Has anyone used the S1 Approach?

[Foxholer]

Might seem a stupid question but how does it know what course your on? And also which tees your playing off?
I've never used one or a range finder but I understand a range finder you just look through.

Users should be able to tell you whether it recognises course by where you ate standing (the guy who'd just acquired one was waiting for it to establish position).

Tees are irrelevant as it shows distance to Front, Middle and Back of green from where you are standing.

 

[Smiffy]

I have to say I like the idea but can't even wear a wrist watch when playing so no chance with the S1 as it looks quite chunky.

It weighs next to nothing so I wouldn't worry about it. Seriously, you don't even know you've got it on after a while.

 

[GripandRip]

Thanks for the feedback, can't wait to get out there and see how we get on. It's just a shame it can't guarantee the ball will head directly to the green, but that's another issue.

 

[bobmac]

Thanks for the feedback, can't wait to get out there and see how we get on. It's just a shame it can't guarantee the ball will head directly to the green, but that's another issue.

Really handy, especially if you are a member of the links course at W-S-M.

 

[sona]

Good bit of kit, but worth checking on their website that the courses you need are listed. My club is but some in the area are not.

 

[Dave B]

My friend has one and he rates it however I honestly don't see the point and think they should be banned just like belly putters


Ok I am being slightly sarchastic as I use a belly putter however for me a vital part of the game is making a judgement of which club I should use, how far down the shaft I grip it and how hard I hit the ball to get the required distance.

I don't want a device and I don't particularly want my playing partners using devices giving them the exact distance for each shot as that takes a vital element of the game away.

As far as I am aware GPS is banned under artificial devices for competition use, unless your club make a ruling to allow them therefore it is very important to check if they are allowed before you play.

 

[road2ruin]

I have had mine for about a year now and I find it really useful to gauge distances especially when you're playing a new course. It is really easy to set up and use. So far I've not run into any issues with it not having courses on and I have been playing a new course pretty much every Friday for the last 6 months or so.

The only time there have been problems has been when playing to temporary greens as it still gives distances to the usual spot. Obviously this isn't a long term problem but was slightly annoying for a couple of rounds played.

 

[SonicBoom]

I have one too. It is useful but I don't use it as much as I think I would. When you are on the fairway you don't need it so much. When you go a little offline that's when it is truly useful helping to assess whether you can still get to a green.
Oh and one other thing,,,,
Your mates might take the mickey at first but I bet you a tenner this will happen. One will be walking with you along the fairway, get to his ball, take a quick look around and then say quickly "er, how far is it?".
Happens to me all the time. It is amusing as once you know someone has the watch you can't help but ask for distances.
Make sure it is fully charged before each round though. A full charge will get you all the way round but anything less and it will conk out before the 18th.