Microsoft Health app updated with golf-based challenges for Microsoft Band owners

Windows Phone and Microsoft Band users who are also fond of walking around a golf course and hitting balls down the fairway now have some new things to try out. The Microsoft Health app for Windows Phone has been updated with ways for golfers to keep track of their activities if they own the wearable fitness device.

Microsoft announced these features would be coming a couple of weeks ago, in collaboration with golf club company TaylorMade. Here's a reminder of just what golf players can get out of the update:

• Before you play - Take advantage of TaylorMade's comprehensive course finder on your mobile Microsoft Health app to quickly find the courses near you, and once you're on the green, the tees you are playing from.
• During your round - As you step onto the tee box, our on-board GPS sensor will automatically detect the hole you are on and display your score for the hole you just completed. A simple press of the Microsoft Band action button, whether on the fairway or off in the deep rough, will give you accurate distance to the front, middle and back of the green. The Microsoft Band keeps track of your score with its automatic shot detection and simple swipe interface for those gimmies or occasional mulligan. There may never be a need to carry a paper scorecard again. Meanwhile, advanced sensors track not only your strokes but also your steps, heart rate and calorie burn, seamlessly adding a round of golf into your fitness routine.
• After your round- Afterwards, dig into the data behind your performance on the Microsoft Health phone application (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) or web dashboard. Check your score, longest drive, number of pars or better per round, pace of play and by signing into TaylorMade's myRoundPro, view your shots plotted on a map of each hole on the course. You can also view how your heart rate and calorie burn varied during your game – hole by hole – and analyze how it affected your performance. Your golf rounds will be accessible to you via Microsoft Health, allowing you to look back at your prior performance without needing those old scorecards.

In addition, the Microsoft Health app also has some unnamed "bug fixes" as part of this update.

Download Microsoft Health from the Windows Phone Store