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My Online Shot Estimator

Sat, Oct 24 2009 4:45 PM by danohi50. 53 replies.
  • AdamTurner United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 6:55 PM

    I can tell you as an experienced software engineer, there are too many variances in this game to remove the human element.

    This 'tool' is designed to give you base for your shot, not shoot the shot for you. It also reminds you to check the wind, adjust for hills, and reminds you where you are. It is a tool that is useful if you're absent minded like me or are just learning the game.

    In any event, keep in mind that this is just an 'Estimator.'

    Use it for what it's worth. No guarantees, no warranties. It's as is.

  • nivlac United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:04 PM

    That's kind of what I mean Adam.  Though this particular tool doesn't shoot the shot for you, it does set a precedent that says this kind of widget is ok. 

    Eventually, someone would likely create their own widget that far surpasses this one.  One that is filled with so much data and that is so advanced that it is all but taking the shot for you.

    It's kinda like a 4th grade math test.  Sure we can all pass the test if we use our calculators, but isn't the point to learn the process in the first place?

    Don't get me wrong, I applaud your effort and I'm certainly not upset with you.  I just worry about the direction this could take us a little farther down the road.

  • jeffdos924 United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:21 PM

     just to be a devil's advocate here ..... how would this be any different than keeping notes on each hole, like a lot of people do - layup yardages,  good/ bad parts of the green to putt from, etc.?Hmmm ... they even do so on the Tour.  Most of us know to count avatar moves to determine putting speed (  and i assume it could be done with the rest of the clubs, too).

      Just my 2 cents

  • AdamTurner United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:32 PM

    Nivlac,

    Then by your theory, they should remove the grid from the green? The players should play the green as they see it with their eye? A grid is a widget that gives more information than the eye can see...therefore, it's a cheat?

    More inward, remove the meter altogether. Natural swing would be the ultimate test of skills.

    Is this what you're getting at?

  • nivlac United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:37 PM

    Jeff,

    I think this is different from notes because good notes that would have a similar effect take hours upon hours to compile.  In a sense, you do the legwork to obtain that information yourself.  This tool gives you that information with little to no legwork.  No learning curve if you will.

    I also think notes are subject to human error.  Notes will never be as exact as this thing has the potential to be.  With enough preparation, a tool like this could refined to the point of near perfection under any random circumstance.  I don't believe notes give you such a thorough advantage.  Also, your notes probably don't calculate ball movement against wind direction or adjust yardage for downhill/uphill lies.  I know this tool doesn't do the latter yet, but one day I'm sure it could.

    Remember guys, my beef is not with the widget itself, but the precedent that it sets for the future.  I'm afraid it will eventually lead to a perfect shot-making widget that removes pretty much all the guesswork.

  • leetiyler United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:42 PM

     ... they even do so on the Tour.  Most of us know to ).

    hi jeff

    No jeff, this is not the tour, this is "mousekeeteer" golf.

    1-You need a good sense of timing with the meter

    2-You need a good memory of each hole, the good spots to aim for, and the big trouble spots

    You have those 2 things, you can play this game. Beth should be 34-35-36 after you have played some rounds

    Now you add drivers that hit 350, hybrids that hit 245, irons/balls that can stop on a dime, and putters that will correct your meter---that is what produces masters. You have exceptions like tibbets, but that is this game, AND IT IS A GAME, YOU ARE NOT ATHLETES

    Now the policeman can call WGT and have me banned. big deal

  • jeff26 Canada
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:45 PM

  • Soulcatcher Canada
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:49 PM

    Lee,

    If it is so bad why do you play?

    Many people have pointed you to the ladder. (people do not quit there)

    We all know that this is not real golf, we play on our computers.

    Just enjoy the game.

     

    *edit* I am sorry that I am way off topic

  • nivlac United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 7:53 PM

    AdamTurner:
    Then by your theory, they should remove the grid from the green?

    No, definitely not.  The grid on the green is built into the game because based on the way the game was designed it's pretty much impossible to read the green without it.  It was put there by the developers for us to use and is an integral part of putting.  If we didn't have grids and someone created a widget that put grids on the green, then yeah I'd question it.

    I think the game should be played only with the information given and whatever personal notes you decide to jot down on your own.  I think this and future potential versions of a tool like this provide a shortcut for all of those not willing to learn and put the same time and effort in that everyone else did.

    I don't believe the developers intended for us to have our shots calculated for us by an outside source in any degree.  This could possibly even be construed as third-party software that is used to gain an advantage over other players (more so once perfected).  There is also no way to make this accessible to all players, because all players don't visit the forums.  In order for it to be just, every single player on WGT should have access to it without the qualification of knowing the forums exist.

    Again, this is only my opinion.  I knew this would create a lively discussion, so I'm interested in hearing all points of view.

  • AdamTurner United States
    Sat, Oct 17 2009 8:25 PM

    Everyone 'does' have access to it, and you still need to rely on your notes. The only advantage one player has over another with this tool is the ignorance of its existence.

    ...and ignorance is a disadvantage in any sport.



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