The information on this page is a collection of years of experience from the Saturday training classes and the tournament itself dating back to the beginning of Shotlink in 2001. The Walking Scorer and Shotlink processes are constantly evolving. Information from the most recent training class or on-course instruction always takes precedence over the content below which sometimes becomes obsolete. If you see an item listed below that contradicts something you heard in the training class or from a PGA Tour Shotlink staff member, please inform us so we can update and/or clarify this content.
Radios -
Always perform a radio check before you leave the tent. Waiting until you reach the tee box is a bad time to discover that your radio is not working properly.
If you hear a solid tone in your ear, your radio is probably keyed up. If you see a constant red LED on the top of the radio, your radio is stuck in the keyed on state. Try wiggling the cable as it connects to the radio, or turn the radio off for a few seconds then back on. If the red LED still appears solid, report your group number and location on the course so that someone can bring you a new radio. Then turn it off so that others will have a chance to use the radio.
Using the Walking Scorer Device -
Do not place the walking scorer device in your pocket as you may inadvertently record an entry.
Change of background light -
Power Cycle - if you are asked to cycle the power:
Hold the longer side button down for a few seconds. Release the button. Swipe down when prompted. The screen will say "Goodbye".
Hold the long side button down for two seconds. The device will briefly vibrate. Then the Microsoft logo will appear.
After a minute or two, the menu will appear to select "Walking Scorers" or "Laser Operator". Choose "Walking Scorers"
Choose "Start New Session".
Enter your name when prompted.
Choose "Actual Scoring"
Enter your group number. After typing in the number, press in the black area between the number box and the numeric keypad.
Don't report an "X" in the status column immediately. The truck will be aware that your device is not communicating properly and will give further instructions when warranted.
Prior to your tee time -
Arrive at your tee box at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled tee time. It is preferred that you are in the area (but not in the box itself) before the prior group tees off.
Check in with the Walking Scorer tee host if one is present. Most often the host is Lynne Bradford or Dana Burch
Locate and introduce yourself to your standard bearer.
Do not enter the tee box area until the group before you has begun walking to the fairway.
Enter your clothing descriptions before the group begins play.
Clothing descriptions -
Do not ask on the radio to have someone enter your clothing descriptions for you.
Choose colors and descriptions that will benefit the laser operators as they view the players from 300 yards away.
Shirt = the outermost visible garment. This could be a jacket or a sweater.
Call for assistance if the players are dressed in identical colors.
Use the arrow in the upper right corner to advance to the next player when entering the clothing descriptions. Tap [ENTER] when all players descriptions have been entered.
Adjust clothing descriptions throughout the round as players add or remove layers of clothing.
On Pro-Am day, a clothing entry must be made for the team. The information entered for the team doesn't matter and won't be used by anyone, so any colors can be chosen. The device will indicate an error until an entry is made for team clothing.
Marking your location on the main screen -
"On Tee" – At the first hole of the round you should select “On Tee” when your group is ready to tee off. At every other hole, select “On Tee” as soon as your group arrives at the tee, even if they’re waiting on a previous group.
"Landing Area" – Refers to the group arriving at the location where their tee shots landed. Normally, you should check this box when the first caddie in the group puts down his bag. However, if the caddies have walked ahead of the players, you should select “Landing Area” when the first player gets to his ball.
"Around the Green" – You should select “Around the Green” when the group arrives at or near the green. For example, if one player is on the green and one is in a greenside bunker, the group is considered to be “Around the Green”.
The use of these locations controls the content shown on the video scoreboards. Select the boxes at the appropriate times (as listed above) to make the scoreboards function as intended. The data is also fed to the ruling officials to monitor pace of play.
“From” locations – verify data prepopulated by ShotLink system and update if needed.
Be aware that a From location cannot be selected and saved for a player until it is that player's turn. Older versions of the system would allow us to select and save the From location even when it was not their turn, but that functionality no longer exists.
“Tee” - when the player is between the tee markers and making their initial stroke on the hole. If a player plays a later stroke from a tee box, use OTHER as the location. Exception: after hitting the initial drive out of bounds, the next stroke after the penalty is still from the TEE.
“Fairway” – the closely mowed area between the tee and green.
“Green” – when any part of the ball is touching the putting surface. If the player marks their ball, they are on the green.
“Fringe” - the 18" adjacent to the green. This location may be difficult for you to see, and since it’s captured by the greenside cameras it will usually be correct. If the ball is more than 18" from the green, do not select FRINGE. When in doubt, choose something else (most likely FAIRWAY).
“Bunker” - choose “Fairway” or “Greenside.”
“Greenside” is within 30 yards of the green.
“Rough” – choose “First Cut” or “Deep.”
“Deep” is anything beyond the first cut of rough, even if it is not "deep".
“Native Area” - not used for any reason at Bay Hill.
“Water” – only used if the ball is being played from in the water.
“Other” - locations that don't fit the above criteria. The most common uses are:
beds of pine straw,
in an opposing fairway,
on an opposing green,
from the cart path if the player does not elect to drop,
from a tee box after the initial tee shot (unless it is a new tee shot after hitting out of bounds).
Data Capture Buttons (and timely entry) -
Player Name - select the player's name when it is their turn to play. Do not select too early; wait until closer to the player's shot. Shotlink would like this button to be pressed at least 5 seconds before "Shot Hit", but no more than 90 seconds before "Shot Hit."
“Addressing the Ball” – select when the player stands over his ball ready to take his shot. This can only be selected once. If they player stands at address then backs away that is ok. Do not cancel unless you have to switch players. Shotlink would like this button to be pressed no more than 30 seconds in advance of "Shot Hit."
“Shot Hit” – select at the exact moment the player strikes the ball.
“In the Hole” – select when the ball goes in the hole.
Club Selection -
After selecting the player, the club must be selected for all par 4 and par 5 holes
"Fairway Wood" includes hybrid clubs
Walking Each Hole -
Scorers (and Standard Bearers) are never permitted to walk on the green.
Do not walk so close to the edge of a bunker that would put you in danger of falling in.
Around the green, position yourself at the exit from the green whenever possible to avoid blocking spectators' views.
Do not stand in line with the ball and the pin. This applies to both directions from the player's viewpoint.
Do not go outside of the ropes as you could lose connectivity.
Assist in positioning the Standard Bearers appropriately.
Out of Bounds -
If a player arrives at their ball to discover it is out of bounds, call the ShotLink truck on the radio to inform them of the situation. If a Rules Official is available nearby, they will dispatch the official to give the player a ride back to the tee box.
Rulings -
Don't offer advice or rulings to players or caddies. Call for a Rules Official on the radio only if a player or caddy asks you to. Do not call based on anyone else's recommendation (including your own).
Don't get involved in the discussion between a player and the Rules Official.
Position yourself near the Rules Official's cart so that you can get the ruling information as the official is leaving.
Drops -
Adding a free drop does not add a stroke to the score. It does signal the laser operators to shoot a new ball location.
Do not add a drop if the player is playing a new stroke from the same location as the previous stroke.
Example: Player hits a tee shot out of bounds. Add the penalty stroke, but do not add a drop. The from location for stroke 3 is "TEE".
Multiple Provisionals –
If a player hits more than one provisional, call for assistance on the radio. The scoring software cannot accommodate more than one provisional per player at a time.
Lost Golf Balls -
Don't feel obligated to assist in the search for a lost ball. More importantly, don't step on a ball while trying to find it! But if you do accidentally step on a ball let the player or caddie know.
Correcting Errors -
After completing a hole, if you realize you made an error, call the truck immediately. Do not wait to call and correct a mistake.
Player Scorecard -
Access the player scorecards during the round by tapping "Menu", then "View Player Scorecard".
Restrooms During the Round -
The PGA Tour prefers that you do not get outside the ropes during your round.
As staffing allows, an alternate Walking Scorer will be stationed at either the 7th green or the 12th green to offer a quick restroom break. The scorer should finish their hole and select proceed to the next hole. The relief scorer is then available to handle the following tee shots while the group scorer uses the nearby port-o-lets. The group's scorer should return to the group as soon as possible.
Do not use the restrooms behind the starter booth (between the driving range and tee #1). These restrooms are reserved for players and caddies during tournament week.
After the Round -
Do not enter the scoring trailer. No need to wait for the players; you should return directly to the Walking Scorer tent to turn in your scoring device. Do not stop for food or drink on the way. Prioritize returning the scoring device to the tent before moving on to other activities.
Players do not generally ask the Walking Scorer about scores - don't be offended!
Do not ask for autographs or golf balls from the players. If they offer, you may accept them. No visible autographs allowed on your uniform (including hat).
Bring your walking scorer device back to the volunteer tent immediately after concluding the round.
Do not call on the radio to report that you are finished with your round. The truck is aware your round is concluded when you have put all of your players into their final hole.
Autographs
Don't ask for them while in uniform!
Do not get autographs on your tournament uniform (including your hat). No autographs should be visible on you or your uniform while you are working.
Players may only sign autographs in designated areas.