This iPhone app really rules

iGolfrules puts the USGA's rulings at your iPhone fingertips.

Two years ago, I'd have been the first guy to put the kibosh on golf course iPhone use. That was then, this is now. I'm a affirmed iPhone geek who does his best to keep its mesmerizing powers at bay when I'm on the links, but that doesn't mean I leave it in the car. Hell, no. It's there with me, in the cart's cupholder or, if I'm walking, in my pocket. Gotta have access to the latest scores at all times, right? And my e-mail, as long as I don't let it get in the way of the pace of play. Yeah, I'm hooked. So sue me.

Now I can also whip the iPhone out when I need access to the Rules of Golf, making my bag a couple ounces lighter when I'm on the long and lovely golf writer's road. Based on international rules official Yves C. Ton-That's Golf Rules Quick flip guide — a spiral-bound book that answers practically every rules question at a glance — the new $9.99 iApp was introduced at the PGA Show and is now available to download to the iPhone at www.igolfrules.com.

As with any well-thought-out and well-executed app — I've got over 80 of them crammed onto my phone —  the Golf Rules Quick Reference application hooked me from the get-go, and I'm not even a rules stickler. It's incredibly quick and useful, with a multi-touch interface and real-time 3D graphics with basic animation. Say I've got a question about hazard relief options; I just click on the section/area that corresponds to the unfortunate position of my ball inside the yellow or red stakes, click on the headline that applies to his situation, and then find the correct answer or procedure within seconds. Every ruling displayed is a distilled version of the USGA's official, often convoluted version, another time-saver. No goofy jargon to wade through — just the facts, Ma'am. And the accompanying graphics clear the picture even more. You'll learn more about the game's sometimes arcane rules and have fun doing it. And who knows, it might make you a few bucks on your Nassau wager.

For traveling golfers like me (and you) who have a fear of the iPhone ringing while they're grinding out that par on, say, We-Ko-Pa near Phoenix, Running Y Ranch in Oregon or Trump National Los Angeles, the iPhone/iGolfrules application can run in "airplane" mode which will eliminate the fear of having the phone ring during play.

The "iGolfrules" application is available from the iTunes App Store for $9.99. The price includes all rule updates until the end of 2011 as well as new language versions that are added during the same period.

Ton-That spent four years developing the original "Golf Rules Quick Reference Stroke Play Guide," which has won numerous awards. The golf industry awarded it "Best New Product" at its two largest golf trade shows. I'll throw my sweat-stained golf cap into that ring: For the serious golfer on the go who wants to play by the book, this iApp lets you throw the book away, and still abide by the rules.