Recommendations for developing a golf group management app for Apple devices

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Level 1

17 points

Recommendations for developing a golf group management app for Apple devices

I am using Excel to manage a weekly golf group. Have created multiple worksheets and procedures for the various tasks.

Considering creating an app to replace the "now tiresome and time consuming" weekly tasks.

Now retired, but my career was developing software (specifically MRP, so end user oriented DB solutions). Hence, I know I can learn a programming language and develop solutions.

Multiple procedures including adding/deleting/updating players, signed up to play this week roster/reports, creating teams and scorecards - requires a process to create handicap balanced teams (golfers will understand), tallying team and individual results. Obviously, the app will require a database.

Since I have a Mac, an iPad, and an iPhone you know where my heart is, and I would love to develop the apps for the Mac, and usable on the iPad (although screen size makes it a little cumbersome).

However! I have to consider that someday I will pass the torch to someone else and they may not have a Mac, albeit that "other" well knowns GUI product. (ha ha)

Recommendations? Swift (and pray I can find a replacement in the future who uses Mac or iPad?), Javascript, C++, other?

iMac 24″, macOS 26.6

Posted on Sep 12, 2026 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

Zurarczurx

Level 5

7,018 points

Sep 18, 2026 9:58 AM in response to EdAROCNY

I believe VBA is deprecated so be careful there.

Write it in Python and their kids/grandkids will be able to do it.

Alternatively, put the data in a standard and common database format and then the programming is just a relatively simpler i/o app which can be written in any language.

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Answer 2

Sep 15, 2026 4:55 AM in response to EdAROCNY

If you want to lock them into Apple in a way I could see myself doing I would choose Swift haha. You could do Objective-C but Swift is what the standard is. It is fun to do and Apple offers free programming guides/documentation in the Apple Books app for this as well.

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Answer 3

EdAROCNY Author

Level 1

17 points

Sep 15, 2026 5:47 AM in response to aarondash

LOL ... That is the temptation, "Go MAC!"

There is the reality. Most of the guys are not tech savvy, they won't even want to do the work, and of those who do, most will have that other platform, Windows.

Still, love your reply.

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Answer 4

etresoft

Level 9

60,100 points

Sep 17, 2026 4:37 AM in response to EdAROCNY

EdAROCNY wrote:

Recommendations? Swift (and pray I can find a replacement in the future who uses Mac or iPad?), Javascript, C++, other?

It sounds like whatever this does is something that a dozen other apps likely already do. Identify one of those and switch to it.

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Answer 5

EdAROCNY Author

Level 1

17 points

Sep 17, 2026 5:02 AM in response to etresoft

I did research existing golf league apps. The primary problem is something good costs money and the group is not up to paying for it... since, so far there hasn't been a fee. I may wear them down over time. (ha ha). There are some things we do that are not conventional and not covered the apps. Not that they could not be worked around, just that where it is "second nature" for us, it is a work around in the apps.

I do lean towards Swift. And, Zurarczurx, replied with a link to an article about Swift being enhanced to delve into compatibility in the Windows environment, command line level, not UI. But, it gives it pluses.

Thank you for your feedback.

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Answer 6

etresoft

Level 9

60,100 points

Sep 17, 2026 7:54 AM in response to EdAROCNY

EdAROCNY wrote:

something good costs money

You don't say?

the group is not up to paying for it...

[many possible comments pre-redacted]

I do lean towards Swift.

There are dozens of these apps, already done and ready to install. I'm quite sure that many have the features you need, without workarounds. I know how much golfers spend. Any of those apps would be less expensive than a single visit to the club bar after a game, let alone the green fees, or membership.

And, Zurarczurx, replied with a link to an article about Swift being enhanced to delve into compatibility in the Windows environment, command line level, not UI.

That isn't what the article is saying. It's completely irrelevant to your needs.

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Answer 7

EdAROCNY Author

Level 1

17 points

Sep 18, 2026 9:50 AM in response to EdAROCNY

I decided to forego developing an app at this time. One of the significant considerations was regarding the day I pass the duties to someone else - maintaining the code. Since we just a group of guys, at some point I would not be around to maintain it and they will need to create a new solution. I will enhance the Excel solution by adding scripts for repeated tasks, and possibly writing Macros and/or VBA enhancements.

That said, I have run an NFL picking league for over two decades. It is my league, when I quit that will be the end of it. Therefore, I am now considering creating an app, using Swift, to replace the Excel solution; for my programming recreation.

Thank you all for your time, effort, and knowledge contributing to this discussion I appreciate it.

EdA

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