournaments around the U.S. territories. Feedback has been gloving not only from the spectators but the coaches and players as well. Clearly, this is something what college golf scene has been waiting for a long time.
After the tournament we got couple of hours free time so only reasonable option was to open my personal golf season 2013! Yeij! Played 18 holes with Mikko, and with cart and rental clubs. It all started well and surprisingly I was 3 under par after five holes. That was my so-called peak moment – fell down the high and ended up with cross score 80 (+8). Luckily there’s plenty of golf left this year and didn’t even care – golf was just as fun and enjoyable as always!!… and hey, season best. That’s something, right?
By the way: some people have sometimes thought that these new technology aspects will slow down their golf rounds. They’re totally wrong! We played 18 holes in 2 hours and 50 minutes, and recorded our scores with GameBook app of course, so our envious friends back home could followed our round live. And we followed their comments back. Of course the golf course was pretty vacant for us after the tournament and we played with carts, but still – hard for me to understand how these high-level amateur players can spend over 5 hours at the course on their tournament rounds.
Met my idol
Perhaps the highlight was to meet my idol at Isleworth Country Club couple of days later. I’ve always admired Ian Poulter’s courage to be a personality. Other love while others hate but Poulter always act as coloful himself.
Like friend of mine (Cheers Rick!) wrote when posted this pic to my Facebook page, Poulter must be honored to have met the winner of the first North Korean Open! Haha, laughed with water in the eyes that comment. Anyways, this was one of my highlight on this year so far, no doubt.
I can’t think of a better bow image for charity event than this courteous and warm-hearted englishman. He took all the guests account perfectly, and what meant the most for us, loved GameBook’s scoring. Poults followed guys playing on his Charity Classic in real-time with his iPhone and GameBook app there. The guy has a game eye – I’m sure all the guests were more than happy after tremendous day.
After the day tried to Challenge him to matchplay match but unfortunately Poulter was too busy with his preparations to Bay Hill to kick my ass
See photos I took from Ian Poulter Charity Classic last monday!
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Dress Like the Masters Winner – Participate Now!
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun on March 4, 2013
Play golf with free Golf GameBook app or try to guess, who’s going to win The Masters Tournament and you might win the same outfit that Masters Winner ’2013 is wearing on the final round at Augusta National!
Have you all already noticed that we published our new competition on late last week? Dress Like the Masters Winner is open to all golfers worldwide so this is your chance to win brand new uniform to the golf course this summer! That’s right, we are giving away exactly the same clothing that The Masters winner dresses on the final round of this year’s tournament!
1) The simpliest and easiest way to enter the competition is just simply play round of golf and keep score with Golf GameBook app. Every individual round of golf (18 holes) on any course counts. If you don’t have a smartphone, don’t worry! You can also enter score manually in the golfer’s own Golf GameBook web Clubhouse.
2) But we understand it’s still off-season time in many countires, like here in Northern Europe. So we wanted to offer you the opportunity to enter the competition on our Social Media sites as well – on Facebook and Twitter. To enter the competition on Facebook, open this link and tell us, who’s going to win this year’s The Masters Tournament? If you choose Twitter-enter, make sure you’ll tweet your answer by using @GolfGameBook & #DressLikeMastersWinner hashtag there!
3) You can also leave your answer to this blog post’s comment field. Tell us, who’s going to win The Masters?
Every golf round played with Golf GameBook app will be counted. On our Social Media & blog sites, we’ll count in to our raffle basket every correct guesses. Let Lady Luck be favorable for you. Good Luck!
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
The Future of Teaching Golf
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in Golf 2.0, Golf Fun on February 26, 2013
The younger you learn the alphabets of good golf swing, the easier it is “swing like Tiger” in the future. Sad but true Photo: Jim Darby Golf
Six meters of snow on the ground at least here in Finland but the golf season is here! What?! How, you might ask? Well, no matter if there’s -7 degrees outside nor the masses of snow – local golf course called Peuramaa Golf Hjortlandet will open its driving range today.
Finally, after dark and dusty winter we’ve been able to enjoy the sunny weather last days so definitely feels like spring is coming. And at the same time the energy level has increased immediately to new levels!
I took couple of swings indoors even though not a big fan to hit golf balls inside the rubber bubble. Filmed those swings as well – only to find out that I still got same problems there. Good thing is that when you’re not imporve your sving, it stays in pretty same position as it was when I took my clubs in storage last autumn. I can easily hit those swings and after ten first balls even got some sweetspot contacts. But the fact is there’s lots of space to improve and that’s why I decide to go to meet a golf pro this spring. Honestly, that’s my first time… (I would not have to use word “honestly there” if you had seen my swing J )
Technolgy to Help
Maybe I’m a little squeamish but I like the data we are able to get out of our swings today – thanks to the use of computers. Wasn’t too long ago when teaching golf consisted of having a teacher telling you to “swing like this”, and then demonstrating a move himself or showed it from some book he was holding. If the ball flight was satisfactory, the mission was considered accomplished.
The use of computers, videos and training aids is common things nowadays, especially who are full-time practitioners of teaching golf. A lot can be done already with your mobile phone and just by yourself too. The change has been quite slow, but sure: The advent of the portable video camera in 1981 changed forever the face of golf instruction. Teachers were able to take moving pictures of their students’ swings and then show them immediately what their swings looked like. It was helpful for both sides: now he or she could see things that weren’t apparent with the naked eye.
Technology helps nowadays, but…..yeah, I’m sure you got the point
The future of teaching golf will continue to evolve for sure and has already. Watch Golf Channel and you see every month a new product, some new training aids or something that promises to lead you to find better golf swing.
But I know one thing and going to invest my time to train that maybe the more than anything else: motor learning. There is three senses that people use to learn golf: sight, sound and feel. I don’t want to take teaching hours from an old school pro who is sitting under an umbrella yelling out verbal instructions. I want to focus to sight and feel with different drills etc.
Also, I’m not going to spend 4 hours at driving range anymore. Been there, done that and got a t-shirt when I tried to play amateur golf at competitive level ten years ago. My brains needs time to process what it just learned.
If we just keep going on and on with hitting or chipping balls, let’s say, after a few repetitions our brains somewhat tune out, and true learning ceases. The current thinking in golf training is “the more balls hit, the better,” but this simply isn’t true. My simple advice for amateur golfers is “don’t hit any balls without thinking and without target. Focus on every shot and every swing on driving range like you focus on the course. “
When we are trying to hit our driver better, instead of hitting ball after ball after ball after ball (…) with the driver, it might be better to hit only one shot or two shots with it, go another club for one or two shots and then come back to driver. Golf lessions of the future are likely to incorporate much more random practice than what we now currently see. And that’s what I’m looking for when I start to search, who would be my teacher this spring.
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Presidential Challenge
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun, Tournaments on February 18, 2013
President Barack Obama played 18 holes with Tiger Woods last weekend in Florida. (Photo: Official White House photo by Dave Souza)
Tiger Woods was preparing for next week’s tournament in a round of golf with President Obama in Florida. That’s a good PR for golf and I guess it’s fair to say the more President plays, the better it is for all of us who love the game. Still remember how President Bush was compelled to give up golf as long as U.S. soldiers were serving in the Middle East, but it’s been okay for Obama to play and not a word of complaint.
Hard to imagine how world would be better place if President Obama refuse to play golf at all. Clearly he loves the game as much as we do, so what’s the point not to play when you have space for that on your calendar? Too bad Obama & Woods didn’t use GameBook app on their round, would have been cool to follow the scores in real-time!
Woods will be playing this week in Arizona. Accenture Match Play Championship is one of my personal favorite non-major tournaments. He’ll face Charles Howell III in the first round. Surprises are always pertinent to Match Play tournaments and that’s why they’re so entertaining to watch. Man against man is a nice change to typical 72-hole stroke play tournaments. And would be great if PGA Tour had a few more Match Play tournaments in their schedule.
Europe has 29 players in the field, with the United States having 21 players. The 64-man field is represented by 17 countries. Howell is among four players who started the year outside the top 100 in the world and still qualified. Of those four, he is the only player who has not won this year.
Eyes on College Golf
GameBook provided Live Scoring for The Farms Collegiate last week. This week we are at The Prestige – remember to follow form the Golf GameBook app!
In case you missed last week, GameBook is providing its Live Scoring service for college golf events in the U.S. You can follow those events from GameBook app – and the good thing is that no join codes needed anymore.
Nowadays there’s a new tab in the app for “public events”. After login you will now find a new “Public Events” tab. All existing and future tournaments are listed there – just tap the tournament and follow live. Last week we were at The Farms Collegiate Invitational. Everything went well – great feedback from coaches, tournament administration and spectators, which was like candy for our ears
Also wanted to congratulate University of Pacific one more time for their well deserved victory there at the Farms Golf Club. Wasn’t an easy course and personally I would have been needed a shopping bag full of golf balls with me.
Right now we’re already here in La Quinta, California. Providing Live Scoring on Monday – Wednesday at The Prestige, which is one of the biggest college events this spring. Remember to open your GameBook app, and remember to cheer on the players & your favorite team(s)! Leave your comments to the comments-section (at the bottom right)
Dress Like Masters-Winner
One more thing: we will publish our next great contest at the beginning of March. The contest called “Dress Like Masters Winner” and rules are pretty simple. Guess, who’s going to win The Masters Tournament and you might win clothes he’s wearing on the final round at Augusta National GC. Pants, shorts, cap… we still have to think about the Green jacket though
Keep following our Twitter & Facebook sites as well as our homepage, we’ll publish the contest there with more details and instructions, how to participate.
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Walk With Me and Keep Fit – GolfFit!
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun on January 31, 2013
South African golfer Gary Player earned the nickname Mr. Fitness in the 1950s because of his impressive dedication to exercise. Photo: online.wjs.com
I got some souvenirs from The 2013 PGA Merchandise Show where GameBook’s team visited last weekend. Those souvenirs I’m talking about here are the latest golf magazines. In the latest issue of Golf World there’s a good column on page 15: “ A healthy message from the game.”
As we know, golf can be good for a person, not only for the long acknowledged break from the-real-world pace of mind, but for the sometimes overlooked physical health of the body, Golf World writes. I totally agree!
When speaking (read: marketing) about golf as a sport for the person who doesn’t play yet, we definitely should underline its proven health effect. Single handicappers sometimes forget that every people on the course are not there because they are trying to break par. Many of us are there for a variety of reasons: social, fun, keeping fit, and spends a unique quality time out there.
Great to note that professional tours and their sponsors have understood to bring that side of the game to the stage as well, even though professional tours are all about who will shoto the lowest score. For expample, couple of weeks ago in PGA Tour’s Humana Challenge there was a substantive Tuesday “Health Matters” conference. The Wellness angle is a far cry from the days when cigarette manufacturers sponsored most of the tournaments and gave out free product samples there on the grounds. Phuuuh….!
The basis ofeffective golf swing is a good balance. Photo: Elite Golf Fitness Australia
The fact is that golf itself is more fun too when you’re taking care of your physical condition. Isn’t the main goal to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. Well, yeah, mostly. but, as writed, that’s not the end in itself for everybody. A rule of thumb for the amateur players, who just love to play golf, is that in more better physical condition you are, the more you can enjoy the game and reate a better chance to play better at the same time – in realtion to you own standards.
Listen Gary Player here. 77-year old golf legend said: “Get off your butt, and I’ll guarantee you’ll loose 30 pounds in one year.” Well said, gentleman! So, maybe the best and the easiest New Year’s resolution could be “I’ll promise to play at least 50 rounds of golf this year”. It’s not too late yet! I didn’t made any NY’s resolutions, but have worked out a little more, compared to previous months. And feeling now that my energy level are as top as is it can be. At the same time I’m sure that I’m going to survive through the golf season 2013. what it means, you can follow it through Golf GameBook Clubhouse. You’re free to send a friends invitation too if you like.
Oh, almost forgot… one wish I have: I have played courses where you’re forced to hire carts. To be honest I hate to play with cart. If walking would be encouraged where possible – ideally everywhere – golf would be even better game and golfers would be better off. Try it out: if you’re forced to hire cart, and will have caddie as well, let your caddie drive and focus to walk to the ball. There’s one very good NY’s resolution for all the golfers.
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Our Year 2012 in a Nutshell
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf 2.0, Golf Fun, Golf Management, Junior Golf, Tournaments on January 3, 2013
Hey everybody! Firstly, Best wishes for year 2013 to all – hope you had a fantastic New Year’s Eve as well as holiday season between Xmas and NYE! We, at least, are now well-rested, been eating well (maybe too well) and ready for another great year!
We can justifiably say that past year was a succesful year for Golf GameBook. Therefore, thought to aggregate together some of the best moments in a nutshell: what happened last year and when it happened… Enjoy mates!
January
Stanford Men’s Golf Pioneers Live Scoring by Golf GameBook
Stanford Men’s Golf team scored its qualifying rounds for the 22nd Amer Ari Invitational in January with live scoring and leaderboards made possible by the free GameBook Live Golf Scorecard app – and has since continued to live score their qualifying rounds with GameBook. The team now also engages their fans by sharing the live leaderboards on the team’s social media pages. The app certainly added a great deal to the fun of the day, especially when birdies were flying on the back nine and the low round title came down to the last hole, said Stanford Men’s Golf Head Coach Conrad Ray.
February
Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Sweden Selects GameBook as Its Live Scoring Solution
Bro Hof Slott selected GameBook to provide live scoring for Bro Hof Slott’s corporate and member golf events
Swedish well-known high-class Golf Club Bro Hof Slott selected GameBook to provide live scoring for Bro Hof Slott’s corporate and member golf events in 2012. After testing GameBook live scoring in season 2011, Bro Hof Slott saw clearly how much their guests appreciated our system and that it elevated the guests’ experience of events, while also streamlining their own operations.
March
GameBook Introduces Live Leaderboard Links For Every Golfer
We introduced live leaderboard links that every golf team or league can share on their favorite social media or web page to engage their friends, family and fans. Every game created with the free GameBook golf app allowed players for now on to exchange comments with their GameBook community friends while they play, and also came with a link allowing players to share their live leaderboard with anyone.
April
Golf GameBook launched on Android
Golf GameBook came available for Android devices in April.
Golfers wait ended in April, when Golf GameBook came available for Android devices as well. The introduction of GameBook for Android brought number of new golf scoring & social possibilities to the world’s largest smartphone owner population.
May
Audi 24/7 Golf Challenge for Finnish Golfers
In the spirit of Golf 2.0, Audi and Golf GameBook created and organized new fun and revolutionary Challenge for Finnish golfers between May – September. What was unique was the sharpest Finnish mobile technology combined now with traditional golf. Every 18-hole long golf rounds played with using GameBook was participated automatically to the Challenge. Categories ranged every week, for example from week’s “Best gross score” to “those who played most holes with five strokes” and so on. Prizes were awesome, as they always are on GameBook’s competitions.
June
Global Golf Challenge By Gamebook For All Golfers Worldwide
In June we announced the launch of the Global Golf Challenge, open to all golfers worldwide. It was played for 3 weeks from June 11, 2012 until July 1, 2012. Every individual round of golf on any golf course in the world counted if the player kept score with the Golf GameBook iPhone or Android smartphone application or enters it manually in the player’s own Golf GameBook web Clubhouse profile. Guaranteed to make any golfer pleased, we gave away great prizes. The two prizes for the Global Golf Challenge were an Apple iPad and a Nike VR Pro Driver signed by 2009 British Open Champion Stewart Cink.
Apple’s Editor’s Pick on the AppStore
In mid-June we received great news. Apple’s editors chose our iOS app as their Editor’s Pick for one week. These coveted seats are rare. Of all the Finnish apps, only Rovio’s Angry Birds has hold the same spot before GameBook.
July – September
GameBook Cup – The World’s Largest Global Golf Tournament
GameBook Cup – The World’s Largest Golf Tournament Ever was played from June to September between Team USA & Team Europe – in the name of Ryder Cup.
Inspired by the legendary golf tournament the Ryder Cup, the GameBook Cup launches as the first transatlantic golf challenge of its kind ever. All golfers from the USA and Europe were invited to play in this fun and friendly golf challenge. Team USA had British Open Champion Stewart Cink as the Captain, and Team Europe were led by European Tour golfer Johan Edfors. After six great weeks, Team USA got 6,5 against Team Europe’s 3,5 points. One more time, congrats Team USA!
October
GameBook Takes Live Scoring Service to a New Level in College Golf Tournaments
In October we launched our mobile live scoring service for college golf and organized scoring in two college events at the same time: Men’s USCC and Women’s The Landfall Tradition. Everything went very well and we can proudly say that our app proved its strength. All the spectators, coaches and staff were staring their phones all weekend which was nice to see. The reception and feedback were great, even better than what we expected.
November
Golf GameBook is The Best Innovative Entertainment Service
In early November we were selected as the The Best Innovative Entertainment Service in The Best Mobile Service in Finland 2012 competition! For this, we still want to thank all of you who voted us! Really appreciate it! Thanks!
Also, couple of weeks earlier we were awarded in Arctic15′s Start-up competition as The Best Consumer application in Nordic Countries.
Samsung and Golf GameBook first to bring digital signature to golf scoring
In late November we finally revealed our new, revolutionary feature – digital signature for golf scoring. This is something unforeseen within the game of golf . We developed this feature in close collaboration with Samsung. The Golf GameBook app utilizes now the new functionalities of the S Pen (Samsung Note I, II and 10.1.), which was the main reason why we were selected to the small group of Samsung S Suggest™ smartphone applications as well.
December
We took the first place on Samsung Apps’ Featured List
GameBook has climbed to first place on Samsung Apps Featured applications list globally. Until now this position hasn’t been reached by any other golf app, which is again one significant example of GameBook’s huge global potential.
In December we climbed to the first place in Samsung Apps featured app -list.
… What a year! In addition to above, we also organized live scoring for many great tournaments, fundraisers etc. And definitely the best part in this is that there’s so much more still to come in 2013! Like we’ve said, the more friends you got the more fun Golf GameBook is. So remember to invite your golf buddies to use free Golf GameBook app as well and we promise that your personal experience will grow. It has been so great to see the new members coming more and more, despite the off-season!
All the best,
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter | @GolfGameBook on Twitter | Golf GameBook on Facebook
DOWNLOAD GAMEBOOK FOR FREE NOW! AppStore | Google Play | Samsung Apps
The Next Big Thing is Here!
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf 2.0, Golf Fun on November 22, 2012
We developed the World’s First Digital Golf Scorecard enabling official signing in close collaboration with Samsung. Looks good isn’t it?
Hi Guys! You have read Samsung Galaxy Note II’s ads’ tagline “The Next Big Thing Is Here” and “Be Creative”? Well, guess what? We did and now on the same is true in golf too – the next big thing really is here! Yesterday we were finally ready to publish one of our coolest new features, which is the result of our fruitful collaboration with Samsung.
We launched the World’s first digital golf scorecard enabling official signing. The Golf GameBook app utilizes the new functionalities of the Galaxy Note II’s S Pen that very precise – similar to an actual pen!
What are the advantages of this digital signing option? An electronic scorecard can now be signed in the same manner as the traditional paper scorecard, which can make it compatible with the official rules of golf. This is something unforeseen within the game of golf and opens many new possibilities.
Think about it for a while: how easy it can be that in the future when you can sign and send your scorecard straight to your club’s/caddiemaster’s office after your round by just one click. Your handicap will be updated automatically to the system, the tournament results are right in order and ready to be printed out and so on…
We have a good reason to call this a revolutionary feature.
Mobile phones are part of our every day life. It is natural that mobiles are coming into golf too. I dare to claim that smart phones are making golf more fun and more social, exactly in line with the idea of Golf 2.0.
Golf GameBook as one of few apps on Samsung S Suggest™ category
The view of pop-up window that comes automatically when you want to sign your digital scorecard.
At the same time Samsung also selected Golf GameBook to their global S Suggest applications category. The Samsung S Suggest tool detects the end-user’s interests and makes recommendations for suitable applications. For example if you visit some golf related website, your phone identifies you might be a keen of golfer and will recommend you to download the app. For free of course
S Suggest lets you discover apps directly from a live widget on the home screen. Instead of spending lots of time sorting through thousands of apps in the Google Play Store, Samsung has selected the apps that are right for you and your device. You can also discover apps that friends are using with Facebook integration.
Samsung wouldn’t have done this rich co-operation project with us if they didn’t believe the global potential of Golf GameBook. Like Ludvig Yttergren, Content and Services Marketing Manager at Samsung Electronics Nordic said:
The apps we select for Samsung S Suggest must be developed to make people’s lives easier in a simple, fun and convenient way. Golf GameBook ticked all the boxes. We believe the app has great potential as keen golfers will notice that it enhances a round of golf by adding a whole new dimension to the experience.
Download Golf GameBook app for your Samsung phone from Samsung Apps now & leave your review too! We really appreciate it
GameBook’s founders Kalle & Mane with Galaxy Note phone and GameBook’s latest award as The Best Innovative Entertainment Service.
See you next time!
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Choosing New Golf Clubs
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun on November 14, 2012
Discount offers are attractive. However, do not buy just because the club happened to be cheap.
After the highest golfing season manufacturers are preparing to launch their new models for season 2013. It means of course that pro shops around give nice discount offers for the players. Salesmen want to empty their strorage and make a room for new products.
Are you preparing to replace your old irons with new ones? Or perhaps saw a good discount offer for new driver? I can’t blame you, these discount offers after the season attracts me too every year. I bought new clubs last season – it was a time: bought my last ones in 1999. Next on my list is a new driver. The current one is bought in 2006 – time to go to the store!
Althought the discount offers can be very attarctive you should keep your mind in form. Don’t buy any clubs you have seen on TV or magazine just because it’s cheap now. Here are a few things to keep in mind in my opinion before you buy a new set of clubs.
1. Make a Budget
Money talks and we have to listen. Sad but true for most of us. Consider how much you’re willing to spend for new golf equipments. Some golfers have unlimited budgets and there’s nothing wrong with overspending if belong in that category. But most golfers have at least some budget constraints. That’s why the discount time (end of a season for example) is a good time to buy. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it.
My bad boys, which I bought in 2011. One of the most important thing for me is that the club fits my eye.
I admit that I bought pretty expensive clubs – Titleist baldes. Just because I love to play with those pretty babies. 1000 € can may sound expensive and to be honest it is, but when you play like 6-10 years with that set (I did with my last one), and share total amount for each year, cost doesn’t sound that terrible anymore. Only 100-200 € for equipments per year – not too bad but it only has to be true! Don’t fool yourself.
2. Read Golf Club Reviews
Reviews can be found in different golf magazines and web is full of it. Those can sometimes be as confusing as they can be helpful. But reading reviews can help you get a sense of what’s out there in your price range and what matches your game. Reviews might not provide you with the perfect answer, but they can help you narrow the field.
3. Do I really need these?
As I said above, don’t let the discount offers confuse. You don’t need a new clubs just because it’s cheap. Ask yourself a question: Do I need this type of clubs because of changes in my game? What’s wrong with my old ones? For example your handicap has shot up because you don’t play rounds as much as couple of years ago. Then you might find a need for those muscleback clubs instead your blade set, and it would be a smart move to replace couple of longest irons with hybrids. And the other way round: if you’ve shown great improvement, perhaps you’re willing to consider moving up in class to clubs geared for better players. The rule of thumb is to take advantage of game-improvement technology!
4. Do I Need Custom Fitted Golf Clubs?
Okay, let’s say you really need new clubs. Time to go shopping. Salesman is a professional and can give you recommendations. Be honest: tell him what are you looking for and why, what type of player are you and what kind of clubs you used to have. Personally, one of the most important things at first is that the club should fit to my eye. You know, it has to look good when I take it in my hand at the first time. I can’t trust to the ugly club and I don’t even want to learn how to. We have to agree with each other right from the start.
When you’ve found a model you want to buy, test those first. A good-level equipment shops like Golfsmith etc. has an indoor driving range, test how clubs really are behaving and how they feel. Different for sure, it’ll take time.
Golfsmith stores are locating all over the country in States. And offers some great deals!
Custom fitted clubs are more and more common these days in amateur golf too. The question of whether you should be fitted leads to another: Can you repeat your swing and hit most of the shots with same result? If the answer is no, being fitted for clubs should not be your first priority. If you can repeat your swing, then you absolutely can benefit from being fitted.
When I bought new clubs, I got those custom fitted. After a season I can say it was worth it. Money well spent! Custom fitted golf clubs are like golf attire, a personal choice that works for some golfers. The club-fitting process involves both static and dynamic measurements of your golf swing. The goal is to determine what loft, lie angle, shaft flex, head design, length and grips your clubs will need to best suit your game. After the measurements, you will be asked to hit a few shots and maybe try a few irons with different lofts and lies. There will be questions about your playing ability, ball flight, where your miss-hits tend to be and your goals. The club-fitter will offer an opinion about what would be best for you.
And don’t forget to to get a putter fitted too. It’s the club you use more than any other but mostly golfers have fitted least often. Also golf ball fitting is possible.
5. Ask for a discount
Especially for Finns (or most of the Europeans?) asking for a discount is not an option. Why? Because we think it’s embarrassing although it isn’t. That’s a normal way to buy stuff. It can be difficult to get more discount of products that has discounted already but it doesn’t cost anything to ask. And if nothing else, just ask some giveaways while buying something. Salesperson with a game eye will recognize that giving some giveaways may bring a new loyal customer for them so it’s a kind of win-win situation. Remember, if you’re not satisfied with the seller’s behavior you’re always free to switch the place.
It’s not a bad move. Visit in couple of shops first without buying; just compare the prices and deals. There’s widely of selection!
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
Golf GameBook is The Best Innovative Entertainment Service
Posted by Olli Lehtonen in GameBook, Golf Fun on November 8, 2012
Golf GameBook’s Founders Kalle Vainola (left) & Mikko Manerus received a winning award as GameBook was chosen The Best Innovative Entertainment Service in Finland 2012.
Hello Friends! This week has been one of the greatest for us, thanks to you guys! On Monday we received a phone call from Juhani Kivikangas, CEO of Teleforum ry Finland. Mr. Kivikangas had some great news to tell us: we were selected as the The Best Innovative Entertainment Service in The Best Mobile Service in Finland 2012 competition! Fantastic news and what a great honor!
We got a total of 225 Facebook-based likes on the competition – thank you all who voted for us during the autumn, we really appreciate your effort and are glad you like GameBook that much!
Yesterday (Wednesday 7th Oct.) we attended the Digimedia Seminar here in Helsinki, Finland. Our founders Kalle & Mane had the honor of receiving the award at the prize giving ceremony. GameBook was also one of the top 3 finalists in The Best Android Application category. We want to congratulate Tellyo who won that category. Well deserved, that’s a great Finnish founded app too!
Vesku Paananen (Microsoft Finland) was one of the jury members. Jury’s argument why Golf GameBook was selected as the The Best Innovative Entertainment Service in Finland was that thanks to the GameBook app, people who are not yet playing golf could now be motivated to start the game. 
The argument is right up our alley as that is one of our primary goals! To make golf more interesting and FUN for everybody!
Mr. Paananen is well-known kite surfer himself (one to mention) ), but doesn’t play golf . Not yet, because he said too that thanks to Golf GameBook app he might give it a shot in the near future! Go for it Vesku, we promise it’s worth of it!
The year 2012 is slowly coming to an end but we haven’t said our last word yet. Kalle revealed yesterday what’s coming soon and we will release that info in coming weeks. What I can promise you right now is that our next big launch is one of the coolest, one of the most revolutionary never-seen-before features in digital golf area.
Don’t forget there’s a competition going on again on our Social Media sites (Facebook & Twitter). Post the best golf-themed picture you have taken, add a short story and you’re in. Great golf prizes are up for grabs once again!
See ya next time,
- Olli
@OlliLehtonen on Twitter
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