New electronic Scorecard

Question
Hi,
I`m an engineering student starting a team project to design a new electronic golf system...
It will take the form of a small portable scorecard, that golfers would use on the course to enter their scores.  The info will then be sent back to the clubhouse, thereby allowing players to view their progress.  There may be other facilities like an emergency button, distance to hole capabilities, calculation of stats, food ordering etc.

Basically i think it will be initially aimed at competetions and corporate days.  

Could you please offer any advice on specific functions that you`d like to see on it, possible golf regulations that it may violate (can they use an electronic device if say all the external aid had been disabled?) or any ideas, suggestions you`d like to see implemented with it?

Many thanks
amal

Answer
Dear Amal, thanks for the question.  You seem to have a pretty good handle on this.  You've really given it some thought.  A few things come to mind for me on this.  One, I think a digital rule book searchable by key word might be very useful.  2ndly, playing golf games (betting) is very common among buddies etc.  It might be nice if your OS could have several games preset within. (they're tons of them) In addition, perhaps it could be possible to allow the participants to programs their own type of game on the spot, provided it was simple to do.

I think resort and high-end daily fee golf courses would really latch on to this sort of advancement.  I know for one, in Myrtle Beach, they have the electronic range finders and food ordering devices on every cart.

This doesn't really violate any regs, although in tournament play, range finders are not allowed.  Lastly, one thing to keep in mind is that although the technology is very hip and cool, many traditional golfers and golf decision makers will resist, out of respect for the heritage of the game.  In addition, you must be very careful not to slow the game itself down...technology can sometimes do that.  Good Luck Amal and remember...

Love the game,
Skipper