A
computer aided game apparatus is disclosed for tracking location and distance on a golf course, recommending club selection, recording golfer performance statistics, receiving notification via a
pager, and playing infomercials during the course of a golf game. The apparatus has a processor connected to a memory which is suitably supports a
geographic information system (GIS), a player performance
database, and an infomercial
database. The apparatus has a global positioning
receiver which operates in conjunction with the GIS for indicating the current position of the golfer. The
GPS receiver is connected to the processor which in turn drives a convenient, intuitive touch screen display. The apparatus has a
pager which allows for direct contact with the golfer. To support data networking, the
microprocessor is also connected to one or more interface ports, including an infra-red port, a
parallel port, a
serial port, and a PCMCIA port. Through the interface ports, the
microprocessor can maintain, update, or back-up data stored in the memory. Typically, data not already present on the memory are downloaded from a central computer before each game is played. At the end of each game, statistics generated during the game are uploaded into the central computer
system for archival purposes. As the game progresses, the apparatus of the present invention integrates the distance computation the recording of the golfer performance, and the suggesting of proper club selection based on distance and past performance. Further, the apparatus of the present invention preserves statistics for each golfer for long term analysis. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention can also support infomercials from the golf course operators to entertain and educate the golfers while generating supplemental advertising revenues for the course operators.