GPS devices v phone apps

shun_naka

shun_naka

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I'm still a beginner at golf, but I do find it quite frustrating not having an idea of yardages when I play. I don't think it'll make a huge difference as my consistency with each shot won't be bang on now, but I'd like a bit of help in my club selection and I think knowing my distance from the green will really help.

I'm torn between a gps device or an iPhone app. I can't justify the money on a laser at the minute (because of my poor consistency) so just something that'll give a rough guide

I know phones are banned in competitions, but I just play bounce games with my friends just now so there would be no issue there.

If I went for a watch/device, something under 80-100 pounds would be what I would be looking for.
 
As far as I know the rules were changed so you can now use a phone with a golf app in a competition.

Personally if you just need an idea of distances I would start with the phone plus app. I used Golfshot when I got going and a lot of the time it was within a couple of yards of my PP's watches etc.
 
road2ruin said:
As far as I know the rules were changed so you can now use a phone with a golf app in a competition.

Personally if you just need an idea of distances I would start with the phone plus app. I used Golfshot when I got going and a lot of the time it was within a couple of yards of my PP's watches etc.
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I use Golfshot to track my score, I've never really used it for yardages before
 
Hole19 is another which is pretty good.

You can pickup second hand garmin s2 watches for around £60, or the TomTom watch is new for £120.

I picked up the Garmin g6 for £120 in a black friday deal on amazon a couple of years ago and it is brilliant.

The apps are getting better and better though so you could give them a go for a while, i have never directly compared the garmin to hole19 though so not sure how accurate it is, but they both use gps so I am sure they are not that far apart
 
Coffey said:
Hole19 is another which is pretty good.

You can pickup second hand garmin s2 watches for around £60, or the TomTom watch is new for £120.

I picked up the Garmin g6 for £120 in a black friday deal on amazon a couple of years ago and it is brilliant.

The apps are getting better and better though so you could give them a go for a while, i have never directly compared the garmin to hole19 though so not sure how accurate it is, but they both use gps so I am sure they are not that far apart
Click to expand...

Beezerk said:
Bushnell Neo Ghost or Garmin G10 would be my choices as a first unit, gives you all you want. Watches are a bit faffy in my experience.
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks.

I'll have a look, anywhere in particular that would be selling them second hand or is it just going to be eBay/gumtree?
 
Felix_G said:
Cool, thanks.

I'll have a look, anywhere in particular that would be selling them second hand or is it just going to be eBay/gumtree?
Click to expand...

Most likely ebay/gumtree or you could try some of the facebook groups as well.

Id have a think about what features you are looking for as well. If you are looking for straight yardages to front middle and back and to hazards then the Neo ghost would be perfect. I like the garmin g6 as it has a nice wee image of the hole which you can drag the yardage marker too and work out how far the rough etc is. It also has a lot of scoring features built in but ive never actually used it.

May get some good sale items from the main sellers if you have a look around on the internet.
 
Get a Skycaddie AIRE 2 if you want a basic rangefinder that gives you front middle and back yardages and don't want a watch.
 
I cannot recommend the X40 approach enough - fab bit of kit - have now upgraded to Garmin G8 handheld but the x40 would do you a great service if you can find one
 
Had a Garmin Approach G5 for a few years now. Would definitely go for another Garmin handheld should this one die. As good as the apps on a phone are, I love not having my phone on the course.
 
I've a Bushnell Neo XS GPS watch which is a doddle to use. So light you don't notice it and a quick glance and there's your yardage. And it's waterproof, an important consideration when playing in Scotland.
I wouldn't use my phone in case it got water damage.
 
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