ClubAlert is a Tee shaped transmitter that is pushed into the end of the golf club, and an APP that runs on smartphones. When the APP detects that the transmitter is more than a certain distance away for any length of time, it will either vibrate or sound (depending on your settings)… alerting that you are about to leave a club behind.
The device in the club contains a Bluetooth transmitter which is dormant while the club is in the bag. When the club is taken out, the transmitter is activated and it ‘talks’ to the APP. It keeps talking whilst within a given range, but once outside of that range the APP recognises that it has gone and sets off the alarm. There is a small delay also built in, just in case you have your hands over the end. Once the club is put back into the bag – it goes dormant again.
3. Surely I can’t have my ‘phone on while playing golf?
The APP has been written to operate the vibrate or Alarm even when the ‘phone volume is switched OFF. So load the APP, select ‘Start Tracking’, switch off the ringer and ClubAlert will still operate. Obviously if the ‘phone is totally switched off then it won’t run.
The ClubAlert APP will eventually be available from the Apple APP Store, the Google Play Store and the Windows Phone Store. At this moment the following will be supported; .
iPhones – the iPhone 4S, 5, 5C and 5S running iOS 7 – or later versions.
Android Phones – most with version 4.3 (Jelly Bean) onwards (but check as follows).
Windows – to be advised.
If you want to check – go to the relevant store on your phone, search for ‘Club Alert’ and install (it’s Free). If it installs then halfway there. Load the APP and select the ‘Start Tracking’ button. If the APP says “No devices Paired” then you are good to go – purchase some transmitters and start to use. If the ‘phone is not compatible then it either won’t install, or it will tell you so when you select the tracking option.
It is small and unobtrusive. It does not require special ‘tubes’ to be used and therefore you don’t need to buy a bigger bag. It is completely electronic and therefore won’t break from continuous use. It uses ‘state of the art’ components to ensure that power is only used when out of the bag, thus preserving battery life.
7. Are there Batteries – and if so how long will they last ?
Yes, the Transmitter does use a small battery, which is replaceable. Because ClubAlert uses the latest in low power technology, and power is only used when clubs are out of the bag, life expectancy has been estimated at over 150 rounds of golf.
8. Won’t the sound of the Alert put other golfers off ?
Depends. You can use just a vibrator, and if you keep the smartphone in your pocket that would suffice. You will also be able to select the sound and volume that is used so it can be quite subtle.
ClubAlert will sell as individual Transmitters. The APP is downloadable from the various APP stores and is free. The Transmitters can initially be purchased online from this web site, but will soon also be available from Pro’ Shops and golf stores.
YES. A ClubAlert sample was sent to the R&A New Product department and they have agreed that it does not give any competitive advantage to a player so it fine to use.
