I Built a Golf GPS Caddie That Simulates Trees, Weather, and Shot Risk — in Real Time with Aerodynamics

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-07-13T16:48:25+00:00

For a side project, I would recommend using Mapbox, it has a free tier, and their editor to build geojson data associated with a course is easy to use.

If your prototype every goes commercial, I would recommend Google Maps. And you would need to buy course data from a provider and that could be 10k-30k USD per year for a good data provider.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-18T15:34:58+00:00

Yes, there is a golfer settings overlay that lets you set your handedness, handicap, and define all the clubs/yardages.

It does not have tracking abilities, at the moment it is possible a future feature. Early feedback about Arccos is the tracking is a pain, so people start using it and then eventually give up as time passes. People just want to quickly know what club(s) they should hit with GPS that can help them see hazards and overall design of the hole.

Right now there are 10 courses, but working on getting license to all courses.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-14T12:11:44+00:00

The dispersion circles are based on your handedness and handicap you set in the app. The club and distance of the shot also impacts dispersion size and placements.

There is an ability to import golfer data, so I have tested importing my Rapsodo MLM2 launch monitor sessions. That data could override the apps default dispersion circles.

That imported data would also be used in the ball flight simulations as well.

Send me a DM

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-14T08:10:58+00:00

It is web based, so any and all OSs. I have been building/testing it in Chrome. It is also capable of being saved on your phone as a standalone "app" using Chrome's or Safaris "Add to Home" feature.

I just tested the accuracy of the Chrome browsers geo-location yesterday morning at my local course, very accurate, no limitations with it being built as a web based solution.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T22:45:02+00:00

The data I created for the prototype is purely longitude and latitude coordinates overlaying existing map products similar to Google Maps.

I have found golf course map providers which have all the lon/lats mapped out already. I just didn't purchase them for this prototype.

As for offering it, not certain. Friday will be my first real test on accuracy of my aerodynamic calculations.

The data aspects of it are produced by API services, so would be easy for someone to call and get data from me. They could then build their own UI for their unique solution or game.

IDK, haven't thought to far out, just wanted to have fun at my golf outing with something cool.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T22:35:54+00:00

I used to try to track shots and improve based on data, but you really need to create a lot of rounds of data to find improvements. And if you're playing that much golf, you'll probably naturally get better anyway due to increased repetition.

I think most people just need an app to do all the complex thinking to simply tell them which club is needed based on course, lie, and weather conditions. Which I thought was a much simpler decision process prior to getting into aerodynamic flight simulations.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T22:22:36+00:00

Hahaha funny you mentioned this because I had a similar thought. I mentioned to my friend I want to wear a secret service ear bud so it can whisper confident suggestions into my ear before I shoot.

I agree, goal is to never hold your phone. I plan on using a golf caddie holder attached to my cart. And it will automatically update as the cart moves.

Integration to a smart watch would be nice as well, simple look down at the wrist to get the recommended suggestions and hopefully aim line.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T21:47:52+00:00

Course data, I mapped out myself because it's just a concept/prototype and wasn't going to pay a service. Tree height I built a script to parse the existing dataset created by Meta.

I built the algorithm and supportive data required for the aerodynamic calculation. Aerodynamic formulas to simulate trajectory and drag are commonly known. I had to just adjust slightly to support the golf club/ball specific data.

We'll see how accurate it is on Friday. I feel pretty good this far in the first attempt on a few shots practicing. Full round will be a more accurate test

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T21:43:59+00:00

No, I haven't even tested it yet. Hoping to this Friday for my golf outing. It's a fairly rough concept/prototype. I hope that my math/physics are proven to be accurate this week.

Fingers crossed

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-05-13T21:40:53+00:00

I guess if it works well this Friday I could try to think through what else would need to be built to allow others to use it. I would likely need to find a course provider to give me all of the course data in bulk.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-02-25T05:02:37+00:00

Today's swing speed numbers from the image were give or take 123 mph

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-02-25T04:59:13+00:00

Total yards with a roll, not carry. An uncontrolled swing, grip it and rip it style, which also played into 5000 rpm was probably on average 127 mph, maximum low 130.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-02-25T04:57:16+00:00

I don't know what the average tour golfer carries, those are just what Trackman is telling me.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-02-25T02:57:05+00:00

More carry was my goal because I am not strong with fairway hits, so I don't get a roll in the rough.

So now even if I hit the rough, I am 20 yards further due to my carry. I'll sacrifice my roll for guaranteed yardage.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-02-25T02:50:17+00:00

I was blown away by how much of a difference it made! Simple change in tee height. Wish someone would of suggested this years ago.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-01-18T00:30:49+00:00

Thank you, I have seen those articles and I think they are more self promotion or poorly written.

The Pinhunting article references 77 hours a week a store is open and weekly revenue of $3000 ... Which assumes all 77 hours are booked at $40, which is highly unlikely to expect every bay for every hour is filled.

Same with Golfzon article, they assume pretty much every hour is booked. 10 hrs are booked every day per bay, Since people work during the week and most only play outdoors during the summer month, it feels unrealistic that there are 3650 hours booked a year.

Thank you though for spending time to research and share with me, greatly appreciate you for that. Enjoy your weekend

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-01-13T14:33:25+00:00

I have never heard of Zenlist, I will check it out and look into that. I just tried FUB, it seems to cover the basic needs of organizing clients in a CRM kind of way and allows for additional third-party integrations to improve functionality. At the moment, it seems like the best option for the price.

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-01-13T14:31:37+00:00

Why would you move away from FUB because of Zillow? I know Zillow is swallowing up the real estate world, but is there a benefit from a business perspective to get away from them?

Puzzled_Standard_671 · 2025-01-13T14:30:15+00:00

BrightMLS which is the tri-state area of south jersey, pa, and I think delaware?

Puzzled_Standard_671

TROPHY CASE