Motocaddy has upgraded its free-to-use GPS app to incorporate potential lifesaving features that indicate the location of on-course defibrillators and provide golfers with CPR instructions to administer to anyone suffering a cardiac arrest when playing golf.
The addition of an automated external defibrillator (AED) locator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructions has been welcomed by leading charity Heart Research UK, which last year suggested that people aged 65 or older consider playing golf to increase their levels of physical activity and so reduce their chances of developing heart disease.
So far, more than 700 golf clubs around the UK and Ireland have registered the location of one or more defibrillators with a database compiled by Motocaddy that will depict their accessibility on the standalone app within seconds. The app is also available in five different languages (English, French, German, Spanish & Swedish) with the brand planning to extend the AED/CPR function to additional countries over the coming months.
Since its introduction two years ago, the Motocadddy GPS app has been downloaded by more than 85,000 golfers and used for over one million rounds globally. Utilising the database of iGolf, the world’s foremost golf mapping company, the app features access to over 40,000 courses worldwide through its ‘Play Golf’ mode – which includes an automatic local course search and requires no subscription fee.
“We are proud to introduce the first ever golf app to include lifesaving features,” said Motocaddy Director Tony Webb. “We’ve invested significant sums in this upgrade and are delighted to have the support of so many golf clubs, plus Heart Research UK, who see physical activities including golf as having such important benefits for health.”
The app features a simple six-step guide on ‘How to Perform CPR’, which is easily accessible within the main menu and via a red heart logo on the app’s ‘Play Golf’ screen. In addition, should an AED be available at the course, the app’s ‘Play Golf’ screen will display an AED logo, which features emergency phone numbers to call for help. Instructions on how to access the AED will be shown, plus it will provide an indication of the golfer’s location on the course through the phone’s GPS.
”It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year and the overall survival rate is less than 1 in 10” said Helen Wilson, Head of Research at national charity Heart Research UK. “Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent and performing CPR can more than double the chances of survival in some cases. We fully support the work being done by Motocaddy and we hope that the number of golf courses that offers access to at least one defibrillator increases,” she added.
In addition to the potential lifesaving features, the app can also be paired with any trolley model to offer optional smartphone notifications direct to the trolley handle. The app can be linked to the brand’s Connect models via a Bluetooth connection on any compatible smartphone; allowing the trolley’s digital display to be used in place of a conventional GPS, offering front, middle and back distances to the green along with par of the hole and clock. It also features a round timer plus shot measurement – both fully controllable from the trolley handle.
The Connect models can also receive optional notifications alerting the golfer of a missed call, text, email or range of app alerts, including WhatsApp and Facebook. Notifications can be preset within the Motocaddy app settings, giving golfers complete control over which are received.
The new fully-featured app also includes vector course graphics which significantly minimises data and battery usage, plus quickens up loading times. The modern graphics include an option of 2D course maps with an optional distance overlay and 3D overhead course maps with aerial hole flyovers. The maps also provide the option of ‘hazard planning’ offering lay-up and approach distances to any point on each hole.
Another new addition includes a score tracking option and in-game statistics for post-game analysis. A scorecard; the number putts taken; fairways hit and greens in regulation are all recordable, plus the option to select the tee being played for accurate course information. The hole number, par of the hole and stroke index is also visible.
“The updated app offers golfers a modern look and is even more easy-to-use and quick to pair with a compatible Motocaddy trolley than ever before,” added Webb. “The app is a real game-changer and we are proud to not only push the boundaries when it comes the wide-range of features on offer, but potentially save lives too,” he added.
Those clubs wishing to add its details to the database should email defibrillator@motocaddy.com. www.motocaddy.com