Skycaddie, I relented

[GreiginFife]

So, after all my detraction and dislike of GPs rangefinders, I really must apologise for the bad things I said about them
After sourcing a Skycaddie SG2.5 for my mate I had a play about with it before he picked it up. I was suitably impressed by the range of features so much so that I found one for myself.

While I won't use it in comps, I aim to use it to measure out my club distances and also in practice rounds to get hazard distances etc.

So to all those that I disagreed with about the usefulness of GPS, Sorry - you were right :thup:

 

[G1BB0]

why not use it in comps Greig?

 

[GreiginFife]

Dunno Gibbo, I think it will help me progress my game but I still have an issue with them in comps. I feel comp play should be just you against the course and the rest of the field. Maybe just being silly but it's just a weird feeling that I get that it seems a bit of a cheat.

 

[jplkorea83]

Don't know if I'm in the minority these days but I still see it as cheating. Just as you say you won't use it in comps, I think it should be just you and the course. How many players really need to know distances to the exact yard?

 

[chris661]

Dunno Gibbo, I think it will help me progress my game but I still have an issue with them in comps. I feel comp play should be just you against the course and the rest of the field. Maybe just being silly but it's just a weird feeling that I get that it seems a bit of a cheat.

What a strange opinion I suppose you never use yardage books either? Or an umbrella or waterproofs then?

 

[G1BB0]

see I am in no position to give advice due to being pants, but, unless your course distance markers are spot on then a gps is a needs must!

I have played a few away courses and without gps have struggled. my home course markers are spot on and when hit proper my club selection is not too bad.

if I was off a lower h/c with decent consistency then I would deffo use one (or a laser) all the time

 

[w1ndw1ll]

It just speeds it up. I started playing golf a couple of years ago and my mate persuaded me to get a skycaddie. I worked out what all my club yardages were and away I went. I could suss out everything from the 150 yard marker but it would take ages, it just lets you get on with it.

 

[GreiginFife]

What a strange opinion I suppose you never use yardage books either? Or an umbrella or waterproofs then?

Actually Chris, despite you thinking that a different opinion being strange, no I haven't used a yardage book. I seldom Carry a brolly (the bag has a rain hood) and I'm waterproof as it is.

 

[chris661]

Actually Chris, despite you thinking that a different opinion being strange, no I haven't used a yardage book. I seldom Carry a brolly (the bag has a rain hood) and I'm waterproof as it is.

Watch you hickory shafts dont get wet and warped then

 

[GreiginFife]

see I am in no position to give advice due to being pants, but, unless your course distance markers are spot on then a gps is a needs must!

I have played a few away courses and without gps have struggled. my home course markers are spot on and when hit proper my club selection is not too bad.

if I was off a lower h/c with decent consistency then I would deffo use one (or a laser) all the time

Course only has a 150 marker on each hole. That's why I think it will be good for practice. If I can learn the true distances from hazards and landmarks then it will in turn help me manage the course better.

 

[GreiginFife]

Watch you hickory shafts dont get wet and warped then

Hickory, that's for rich folks that is... Mine is pure bendy pine. Wouldn't say they're warped but I use me 9 iron as a corkscrew afterwards.

 

[G1BB0]

ok, you guestimate 120 to the pin, in reality its 127 (random number) thats 7 yards distance and potentially a dodgy chip or long putt!

 

[GreiginFife]

Yep, usually a long putt. My big issue the other week was totally underselling the distances in my head and going to the back of the green and most are then down hill.
I will see how it goes, maybe end up not using it or forgetting it's there. Been at the game for 20 odd years without one so maybe just forget I have it. lol

 

[Scottjd1]

I see your point but then by the same token it makes all tour players 'cheating' as they have mapped the course out with lasers and all sorts and have someone pace out distances for them so get the right number??

I understand your 'me against the course' stance but if the rules allow its not cheating and I say use it.

Either way enjoy the 2.5, I hear its good :thup:

 

[G1BB0]

watched Scott using his laser, took bloody ages but he did hit some sweet approaches

 

[GreiginFife]

Thanks Scott, I get what you are saying about pros. If only I hadn't had to have a wee peek in the box when my mate's one arrived. lol

 

[bluetoon]

I'll give you 2weeks and you will be using it in comps. :whoo:

 

[GreiginFife]

I'll give you 2weeks and you will be using it in comps. :whoo:

That sounds like a bet...

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm sorry but I don't get this "not in a comp" malarky. If they are cleared buy local ruling why wouldn't you make it easier for yourself. You know full well others will be out there with GPS or lasers so why handicap yourself. Maybe you could get a feeling of playing a pure round with a gutta percha bal and hickory clubs. None of these 460cc heads and cavity backs. Surely its just a extension of using equipment designed to help the player

 

[GreiginFife]

I've already admitted being wrong about the concept behind them Homer, give me a few weeks and Bluetoon is maybe right.
It's just a niggle I have about them, more about the club doesn't tell you how hard to swing or how hard to hit.
We shall see, but in the meantime, I withdraw my universal criticism of GPS