Useful software that treats you with respect
Summary:
This app is great because it doesn’t require a subscription, account setup, or data collection, and syncs between Mac and phone via iCloud. However, there are some improvements that could make it more useful.
The setup process is complex and not intuitive. There’s a lot of data to enter for each course, and some required data isn’t commonly available (e.g., course rating and slope information).
I want to use this app, but I hope the developer can make it easier to set up, and reduce the course data entry requirements. I haven’t used it on the course yet, but I’m hopeful.
Details of my set up issues:
The “Settings” menu is limited to “meters” or “yards,” but it should include “Round Type” to allow users to choose “Stableford” or “Stroke Play” as the default scoring method.
The app defaults “GIR” (Greens in Regulation) to on, but I don’t know any golfer who most times hits GIR. Perhaps make this a “Settings” choice.
English localization is incomplete, with headings like “ERGEBNIS” appearing in data entry screens and output reports.
It’s unclear which fields are required and which are optional. The “Save” button only lights up when all the necessary fields are filled out, but it doesn’t indicate which fields are required.
Course Rating and Slope rating are required for each hole of the golf course, and must be entered for each “position” (e.g., Black, white, blue, white). I don’t know where to find that information, and it’s a lot of data entry. I’m not sure how it affects reports.
Stableford, a scoring method widely used in Europe, is uncommon in the US, as none of my golfing friends knew it. I wish there was a way to hide it from screens and reports for those of us who prefer stroke scoring.
Response from developer
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed review. Feedback this concrete is genuinely valuable to us, and we really appreciate it. You've pointed out real issues. We'll fix the bugs you mention, including the incomplete English localization (like the "ERGEBNIS" headings on entry and report screens), in the next release. The points around easier setup, less course-data entry, clearer required vs. optional fields, a default Round Type (Stableford vs. Stroke Play), the GIR default, and an option to hide Stableford are exactly the kind of improvements we want to look at. We'll review each one and add the ones that fit into our roadmap. On the course data: we're happy to help. If you get in touch through our website (nicergolfjournal.ch) and send us the name and location of the courses you play, we'll try to prepare the data as an importable JSON file for you, so you don't have to enter it by hand. Thanks again for the great feedback, and we hope you enjoy the app.