With the world’s top professionals teeing off at Bethpage Black this week, golf is on just about everyone’s minds. The Buddy Media team has been working non-stop to get our latest application ready for the sunny, temperate days ahead. SI Golf Nation is a social app-vertisement that can be found on multiple platforms; that is, it has a home on Facebook, Apple’s iPhone, and a GOLF.com microsite. Unlike any other golf application, all three platforms are linked together using Facebook Connect, which will provide golfers with a seamless transition from mobile, to open web, to social network. While the cross-pollination of content and messaging will provide users with application functionality wherever they go, the real value comes with the amount of useful tools and features included within.
First time application users will be prompted to choose a home course from the National Golf Foundation database, as well as the type of equipment that they carry in their bag. Once their personal customization is complete, users enter the main interface where they are presented with a wealth of goodies that all hackers and seasoned pros can use and enjoy. Golfers can input their latest scores from any course within the NGF database and track tons of other statistics within a GOLF.com dashboard interface. The data tracking is so complete, that golfers can use their iPhone as a scorecard while on the course, and upload their stats directly into the application. Dynamic leaderboards track everything from recreational handicaps to greens in regulation and allow for personal goal benchmarking as well–but that’s nothing compared to the amount of trash-talking possible amongst friends who can challenge each other to a one-on-one throwdown for golf supremacy no matter where they are in the US.
But that’s not all! GOLF.com wanted the application to be social in nature, so we took it a step beyond stat comparisons and application leaderboards by allowing users to find other golfers in their area, join groups focused on their home course, and set tee times with friends, directly from the app. The added 19th Hole functionality lets users send drinks and messaging to friends before, during or after their round (sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka) from either the web or their iPhone. Golfers can also choose to have their GOLF.com actions published to the Facebook Newsfeed and their personal profile. This includes the ability to upload photos into the application directly from the iPhone! Rounding out the functionality, Buddy Media developed a live feed that pulls in news, photos, and video directly from the GOLF.com website.
When all is said and done, golfers around the country can use SI Golf Nation as a one-stop shop to score, share, and communicate with fellow linksmen through a robust and intuitive multi-platform interface, that won’t limit functionality to just Facebook users. The GOLF.com microsite will allow the uninitiated to enjoy the application as well.
So grab your clubs, throw on your collared shirts, charge up the golf cart, and visit SI Golf Nation now!
