GPS

[Tiger]

Just wondering if anyone has the golfshot app on their iPhone and what they think about GPSs in general. I'm new to the game but kinda feel that using a GPS is, well cheating a bit. Will I change my mind when I start playing and overhit/underhit greens? Maybe. But is a GPS an important part of the bag these days and if not are there any exercises/techniques I can use to improve my judgement of distance? Ta muchly, Tiger

 

[mono217]

It's a technological advancement same as enhanced clubs and balls! IMO Just like having a caddie

 

[chipsandegg]

Jack Niklaus might not have used one but i bet he was told by his caddie every distance on the course to the nearest inch. They arent really for me even if i could afford one but ive no problem with others using them, i dont see it as cheating

 

[Robobum]

or......option C - read the other 100 odd threads discussing the same point.

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Who rattled your cage robobum

 

[RGDave]

Jack Niklaus might not have used one but i bet he was told by his caddie every distance on the course to the nearest inch. They arent really for me even if i could afford one but ive no problem with others using them, i dont see it as cheating

I think (I believe) Jack would have known the exact distance, for sure.

They're still outlawed at mine for comps and I support this arrangement. I certainly wouldn't call using them cheating...no way...but as it happens, I have witnessed a couple of incidents recently that have confirmed my fear that there can be some advantage gained under exceptional circumstances.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Definitely in favour. We have a local rule so allowed in our competitions. I find them more than useful from 100 yards and when I've sprayed it wide again and playing from somewhere other than the fairway.

 

[Parmo]

Got one, don't use it and really they are a waste of time or more to the point for golfers who take the game more serious than myself.

 

[colint]

just bought one and used it for the first time yesterday, hugely impressed. I played badly to tell the truth, but had 7 pars in 16 holes (for a a 16 hcapper, too dark to finish).The difference for me was from 120 yards in, instead of being unsure what club to hit and not commiting to the shot, I was able to be clear exactly what was needed. I'd spent a bit of time the dat before working on distances for my wedges which is essential to get the best from the gps.

An unexpected benefit was finding wayward drives, I hit a few into the trees / rough and knowing what distance I generally drive really helped finding the bal, found 3 that I might not have done usually.

 

[nulassilb]

Parmo - what have you got? and why don't you use it?
Interested, because I'm trying to convince the rest of my household that THE Xmas present will be a SonocaddieSkyCaddieLaserSureShotSnooper of some description.

Seriously - interested in stories where golfers thought they would be good value and then found that they didn't actually use them. In another thread, someone said that they were of most use when you play several different courses.

 

[Tiger]

Interesting, comments guys. I'm a way from purchasing one but wondered whether I should have one on my wish list. Interesting that some of you find it useful from over 100 and some from under 100 yards. I fully buy into the concept of not pulling out of the stroke.

I'm still not sure. I'm planning on spending the first nine months at the range and playing par threes and hope that I'll learn how to judge distance but will certainly bear all your comments in mind. Cheers guys.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I found it invaluable early on to accurately measure all my yardages too which proved to be an eye opener, especially when hitting into a gentle 10mph (ish) breeze. I think the one thing these devices do really well is give you something firm to base your decision manking on. Once you know exactly how far you have, its easier to factor in weather and elivation and then stand over the ball knowing you are confident with your choice. After that anything going wrong is pilot error.

 

[RGDave]

I've been working overtime on my pitching and distance control. I can't speak for all on here, but I reckon I'm probably more accurate right or left of the flag than short or long. Last game out, I hit at least 6 or 7 pitches in the 60-100 yard distance and found myself straight but frustratingly long or short on most. The accuracy was good for guaranteeing 2 putts but not so hot for makeable 1 putts.
Home course, away course, whatever, I really think I could save some shots with an exact yardage, especially with front pins. Out of the semi, playing to the front (and no further) can be the best shot. It's so annoying....I can see the flag at the front but the strokesaver (or paced out from the 100 yard) says 95 to the middle, so it's hard to "tell myself" to only hit 80 yards. If the GPS <u>said</u> 95 to the middle, 80 to the front, I'd maybe go as little as 75....if you get my gist. I could do the maths myself, but when everyone is watching and waiting it would be easier to read the GPS.

 

[Imurg]

I use my gps on my course a lot at the moment as I'm still getting used to the distances. But on a 400 yard par 4 with no trouble until around the green or on a hole when I know where I want to put the ball I don't bother looking. From 200 yards in though its invaluable. And when I play different courses that I don't know then its even more useful.

 

[AndrewG]

Until I know my club will change its policy and accept their use in comps, I'm reticent to take the plunge, much as I'd like to - there is no valid reason for not allowing them as far as I'm concerned - its just an electronic version of yardage book after all.

I'm worried I'd lose any natural ability to guage distance that I might have, in the same way my spelling has suffered since the advent of the spell checker, or my handwriting because of email! If I use GPS on all practice rounds, I reckon my scores in the comps will suffer - and those are the ones that count!!

 

[birdieman]

They are very useful, its as much for distance to front and back as to the middle of green for me.

Makes decision making quicker and easier. My handicap has come down significantly since getting one so money well spent.