The team at Short Game have experience in numerous engineering fields including aerospace, robotics, vision and human interface design. Combined with a keen interest in improving our short game performance we have integrated the latest technology in mobile devices with recent results in golf science (yes there are scientific journals dedicated to golf) to create a complete system for putting and chipping.
The technical foundation for the Short Game app is based on “the run of a golf ball” by Albert Raymond Penner, “The physics of golf: The optimum loft of a driver” also by Albert Raymond Penner, “The Geometry of Putting on a Planar Surface” by Robert D. Grober and “Resonance in Putting” also by Robert D. Grober. Other sources of insight include Dave Tutelman’s website www.tutelman.com/golf.
The above sources form the theoretical basis for the Short Game algorithms. The algorithms have been independently tested using specialty test equipment that controls both the speed and direction of a rolling golf ball. This method of test eliminates any subjective assessment of accuracy. The estimated break for both putting and chipping is accurate to 5 yards and is only limited by the non-planarity (changing slope) of the green surface near the hole.
The chipping algorithm accounts for total distance, green speed, slope, club loft, angle of attack, forward shaft lean, green firmness, carry, lie and the slope of the hill to determine the best club to get onto the green and roll to the hole. The Short Game app has a complete mathematical model of ball flight dynamics and frictional losses during ball impact and roll and is accurate to 5%. This is well beyond heuristic rules such as “rule of 12” for chipping and does not require the user to do any math.
Our team is committed to continue to upgrade the Short Game app with new features using some of the latest vision tracking and machine learning algorithms where the use of technologies makes sense. Currently Augmented Reality (AR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) do not make sense for the short game. See related FAQ for more insight into the limitations of AR and LiDAR.
The algorithms rely on the player maintaining rhythm and tempo. Bobby Jones once said “rhythm and tempo is something that we all must have but nobody knows how to teach”. Using the modern electronics contained within the iPhone we can now measure all of the key characteristics of your swing. The Short Game app measures tempo, swing length/speed, face angle, toe angle, shaft angle and downswing time for each putt or chip and maintains useful statics that compare your performance to typical tour level performance.
An iPhone cradle designed specifically for the Short Game 2.0 app will be available from this site in May 2023 with an offer code for 6 months of free monthly subscription service. for each iPhone cradle purchased from this site. Offer codes will be emailed as part of the purchase confirmation.
Maintaining rhythm and tempo ensures a consistent relationship between swing length and ball speed for both putting and chipping. The best players in the world rely on this principle to maintain distance control for all short game shots. The Short Game app determines and monitors the swing length and allows the player to focus on developing good rhythm and tempo.
Human interface design is a key consideration in enabling mobile devices to be used effectively for outdoor practice and play. The following are the guiding design principles for the Short Game app:
Seamless Transition From Practice To Play - use the same graphical interface for displaying measurements gathered during practice that user uses to enter data during play. This eliminates the need for charts during play and ensures the user only needs to learn one system.
Readability – all displays use 24 pt font or larger. This avoids the need to use reading glasses.
Ease of Use – all graphical features are intuitive and consistent with there intended use. All user inputs can be performed in any order and always result in consistent outputs.
Customization – allow the user maximum flexibility in adapting the app to the users swing and equipment.
Training – provide short (less than 2 minute) tutorials for every feature in context with the players current use to speed learning and ensure users get maximum use from the app. The app also has an overview tutorial to get started quickly. All tutorials are embedded within the app and do not require internet access.
Simplicity - The player focuses on rhythm and tempo and the app determines swing length (and for chipping the associated club). The player does not do any calculations of any kind.
Accuracy - see the FAQ regarding “how the Short Game app was tested”
Robustness – the Short Game app went through 1 full year of testing during practice and play and was beta tested using Apple’s Flight Test process with over 40 active beta testers. All feedback from the beta test program has been incorporated and verified with updated beta releases.
We are confident you will improve your game using our app.
