How to map a Golf Course at TheGrint for GPS purposes

When we developed TheGrint we aimed to create a collaboration environment. That means that TheGrint community and members collaborate with each other in many aspects:

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1. Establishing USGA clubs to provide each others with free USGA handicaps
2. Keeping the Golf Course Database up to date
3. And now, Mapping Golf Courses for GPS purposes

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In this post we will talk about how to map a golf course for GPS purposes using our Course Uploader Tool.

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How to map a Golf Course for GPS

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As you probably already know, our Golf GPS functionality relies on Map information of golf courses. When a Golf GPS app tells you that you are 154 yards away from the pin, all it is doing is calculating the distance from where you are to a geocode (point on a map) stored in a database.

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So, in order to have well functioning GPS distances we need to be able to identify all the appropriate geocodes for each Golf Course. In our case, we map at least 4 points for each hole:

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1. TeeBox (Longest): This indicates the app where the hole begins
2. Center Green: This indicates where the Center of the green is located
3. Front Green: To indicate the front of the green
4. Back Green: To indicate the back of the green
5. Fairway: To indicate the middle of the fairway (only Par 4 and Par 5 holes)

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Steps to Map a Golf Course for GPS

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Go to  our  Course Uploader Tool and identify the golf course you want to map. Like the image below shows.

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Once you identify the Golf Course and click on the "Map this course" button you will begin the mapping process.

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Once you begin, identify the TeeBox of Hole 1. Then click on the "Add" button to add a marker to the map. Finally position the marker in the middle of the TeeBox like the image below shows.

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Once you have marked the TeeBox, then follow the same process to mark the Fairway and Green markers.

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To mark the fairway simply position the marker where you believe would be the ideal position off the tee.  See the below for an example:

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Finally, to mark the green make sure that you position the markers in a straight line following the most likely approach shot line. See the image below for an example.

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Once, you have mapped the green then you can map more elements if you like. However, those are not required. Below a list of elements, what they are and how to map them.

• Front Bunker L: Indicates the front edge of a bunker (left side of fairway)
• Front Bunker R: Indicates the front edge of a bunker (right side of fairway)
• Carry Bunker L: Indicates the back edge of a bunker (left side of fairway)
• Carry Bunker R: Indicates the back edge of a bunker (right side of fairway)
• Front Water: Indicates the front edge of a water hazard. Try to position the marker in the most likely point of entry
• Carry Water: Indicates the carry point of a water hazard. Try to position the marker in the most likely point of carry to be able to clear the water hazard
• Waste Bunker: Indicates the most likely entry point to a waste bunker
• Dogleg: Indicates a dogleg. Position the marker such that it clears the dogleg
• Tree: Indicates a Tree

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Let us know if you have any questions at contactus@thegrint.com

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Enjoy your golf!

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