GPS's ? Helpful or not?

[GOLFER1994]

Evening,

What are peoples thoughts on golf GOS watches or standalone GPS's? I like the idea of having something that gives me a more accurate idea of distance rather than judging myself? Im going on the idea it might bring a little more consistency in club selection and shot choice etc....
Who uses one and what are your opinions? Useful or gimmick?

 

[shortgame]

Very useful ✔

 

[williamalex1]

Evening,

What are peoples thoughts on golf GOS watches or standalone GPS's? I like the idea of having something that gives me a more accurate idea of distance rather than judging myself? Im going on the idea it might bring a little more consistency in club selection and shot choice etc....
Who uses one and what are your opinions? Useful or gimmick?

If you know your club distances [within a few yards ] then get one.
But most courses have fairway distance markers at 100, 150, 200 yards to the centre of the green, so you should never be more than 25 yards from a marker, if you're on the correct fairway :rofl:

 

[GOLFER1994]

If you know your club distances [within a few yards ] then get one.
But most courses have fairway distance markers at 100, 150, 200 yards to the centre of the green, so you should never be more than 25 yards from a marker, if you're on the correct fairway :rofl:

Mine has a 150 marker, then a red disc in the centre of the fairway to mark 100yds so unless your close to it its not the easiest thing to spot (Im red and green colour blind )

 

[mteam]

Game Golf and Golf pad plus others do free apps for you phone that will give yardages of you want to try one out

 

[Wabinez]

Definitely helpful. I used to be a laser rangefinder through and through, but since I got my skycaddie touch, it is invaluable when playing ‘away’ courses.
Round my own course, I won’t use it so much..but it comes into its own when playing other places

 

[GOLFER1994]

Is there any risk buying second hand or a good place to start? Been offered a garmin S1 watch for £40 just slightly worried about battery life.
Or do i bite the bullet now and get a brand new bushnell neo for £75 from Clubhouse Golf?

 

[Franco]

Is there any risk buying second hand or a good place to start? Been offered a garmin S1 watch for £40 just slightly worried about battery life.
Or do i bite the bullet now and get a brand new bushnell neo for £75 from Clubhouse Golf?

I have a Bushnell Neo Ghost. It gives distances to front, middle and back, together with details of up to four hazards. I find it particularly useful on new courses, for telling me about hidden creeks below my line of sight. The battery lasts in excess of 10 hours before recharging. Excellent value for the money.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

My GPS watch is my best ever golf purchase. A basic S1, nothing fancy. Helps hugely.

 

[Sports_Fanatic]

I use a Garmin watch as opposed to the rangefinder. Less specific but gives a guide as I'm not that consistent with my distances. Biggest thing by mile is an appreciation of how big a green is - if you know the flag is at the back that could be another 20-30 yds difference to the front so two clubs.

Garmin s1 for £40 sounds worth a try - battery life shouldn't be an issue as mine haven't particularly aged, but I think that's the model where the strap can't be replaced so if it breaks which is a weakness then you won't be able to have it as a watch but instead attach it to your bag.

 

[jim8flog]

Very useful, particularly when first bought. Made me realise I do not hit the yardages I thought I did and that my 'walked' yardages were not that accurate.
Playing away on a new course helps to plot your way around if you have a full GPS with full picture of the hole.

Lasers are better if you want exact yardages but you must have line of sight and no mist or fog.

 

[rob_golf1]

Our course only has markers in the middle of the fairways so a GPS watch is more beneficial than a laser range finder.

I’ve got the Bushnell Neo iON which was about £110 when I got it last year. Good watch with loads of measurements and also a shot distance measuring tool which is great when you boom a big drive down the middle 😉 Highly recommended!

 

[Capella]

Definitely usefull, even for a higher handicapper. After using it for one or two rounds you'll never look back. (The only downside is that you will get dependend on it a little bit. When I forget to recharge my Garmin or leave it at home, I keep looking at my wrist questioningly the whole round long looking for guidance that isn't there ...)

Lasers are more precise and a bit more versatile, but they are also a bit more of a hassle to use. The GPS tells you the distance to the green (front, middle and back) and on the more advanced ones also to hazards at one glance.

 

[patricks148]

pretty useful.

everyone i know uses some sort of DMD. i prefer range finder TBH, but the watches that do F/M/B are good from what ive seen.

 

[Deleted member 16999]

Try the motocaddy app, free and big numbers on the screen.

 

[Robster59]

Very useful. I've had a Bushnell Neo XS for a few years now and it makes my game easier. Not all courses have the yardage markers, and they're only specific to where they are and so you have to then do your own internal calcs. A GPS watch is look and know. I prefer it to a laser as its faster, I don't need line of site and it covers hazards a laser may not be able to see (lots on our course).
As Capella said, you do get to rely on it after a while but definitely worth it.

 

[Orikoru]

I've been using GPS apps on my phone for over a year now. I could not be without it. I'm pretty rubbish at judging distance by eye, so getting the right yardage from the GPS is key for me in selecting the right club. I'd rather be correct on it that trying to work it out by eye and maybe be 10 yards out. Plus the phone apps are free so it's a no brainer.

 

[Mark1751]

I have a GPS watch that I use all the time, I also bought a cheap laser that I use maybe 4 or 5 times a round.

I definitely think a GPS device is worth the money as I find I will look at it as part of my pre shot routine to help determine club choice.

 

[GOLFER1994]

Got a Garmin S1 on the way ! Talked him down to £33 inc postage so its certainly worth a try for that price

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Got a Garmin S1 on the way ! Talked him down to £33 inc postage so its certainly worth a try for that price

It's a bargain. When you get it hook it up to your computer and make sure it is up to date, you will need to download the Garmin Express app. Really simple to do.