5 apps superintendents love to use on the course
It might be hard for an accountant to believe this, but we’re betting superintendents will believe: According to a recent study by internet analytics company comScore, Americans now spend more time staring at their smartphones and eReaders than they do their computer monitors.
Count Ryan Bourne, superintendent at Terradyne CC in Andover, Kan., as a believer. “I look at it as my phone is my office,” Bourne says. “I’m out there (on the course), I’m rarely in my office.”
The same study reports most of that time on hand-held digital devices is spent looking at apps. comScore (comscore.com) reports smartphone users download on average three apps a month.
As we’ve been told when talking with readers, apps can be the perfect office aid, as trusty as a good utility vehicle or aerator. The right app at the right moment can solve problems with the touch of a button.
Here are five apps recommended by superintendents who believe that this is the digital age of grass growing.
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NSN Connect
NSN Connect is an app by Toro that allows users to connect with the SitePro or Lynx Control System remotely. Through the app, users can sign into NSN Connect and from there, control their Toro irrigation systems.
The app is free in the iTunes store and is available on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. The Android app is currently under development, according to Toro’s website.
“I can monitor my pump station and go straight to the pump station and make sure everything is shutting off when I asked it to. It makes for a lot less running back and forth to the golf course.”
— Ryan Bourne
Superintendent,
Terradyne CC
Andover, Kan.
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iSpeak Spanish
iSpeak Spanish is an app meant to bridge the communication gap.
The app pronounces words and phrases back to the user in the target language. Users can save translations to their device as they go. It’s also helpful for text messaging. Simply type in English into the app, then cut and paste the translation into a text message. When a reply comes back in Spanish, reverse the process.
The app costs $1.99 on the iTunes store and is available on all new Apple devices.
“Most of my crew is Spanish-speaking. iSpeak Spanish allows you to type in anything that you want to say and have it translated into Spanish at the click of a button. That’s been a tremendous thing for me in terms of being able to be much more efficient and to be able to communicate with the guys.”
— Tom Kaplun
Superintendent
North Hempstead CC
Port Washington, N.Y.
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Twitter
Sorry, but message boards and forums are a thing of the past. Twitter has taken over as the medium to ask questions, share photos and make connections. Users can share course updates, photos, thoughts and questions through 140-character posts.
Twitter is a free app for both Apple and Android platforms and is available for most devices.
“I would say that it’s one of the best apps there is out there for people in the industry for networking, education and seeing things that other people in the industry are doing.”
— Ross Dominique
Assistant Superintendent
Hickory Ridge GC
Amherst, Mass.
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Google Drive
When you are on the go, you want to have your files at your fingertips. The Google Drive app allows users to access files uploaded to the app and view them on smartphones, tablets or computers. Users can invite others to view, edit or leave comments on files.
The app is free and is available for both Apple and Android platforms.
“I can use Google Drive to do a lot of things with my paperwork, but the main thing I’m using it for right now is working with our university marketing department. I’m out on the golf course — I can take pictures on my phone, drop it into my Google Drive and the marketing department instantly has it.”
— Patrick Reinhardt
Superintendent
Georgia Southern University GC
Statesboro, Ga.
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Sun Seeker
So the members want to move that tee box back and to the left? Bet they’re not concerned about sunlight, but you are. Sun Seeker is an app that allows users to track the path of the sun. It also allows users to identify spots on the golf course that will be plagued by shade over time.
Sun Seeker is available for purchase on both the iTunes store and Google play store for $6.99.
“If you’re thinking about building anything and want to see how many hours of sunlight you’re going to be getting at that time, in that position, it allows you to see where your shade is. It also allows you to take a picture like a screenshot. If you need to convince your membership whether or not to take down a tree, it definitely gives you a visual image of why you need to.”
— Scott Griffith
Superintendent
The University of Georgia GC
Athens, Ga.