GPS - it's legal cheating, surely?

[RGDave]

I had a nice game around a track I know quite well. I didn't need to look at my skycaddie very often, but when I did it was a real help. Specifically, hitting 3rd shots into greens (long par4s, par5s) it was SO helpful. It helped me save a few pars and get me on the right levels for more routine 2-putts. I used in on Thursday at Hawkstone Park and also advised my partner (it was pairs) which wedge to use and the distance for lay-ups. A couple of shots spring to mind where I/we made the right decision to club up or down to chase those pesky pins.
Also so many of our birdies and par saves all came after changing wedge choice and when a 22 h'cap keeps hitting yardages almost to the yard, you do wonder if it's just too helpful!
2 games 161 shots, would/could have been 170 I reckon without the GPS.

 

[golfandmoregolf]

Dont use it then dave......

 

[bozza]

I've been toying with the idea of getting one but don't really know where to start with them.

Can anyone recommend some cheap ones or does anyone have one for sale?

 

[Imurg]

As "legal cheating" as 460cc drivers, Hi-spin balls, Broomhandle/Belly putters, box grooves etc etc.

 

[RGDave]

Don't use it then dave......

If my conscience gets the better of me, d'you want it?

 

[golfandmoregolf]

Got one dave.........Top bit of kit.....Cant beat a bit of legal cheating ask a 22 handicapper who keeps hitting yardages to the yard,man they are good if he keeps doing that???????

 

[brendy]

Dave, didn't you read the debate in this months mag?

 

[brendy]

As "legal cheating" as 460cc drivers, Hi-spin balls, Broomhandle/Belly putters, box grooves etc etc.

Don't start me Ian!

 

[chrisd]

I just dont see the argument. You can use a yardage course planner, pace out from any known measured point and even, if necessary, walk from your ball to the pin to get the measurement and lie of the land. So then, when a machine does that for you and saves all the wasted time it's legalised cheating, apparently!

Needless to say, I have a Sky caddie and a Bushnell laser and use one or the other and, on rare occasions, both

Chris

 

[imran_ali]

I have a GPS program on my iphone and I think it is the most amazing piece of kit I have invested in (the funny thing is it was free to download lol). I have also got a Sky caddie SG5 and when I compare the yardages they are always the same. The program uses images from google earth and gives you a fly view of the hole. Prior to playing a course you can decide on course management. With sky caddie if you are playing a new course you have to download it but with the iphone application it is instant.

 

[JustOne]

2 games 161 shots, would/could have been 170 I reckon without the GPS.

Could have been 190 if your name was Smiffy or Homer

 

[golfbluecustard]

Garmin Approach watch (£140 ish with 5,000 courses) is the best golf invention since metal woods - bold statement but now can't imagine playing without it.

GBC

 

[RGDave]

I just dont see the argument. You can use a yardage course planner, pace out from any known measured point and even, if necessary, walk from your ball to the pin to get the measurement and lie of the land. So then, when a machine does that for you and saves all the wasted time it's legalised cheating, apparently!

Yes, I'm kind of with you, but it's actually very hard to get an exact yardage when the 150 marker is 50/60/70 yards back down the fairway. Our course has 100 disks, but that's fairly rare where I play elsewhere.

I just felt that in the last 2 (or even 3 games) I've saved a good few shots which maybe my opponents didn't save.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

2 games 161 shots, would/could have been 170 I reckon without the GPS.

Could have been 190 if your name was Smiffy or Homer

I resent that. 200 for me easily. Think you confused me for a golfer for a sec there. I don't see the issue. If they are legal in comps where you play or you want one for a friendly knock on a new track what is the problem. It is a glorified yardage chart at the end of the day and gives the same info in electronic form. It saves time pacing distances and you can be confident (ish) standing over the shot that you've the right club. Then the fun really starts

 

[RGDave]

It is a glorified yardage chart at the end of the day and gives the same info in electronic form. It saves time pacing distances and you can be confident (ish) standing over the shot that you've the right club. Then the fun really starts

You couldn't be more right.

 

[HickoryShaft]

Got a Shotmiser myself - fantastic bit of kit.

Usually find that the yardages are longer than I think so an extra iron is the norm but on a recent trip to a different course everything was the other way round and saved me lots of shots

It doesn't help me play any better but I am far more confident with my club selections so I am sure that pays dividends.

 

[JustOne]

I think Dave was just trying to start a fight (ala Timgolfy)


Nice try Dave

 

[Hooker]

Nah its hardly cheating.

I saw some real cheating barstewards on the TV the other day.

Not only did they not have to carry their clubs around, they had some guy who would carry them for them, clean their balls and give them yardages and advise them what clubs to use!!!!

Dont mention raking bunkers and also taking farking ages over shots and dont talk about putting. I certainly wouldnt like to be stuck behing that 3 ball. I would launch some wedge shots onto the green if I was waiting for these poseurs to "line" up putts.

p.s. they also had cronies lined up on the course telling them where the wayward shots had gone.

I would prefer a caddy to a GPS myself, had the services of one once and HER advice and eyesight was invaluable.

 

[Tommo21]

Nah its hardly cheating.

I saw some real cheating barstewards on the TV the other day.

Not only did they not have to carry their clubs around, they had some guy who would carry them for them, clean their balls and give them yardages and advise them what clubs to use!!!!

Dont mention raking bunkers and also taking farking ages over shots and dont talk about putting. I certainly wouldnt like to be stuck behing that 3 ball. I would launch some wedge shots onto the green if I was waiting for these poseurs to "line" up putts.

p.s. they also had cronies lined up on the course telling them where the wayward shots had gone.

I would prefer a caddy to a GPS myself, had the services of one once and HER advice and eyesight was invaluable.

Yeh...not in the spirit of the game is it all this GPS tosh.

 

[SS2]

Knowing how far you are from the hole and the ability to hit your ball that distance/in the correct direction are entirely unrelated.

Therefore, GPS = Not cheating.