Scores are then uploaded to the ShotLink scoring truck, pictured in Figure E, in real time.

FIGURE E

Scores are uploaded to the ShotLink scoring truck. Click picture for a larger image.

Data received at the truck is then disseminated in real-time to all media broadcasters, no matter where they are on the course.

Gail then provided each attendee with a new Palm i705 wireless handheld, the IntelliGolf Birdie edition software, an invitation to visit the ShotLink command and control truck, and an invitation to join Palm on the 17th green of the Nissan Open. "Limos will be leaving in 10 minutes," she was heard to say.

The Nissan Open
With the semi-final Round of the Nissan Open about to start, Palm's executive guests headed for the course. Upon arrival, each attendee used a ShotLink-enabled Palm i705 handheld for following their favorite player(s) from Palm's green-side stadium tent on the 17th green, pictured in Figure F.

FIGURE F

Palm's guests watched the game from the stadium tent on the 17th green. Click picture for a larger image.

Lunch and refreshments were served as the Tour pros came and went. Then, in a remarkable set of events, Scott McCarron sunk a 50-foot eagle putt on the 17th hole to overtake Toru Taniguchi for the lead in Saturday's semi-final event. The crowd roared again as McCarron closed out his semi-final Round in the #1 position, just one hole later.

Scott McCarron continued his dominance well into Sunday's final Round at the Nissan Open. Then came the 17th hole again. With all eyes watching, McCarron's playing partner, Lenny Mattiace, pictured in Figure G, reached the 576-yard Par 5 green in two.

FIGURE G

Lenny Mattiace reached the 576 yard Par 5 green in two. Click picture for a larger image.

Facing a long eagle putt, Mattiace lined up his shot and let it roll. The ball screamed up the inclined green and rimmed the cup stopping just 18 inches from the hole. Mattiace finished with a birdie and McCarron with a par. Both players were tied at 15 going into the 18th hole.

With long drives settling to rest in the center of the fairway, both Mattiace and McCarron reach for their irons to attack the 18th green. Mattiace's ball landed on the green but was still some distance from the hole. McCarron was just off the green but closer than Mattiace. Mattiace putted first, leaving the ball slightly short of the cup. McCarron, in the thick kikuyu rough, used his putter only to see his ball jump up and stop about seven feet short of the hole. McCarron needed to make his putt for par but reluctantly settled for a bogey. Mattiace took a practice putt, addressed the ball, and then centered his putt into the cup, winning the Nissan Open!

Craig Schmidt is President of Karrier Communications, makers of IntelliGolf scorecard software at http://www.intelligolf.com.