How accurate is a golf GPS?
As questions from non-golfers go, this is actually a really good one. It certainly got us thinking, so we did some research and found some amazing answers…
Accessories
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the different kinds of GPS devices on the market and deciding on which one would be most appropriate for you. In the same way these gadgets give you super reliable measurements, we’re just handing out the facts. So why should you add a distance-measuring-device to all the other trusty gear you head to the first tee with?
Golf - above all - is a game of power and trajectory. You may know by look and feel how far you hit your 7-iron and your 4-hybrid, but feel can only get you so far. Especially when it comes to considering factors like the contours of the ground, whether you’re hitting up or down hill, and how hard the wind is blowing.
We can’t control the weather, but being able to know your exact yardage to the green will let you know for definite which club to reach for. This also removes any uncertainty and you’ll feel a boost of confidence in knowing your lining up to your shot being as informed about the distance as possible.
If you have a high handicap, you may be focused on getting lessons to make your strikes more consistent. Some days it’s hard enough making good contact with the ball, so getting to know your clubs and your yardages is the key to success. This nifty little device from Garmin will help you build up your familiarity with your clubs and the course.
The Garmin Approach G12 is easy-to-use and has some handy features to help you if you’re scratching your head down the fairway. You can measure distances to the front, middle, and back of the green as well as distances to various hazards. It has a clear display with easy to read numbers and will keep you informed all day long with up to 30 hours of battery life on GPS mode. This is a great choice if you’ve never owned a golf GPS device before or want key distances at a glance.
A GPS watch is the most common type of GPS device on the course. In the Approach S62 from Garmin, you'll have a stylish friend on and off the course with additional fitness functionalities such as a step counter and heart rate monitor.
The watch has a clean, easy-to-read display that doesn’t glare when you’re playing in the sun, and the touchscreen makes it super easy to navigate. There are tons of features available to help you navigate the golf course, such as virtual caddy system that will advise you the best club to hit given the wind and distance. Always pleasing to read, the watch has over 41,000 full colour course maps. If you want a reliable gadget to help you prepare for multiple aspects of your game, we’d recommend this GPS watch.
If you’re a single-figure player that’s always looking for the next challenge, you’ll want to understand every corner of the course to keep scoring lower and lower. If this sounds like you, we’d recommend a super accurate laser GPS rangefinder.
Rangefinders like the Garmin Approach Z82 Laser will give you pinpoint accuracy to within 10 inches of the flag, leaving you just a tap in when you go for the green. The device has a vibrational feedback feature when you lock on to a target like the flagstick so you know you’re getting reliable data when you need it most. It comes with both green and hazard view so you know for certainty whether a certain club may roll into a bunker or end up safe. If you’re a confident player that wants to know the ins-and-outs of the course you’re playing, a rangefinder is the tool for you.
Garmin has a whole host of options available should you want to up your game with a distance measuring device. As we’ve stated, the more fundamental choice would be the Garmin G12 Approach that fits easily in the palm of your hand and can be attached to your belt or pocket using the handy clip on the back. There are different watches to consider including the Approach S12, the Approach S42, and the Approach S62. A good indicator is the increase in number, the more technical the software, and the more features the device holds. Everything you could want from a rangefinder can be found in the Approach Z82 Laser, with one of these you’ll have the confident distance judgement of pro caddy at all times.
As always, our services are available to you and we’re ready to help offer you advice whatever your golfing needs. If you’d like to talk more about Garmin devices and how they can benefit your game, please pop into the pro shop today or contact us today.