New Met Office weather app for golfers

Weatherfor, a unique service powered by the Met Office, has launched its sports apps.

Available on iPhone, web and desktop download, the service provides sport-specific forecasts which aim to provide users with detailed weather information around any sporting event in the UK and Ireland.

The free apps - initially available for golf, football and horseracing - encompass highly detailed, venue specific information for users which, for the first time in the UK, provide an hourly forecast allowing golfers to plan their round depending on the weather.

With 92% accuracy on any given location over the impending 6 hour period, golfers will no longer be left staring at the sky wondering what to wear as the insightful Weatherfor app will provide them with the very latest forecast which is targeted exactly to their chosen location.

In addition to the app, which boasts the most intuitive user interface of any weather app, users will be able to experience the very same functionality with a downloadable desktop app which can be set to their favourite course, club or location.

The simple to use comparison view will offer the benefit of comparing two venues to see which will have the best weather during any period from the next six hours out to any point in the next six days.

Furthermore, a customisable web widget is available for free to all UK and Irish clubs or venues to display on their own website; this will allow members and guests to view the detailed weather for their chosen venue and can even help golfers when trying to decide whether to play their round in the morning or afternoon.

With a simple “get and share” process, this feature should ensure a rapid take up by clubs offering enhanced value to users and an increased rationale for visiting the venue’s homepage.

In addition to offering world leading forecasts, the apps will allow commercial partners to target their specific audience following a particular sport. Partners in the Weather for Golf programme already include the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland who have provided specific club information in addition to the incredible weather data stored within the app.

As well as the trademarked “Nearest Fair Weather Club™” functionality which helps users locate their nearest club where no rain is forecast over the next six hours, the app will also provide useful key contact information from their chosen course.

PGA sponsorship manager, Jim Croxton, said: “We have had a great partnership with Weatherfor Golf for several years and they have provided weather data unparalleled in its accuracy to clubs hosting our tournaments.

“With the launch of the Weatherfor Golf apps this unprecedented level of information is now available to all GB&I golfers and clubs, aiding decisions from when and where to play as well as when the many green keepers throughout up and down the country should water their greens. It really is s fantastic new free of charge service.”