The USGA and Sentry Insurance have made it easier for recreational golfers to track their on-course performance by unveiling additional features to its Golf Handicap Information Network® (GHIN) mobile app, including a new smart watch app integration.
Nearly 3 million existing GHIN subscribers were given free access to new hole-by-hole scoring and tracking features on their Apple Watch in June, including the capability to track the number of putts, approach shot accuracy and driving accuracy with a few clicks.
Users of GHIN’s enhanced GPS now also have access to two new features on their Apple Watch: distances to the front, center, and back of the green, and distances to key points on holes such as bunkers, layup areas and penalty areas.
“We are consistently investing in technology, making it easier for golfers to enjoy the game they love,” said Gareth Londt, managing director of Product, Data & Technology, USGA. “Adding wearable technology as an extension to the GHIN mobile app has been very well received, and is just the latest step in our journey to unify and advance the game for the next generation of golfers.”
These latest innovations delivered by the USGA are made possible through its corporate partnership with Sentry, a recognized leader in business insurance and the presenting partner of GHIN. They follow significant advancements made to the GHIN mobile app in 2021, including GPS, course maps and green-reading technology, among other additions.
The GHIN mobile app also automatically delivers an official Handicap Index® that is updated daily to subscribers in the United States and beyond and connects users with their local Allied Golf Association.
The USGA first developed the network in 1981 to relieve the burden placed on clubs and golf associations to manage golfer handicap data on their own. Most golf courses and associations in America are now part of the GHIN ecosystem, with updated GHIN products released to accommodate the launch of the World Handicap System™ in 2020. Obtaining a Handicap Index is easy and requires posting only three 18-hole scores. For more information, see www.usga.org/getahandicap.
The USGA also plans to introduce new features to the GHIN mobile app later this year, such as games and multi-player scorekeeping. Users can download the GHIN mobile app from both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
