Opinion & Analysis
I finally learned to embrace golf GPS technology, and so should you
Different people play golf very differently; some like to listen to music, while others keep the rulebook in their back pocket. When I started golfing, I embraced the sport as best as I could down to its roots. It was just me against the course, rejecting as much technology as I could. I thought technology was against the spirit of the game, so I would pace the course looking for red, white, and blue markers to guess my distance to the pin, bunkers and other hazards.
But is rejecting technology really upholding the nature of the sport? I’ve recently changed my stance, and here’s why.
115 or 95 to the center of the green?
So you just walked off a yardage, but already forgot whether you needed to add or subtract 10 yards from the sprinkler head. Wait, what did that sprinkler head say again? Was it to the front or the middle? Without a golf GPS, a laser rangefinder, a caddie, or yardage book, surely you’ve found yourself in this situation at least once, or maybe you’ve gotten into a habit of being lazy with picking yardages. And you’re not alone. Since most golfers are usually satisfied with the markers on the fairway, a guessing game ensues when they are planning our next shot.
“Should I hit a pitching wedge or a soft nine?”
Many golfers have at least moderate knowledge of the distances they hit each club, maybe even knowing how far a perfect shot will go and how short a poor shot will go. Unfortunately, most of us take a less-than-serious approach to picking an exact yardage of their target, not realizing that we’re leaving strokes on the course.
Enter the caddie
I was quick to say “I don’t need a digital caddy,” but I was wrong. Since the dawn of golf, using a caddie has been an encouraged practice. And if he/she does their job correctly, golfers get the yardages they need before each shot. Why then, just because golfers opt to take a cart or carry a bag, should we penalize ourselves by not getting access to that information? The game of golf is a measure of skill and mental fortitude, not depth perception.
A portable caddie
Using any type of GPS device, be it an app on your phone or a dedicated unit like SkyCaddie, will help you know the real distances to your targets, just like a caddie. A lot of golfers prefer laser rangefinders, but I like my golf GPS. It tells me the distance to the center of the green, as well as to the front and back. It shows me distance to hazards, as well as carry distances, which assists me in picking landing spots for doglegs and more. They’re super simple and straightforward, and I don’t even have to tip them.
Is there anything worse than hitting a perfect shot, just to see it fly over the green or land short in a bunker? Pulling the right club for the right distance is paramount to a clean scorecard, but as I was quick to learn, these new technologies offer more than just distance.
The bonuses
Now that we have reliable, safe distances right at our fingertips, what other benefits do these new tech caddies offer? Often we hear about someone’s short game or long game. These are areas of the game golfers can improve that carry over from course to course. Your score could go up or down, but your iron game is your iron game. And your game is what your playing partners are betting on (or against).
Related: The tragedy that your range session doesn’t count towards your score
So when I say that the new GPS app on your phone or a rangefinder can help your score, what I am really saying is that your improved score will be a byproduct of better understanding your game. Knowing distances to my targets has been key to proper course management and improving my score. Here’s a quick example: 75 percent of your strokes are made within 130 yards to the hole (this includes putting). So if we take a golfer who shoots 95, 71 of those shots are within 130 yards. If we can just reduce our strokes within this range by 5 percent, which is not substantial, we’re going to save almost 5 strokes. So now that I always have my golf GPS handy, I know my exact distance to the best landing zone, so I can actually make a proper decision and therefore save shots.
The improvement to your course management seems obvious: I know my distances therefore I can pull the right club. Now you not only know your distances, but also can make important decisions about the kind of shot you want to play because of your newfound wisdom. A common situation before might be, “I think I have 135 yards to the pin and I need to carry the shot over water.” At this distance, I would pull my pitching wedge, but there’s a problem I don’t know how far it is to carry the water, and I don’t want my ball to land pin high and release through the green. Referencing my golf GPS, I can see I only need to cover 110 yards to clear the water, so I can hit my 52-degree wedge with confidence knowing that given a solid shot, I’ll carry the water, but won’t fly the green.
The pros do it and you should, too
A golf GPS will quickly become your best friend, and you should practice using it often. You’ll lower your scores by adding the knowledge a caddy would give you.. without the added cost. Your ability to manage the course will also improve, and you’ll find yourself hitting different clubs and different shots thanks to better information. Chances are, you’ll stay out of trouble more often. So go out and get one so you can improve your game and shoot lower scores.
The only problem? You’ll have fewer excuses to tell your buddies when you hit the wrong shot.
Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
Opinion & Analysis
AVL: We’re talking about practice! My best tips for taking your game to the course
With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game.
Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills.
While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice.
This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times.
Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy.
One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length. Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine.
It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season.
Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds.
Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time. With the beginning of June on the horizon and courses rounding into peak condition for the season, it’s time to hone the finer skills that often get rusty over the winter. More sunlight also means more time to get out on the course and work on your game. Whether it’s the practice green or the driving range, there’s always something to improve—whether you’re enjoying the fresh air or preparing for a weekend game or tournament. You can work on drills or freestyle around the green, and friendly competition is a great way to sharpen your skills. While there are endless ways to get better at golf, I’m going to focus on practicing around the green. Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind as we head into the summer months.
Drills
From the driving range to the practice green, it’s important to incorporate drills into your routine. Years ago, I spent a weekend working on my short game with James Sieckmann. He recommended doing drill work for 5–10 minutes, then returning to your main practice. This way, you create a balance between structured drills and real-world scenarios, so you’re not confined to “perfect” situations. For example, hitting the same three-foot putt over and over is good for repetition, but after a while, it becomes less interactive for your brain.
My approach is to use a putting trainer with a narrow gate for the ball to pass through, or simply place tees just outside the width of the ball. I’ll hit a series of four putts through the gate for three sets. Then, from a similar distance, I’ll hit four putts without the training aid and repeat that sequence three times. Next, I’ll hit a number of 15–25 foot putts in a random fashion, then circle back to repeat the short putt drills with and without the training aid.
This breaks up the rhythm of hitting short putts with the training aid. When you hit the same short putts over and over, it’s easy to get into a groove—which is great for the drill, but not reflective of actual course play. While finding a rhythm is fundamental for drills, I like to introduce variation with longer putts to keep things realistic.
Game Mode
Once you’ve established a foundation with drills, it’s time to simulate on-course scenarios. This is where a few practice games come in handy. One that I’ve been enjoying lately involves putting 10- to 15-footers with two balls. If I make the putt, great! If I miss, I pull the missed ball back a putter length.
Suddenly, that little tap-in becomes a nerve-wracking three-footer—at least at first. As you get better at this game, those three- and five-footers become much more comfortable and routine. It may sound cliché, but each shot is just what it is—it’s how we react that makes the difference. I like this game because it blends the pressure of on-course putting with the consequence of leaving yourself a much longer putt than usual.
Another game I like is one I recently learned from Brad Faxon. Place three tees in a line at four different locations around the hole: one at 3 feet, one at 6 feet, and one at 8 feet. The 3- and 6-foot putts count as par, and the 8-footer is for birdie.
This game keeps you focused on scoring and helps you get into a competitive mindset. You can even think about this putting game while you’re on the course. I just started playing it, and last week I couldn’t get better than two under par.
Competition
Competition during practice is when drills and games come to life, and you start to see results. For me, nothing beats a putting contest with a friend or two. In the right setting, these contests can become talking points for the whole season. Match play, a game of 21, or simply seeing who can make the most one-putts (with a small prize on the line) are all great ways to simulate real on-course pressure. Recently, I played in a putting contest where one competitor made back-to-back 30- and 50-foot putts. As they say, expect your opponent to make every putt—and he nearly did. That’s impressive, and it’s something you see on the course, too: you have to stay committed to your game plan, no matter what.
When it comes to practice, it’s important to blend feedback from recent rounds with the fundamentals you want to reinforce. Drills, games, and competition—from the driving range to the putting green—form the backbone of skills you’ll rely on during actual rounds. Finding the right balance is something we’re all working on, one practice session at a time.
For Korean golfers, we always look forward to the last of the kkot-saem-chu-I for the true start of a new golf season. The term refers to a cold snap, but literally translates as “winter being jealous of the flowers beginning to bloom, thus lashing out one final time before surrendering to spring”.
A rather poetic mouthful packed into a short expression.
Koreans can be like that. Understated, yet oddly expressive at the same time. And nowhere is this more true on the golf course and in our golf bags. In fact, I suspect many Korean golfers look forward to new apparel and accessory drops more than they do actual equipment launches each year.
At this point, Korean golf fashion may exist on its own timeline. (courtesy of @seonbi_golfer)
There is ample evidence to support that suspicion. Korea is the world’s third-largest golf market behind the United States and Japan, yet its appetite for golf apparel exceeds that of both countries combined. Recent estimates suggest that Korea accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global golf apparel market, placing it among the world’s most influential golf fashion markets and punching well above its size.
Simply, we care deeply about how new golf clubs look and feel, but enjoy looking good while swinging them even more.
Golfers in the West may laugh and say that golf is played on a course, not a fashion runway. Perhaps. But what’s the harm in trying to look and feel good, if the added self-confidence can help actual performance? It certainly seems to have worked for Jason Day, who may have unlocked a new stats category: dormant strokes gained. Coincidence?
During the COVID-era, estimates placed the market near $9 billion, an astonishing figure for a single country.
As a proud member of Gen X, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of golf fashion firsthand. The pleated trousers and wing-tipped shoes of Jack Nicklaus, the stylish plus-fours and knickers of Payne Stewart, the baggy black trousers and fitted mock-necks of Tiger Woods, and the thigh-hugging athletic tailoring of Rory McIlroy. Golf fashion, like the golf swing itself, has rarely stood still.
But nowhere have those trends shifted, evolved, and been scrutinized quite as relentlessly as in Korea. Here, golf fashion moves faster than fairway gossip, and consumers dissect brands with a level of discernment that can be both impressive and mildly terrifying. New brands are studied, judged, embraced, or dismissed with startling efficiency.
The result is a consumer base with one of the sharpest eyes for quality and authenticity anywhere in the world. It is difficult to quantify, but easy to recognize. Clean lines without trying too hard. Luxury mixed with utility. Trend awareness balanced by restraint and purpose.
It’s golf fashion shaped by one of the world’s most style-literate cities, something I like to call Seoul Sensibilities, referring to the taste level forged by a uniquely competitive environment.
And increasingly, global brands have noticed.
Many golf brands in Korea have their own flagship shops dedicated to apparel only
Titleist understood this years ago, when its apparel business in Korea took on a life of its own under new ownership and local direction. What had once been a straightforward extension of an iconic equipment giant became something sharper and more premium. By going all in on the serious Tour-player look (I couldn’t even fit into their XL sizes), Titleist struck the right chord with Korean consumers and helped its fledgling apparel business break into the mainstream. Titleist became a household name even for non-golfers who wore its caps, shirts, and windbreakers in daily life. In many ways, it proved that even heritage golf brands could carry real fashion credibility when viewed through a Korean lens.
Several years later, PXG took a page out of Titleist’s playbook and followed suit. Korean consumers helped transform the brand from one known largely for irons and loud commercials into something broader and more stylish. PXG apparel’s growth in Korea was explosive, where it found an early audience and turned the category into something more than mere logo merchandise. It is still hard to walk anywhere in Seoul without seeing its palindrome logo.
Malbon’s meteoric rise in the United States was genuine, but its ascent into a global golf lifestyle brand owes much to Korea, where it was elevated by a market already fluent in modern golf style. Korea did not simply embrace Malbon. It pressure-tested the concept, refined its appeal, and helped push it into the global spotlight.
As such, new brands may arrive from abroad, but more often than not, their sharpest evolution happens here. If a brand can earn credibility in Seoul, it’s deemed to have passed one of the toughest style audits in the game.
That is why the next meaningful chapter may not come from outside, but from a Korean brand moving in the opposite direction, carrying those Seoul Sensibilities outward as K-pop once did.
Play young Stay dope.
From Seoul, With Intent
Khalhon is a label that feels less like a trend-chasing newcomer and more like the product of a market that has already seen everything. Golfers here have long been surrounded by luxury logos, technical fabrics, and tour uniforms disguised as lifestyle wear and vice-versa. In other words, novelty alone rarely lasts here, and the Koreans seems to understand that instinctively.
Its style language leans into clean silhouettes, relaxed but tailored proportions, muted palettes, and premium materials that speak quietly but confidently. There is a modern city aesthetic running through it all, with strong layering pieces, thoughtful textures, and subtle branding that suggests sophistication rather than demanding attention.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
Most importantly, the garments seem designed to blur the line between golfwear and everyday style. Shirts, trousers, knitwear, and outer layers move comfortably between a game of screen golf, a lunch reservation, an airport gate, or an afternoon coffee in Gangnam with friends.
It raises the question of whether this is golfwear that happens to look good off the course, or everyday clothing that performs beautifully on the fairways.
Personally, I have long appreciated Nike Golf for its clean, athletic modernization of golf attire. It also has the useful side effect of making me look like a more serious golfer than I probably am. But off the course, there are times when being instantly identified as the golf guy in a crowd of non-golfers can feel a touch self-conscious.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
That is part of what drew me to Khalhon, which seemed to blend golf and everyday wear naturally. While some of the outfits may be slightly beyond my personal confidence level, the brand also offers tasteful options for older guys like me who still want to express a little personality without regretting the decision later.
These are not simply flashy outfits worn on the course and then banished to the closet until the next tee time. They work surprisingly well off the course too, and I suspect many of the pieces will still look right a couple of years from now, which would certainly be kinder to my wallet than most golf fashion trends tend to be.
And perhaps that broader lifestyle positioning also helps explain why someone like Sean Wotherspoon would find Khalhon creatively interesting in the first place.
“Built for the course. Designed beyond it.”
“Korea is not only one of the most fashion-forward golf markets in the world, but one of the most fashion-forward markets globally. Korea is ahead, and I love to watch and try to catch up.” – Sean Wotherspoon, Creative Director at Khalhon
Seoul and Beyond
If Khalhon’s rise says something about where Korean golf fashion is today, its relationship with Sean Wotherspoon says even more about where it is heading.
For readers less familiar with Sean Wotherspoon, his arrival at Khalhon is not some routine celebrity endorsement or influencer collaboration. In design and streetwear circles, Wotherspoon is regarded as one of the more influential creative voices of his generation, particularly when it comes to blending nostalgia, storytelling, and contemporary culture into products that people can connect with.
He first gained widespread attention through his now-famous Nike sneaker collaborations, where his vintage-inspired designs and instinct for color helped turn him into one of the defining artists of the late-2010s sneaker era. His work gradually expanded beyond footwear into apparel, automotive collaborations, collectibles, and broader lifestyle design.
Modern golf style now extends well beyond the fairways, where performance and functionality are largely expected by default. And while plenty of brands already make technically competent golfwear, Khalhon seems more focused on designing clothes people would genuinely want to wear even after the round ends.
And when guys at Wotherspoon’s level show genuine interest in working with a Korean golf brand as its new Creative Director, fashion circles tend to sit up and pay attention. There’s already a huge buzz among the fashion-conscious here about upcoming collabs with iconic sports stars and brands.
“My creative direction for Khalhon is disruptive, colorful, nostalgic, and modern. My goal is to blend these avenues seamlessly within each collection.” – Sean Wotherspoon
In chatting with Sean, what stood out most to me was how genuinely energized he sounded about the project itself. Despite having already worked across and countless other creative spaces, he described golf as a completely fresh category for him, saying that Khalhon “will be an amazing vehicle for my design work.”
At the same time, his enthusiasm seemed tied just as much to Korea itself. He spoke openly about admiring Korea’s fashion culture while repeatedly insisting he is still a terrible golfer.
There was something oddly refreshing about that humility. Rather than sounding like a celebrity parachuting into golf simply because the category suddenly became fashionable, Sean sounded genuinely curious about what Korea might do with the category next.
And perhaps that is what makes Khalhon feel interesting right now. The brand feels less like a trend-chaser and more like the natural result of a market now confident enough to export its own point of view.
For years, global brands came to Korea to sharpen their image against one of the most discerning audiences anywhere. Now, a Korean label appears ready to send those Seoul Sensibilities outward instead.
Which brings us back to kkot-saem-chu-i.
That final cold snap before spring always arrives with a reminder that seasons are changing, whether we notice it immediately or not. Golf fashion feels a little like that right now as well, as the old boundaries between sport, streetwear, luxury, and everyday style continue to soften.
And somewhere in Seoul, a Korean golf label already seems prepared for whatever season comes next. I just hope they have everything in my size.
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lazio
Feb 6, 2019 at 11:11 pm
Bushnell Excel,is also be batter for.Pairs via Bluetooth to the Bushnell Golf App to allow the golfer to book tee times, pay, confirm and set tee time notifications all from their smart phone. There is also the option for 3D course flyovers to give the golfer a birds-eye view of the hole. The Excel also has improved battery life
Read more at https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/best-golf-deals/best-golf-gps-devices-2018-94809#kMBO4XSTM2XTpMlV.99
Gary
Apr 9, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Indeed, I think it’s very beneficial in the long run to get used to GPS on the course. Until recently I used to go manual, but now I’m looking to get a good GPS watch for myself. I’ve heard really good things about the Garmin Approach S20 – people are praising it left and right. I’m very close to deciding on the S20 at this point, although a few other models do interest me. This guide here (https://golfstead.com/best-golf-gps-watches) lists some interesting models. Does GolfWRX have any buying guides for golf GPS units?
Kyle @ TGG
Dec 17, 2016 at 5:44 pm
If you’re on the fence about embracing emerging technologies, you definitely should. Mike is dead on, these devices can help your game out a lot. They’re basically $150 caddies that you play with for 10 years who have walked every course you play 1000 times.
geoff
Jun 1, 2016 at 5:47 am
SimplyGolf GPS for Android, it’s free and works well and has a lot of Australian courses!!
Nick
May 6, 2016 at 4:27 pm
funnily enough, I went through almost exactly the same argument with myself not so long ago about gps/rangefinders and it being against the spirit of the game and came to exactly the same conclusion!
I was actually testing a lot of different devices for reviews and the key for me was just how much more enjoyable golf becomes when you know the distance. It really is incredibly frustrating to pure one and see it come up short because your ‘guesstimate’ was really 15 yards off (and mine usually is!)
Nick
Mike Puglielli
May 8, 2016 at 12:33 am
Nothing worse than that my friend it is a common story when you are guessing. I was doing that ALL the time.
Mat
May 4, 2016 at 9:05 pm
Here’s another endorsement for golfshot if you don’t have anything else. I use GameGolf Live now, and I’m happy enough with it. What I will not do without is a laser. GPS is fantastic for approximations, and you can certainly learn a lot – especially on a course never played before. But once you have an idea of the course, the laser is the thing that really inspires confidence.
Mike Puglielli
May 5, 2016 at 6:41 am
My current “laser” is not very accurate and can’t target pins. What you end up getting is approximations, so for me right now, the GPS is more consistent and accurate. I am looking to get a new laser that actually can hit a pin.
TR1PTIK
May 5, 2016 at 9:06 am
Bushnell Tour V3 had a small price drop recently. It’s what I used to have and it’s a really good unit. Just found that I was constantly afraid of losing it or something because of the extra investment to get it.
Mike Puglielli
May 5, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Cool, I’ll take a peak at it if the price is right. Thanks Tr1p!
Jarrod
May 6, 2016 at 6:42 am
If you are not in a rush, or are the patient budget type like myself, just search Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist, almost daily. Last summer, I would look for golf related items all the time, and was able to pick up a Bushnell V2 with Slope, for $50 on Amazon. For those that are patient, and cheap, like myself, deals can be had, just by waiting and looking around often.
Josh
May 5, 2016 at 9:15 am
I also use GameGolf but I have started having issues with it.
It doesn’t appear very accurate, especially when you compare it side by side on a course. I have gamegolf on my iphone and my buddy uses gamegolf on his android. The GPS is almost always off. Mine will be short, and his will be long. We will tee off and he will be 10 yards short of me and his GPS says he hit the ball 20-30 yards further than my GPS tells me. Also recently they don’t have the most accurate scorecard, played a course where the score card was way off. Not to mention the yardage for holes is off to on some holes.
However; it is very handy and useful. I use it to figure out how far to front and back of the green and use that as my “which club to play” guide. For example on a Par 3 the front was 165 and back was 195, so I used a 4 iron knowing I can’t hit it past 195 and knowing that even the weakest hit is 165. Needless to say I put the ball in the center of the green. When the GPS is accurate it is really, really useful, and I wouldn’t even consider using a laser.
Mike Puglielli
May 8, 2016 at 12:36 am
Thanks for sharing your use cases—everyone keeps talking about game golf but I haven’t touched it before. I’ll have to check it out!
John Krug
May 4, 2016 at 8:44 pm
I recently purchased the Bushnell Tour V4 Slope Edition with Jolt. Incidentally, this is now legal as slope can be turned off if you are playing in a tournament. I have played with people who have watches and found that they are quite inaccurate compared to the V4. As well, if you hit a shot that lands on another fairway the watch does not recognize where you are. The V4 is also a third smaller than the previous version. The jolt is an added bonus for those with shaky hands.
Mike Puglielli
May 5, 2016 at 6:39 am
Good point about the other fairway…I end up there sometimes 🙂 I heard the Bushnell V4 is amazing. Thanks for sharing how you use this new tech. The fact that they can calculate slope nowadays is amazing.
Egor
May 4, 2016 at 6:39 pm
I carry a laser and use Arccos.
The laser range finder is used most often to get distance to the pin on deep greens or from non-fairway locations. Arccos which has a GPS overlay of the course is used when I want distance to carry or to a layup spot before a water hazard.
Mike Puglielli
May 5, 2016 at 6:37 am
Very cool, I’ll check out the Arccos. Its good to have both, you can then really dial in.
TR1PTIK
May 5, 2016 at 9:02 am
I use Game Golf, but I hate having to keep the phone nearby and sometimes the GPS won’t refresh right away or I have to go to a different screen and come back. I like being able to see distances to hazards, but I don’t really need that for the courses I play regularly. I like having the watch because I simply have to glance at my wrist. What’s your experience like using GPS on Arccos? Do you have any of the same issues with the app?
TCJ
May 4, 2016 at 5:49 pm
If you’re worried about a PW running through the green, perhaps more attention should be paid to properly striking the ball properly, and less attention paid to your doohickey.
TCJ
May 4, 2016 at 5:50 pm
Or in my case, english!
Miguel
May 4, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Golf Shot, cannot play without Golf Shot. I also use the free Game Golf app to track what I do on the course. 😀
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 5:15 pm
Two great apps Miguel and they go hand in hand. Do you have the game golf club “sensors”?
Scooter McGavin
May 4, 2016 at 2:54 pm
“Many golfers have at least moderate knowledge of the distances they hit each club”…. I think this is the main problem, in addition to golfers being lazy. If you polled a group of golfers and asked how far they hit their 5,7,9,SW, and then actually put them on a Trackman to check, I’d be surprised if even half of them were within 5 (maybe even 10) yards.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 5:18 pm
I would say, generally, average golfers are within 10 yards…even 15 is acceptable to get something out of a gps or laser device. These devices can also help golfers discover their real distances of they don’t know them already. Now…whether or not you find an honest golfer during a poll is a different story—the ego is tough!
Double Mocha Man
May 4, 2016 at 8:17 pm
I think, as a golfer uses a rangefinder and consistently finds he/she is short by 5-10 yards with a particular club they will make the adjustment. Ego takes you only so far. Or less far.
Jon
May 4, 2016 at 1:06 pm
What are some GPS apps I should look for if I have an Android phone?
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 1:18 pm
Hey Jon,
My favorite is Golfshot: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shotzoom.golfshot2 and they also have other great features for the app.You can try Golf GPS & Scorecard: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hole19golf.hole19.beta
GPS golf watches are also pretty affordable, check em out!
TR1PTIK
May 4, 2016 at 2:15 pm
Recently purchased a Garmin Approach S2 from TGW for $120. I used it for the first time yesterday and loved it. I’ve owned and used just about everything. Lasers are great for getting exact distances, but I do find that they are more time consuming than my watch and while it is nice to know where the pin is that isn’t necessarily what amateurs should be aiming for on every hole.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Exactly! Most players shouldn’t be going straight for the pin!
Blake
May 4, 2016 at 12:44 pm
Was this paid for by skycaddie or something? Interesting to hear use GPS when civilian GPS is +/- 5 yards. And also no pro is using GPS during a practice round. Its not accurate enough. They use lasers which are quicker and more accurate.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 1:20 pm
Hey Blake,
This was not a sponsored piece. I talk about other devices, not just GPS, you can use on the course. Lasers are great and ideal for finding pin position, but isn’t a perfect solution when you have blind spots. Its good to have both and use either when the correct situation arises.
Leon
May 4, 2016 at 10:58 am
Talk this to a dude who slices, fats and thins 90% of his shots, and lost 2 dozens of ball every round while find half dozen from the pounds to keep up the inventory. I am sure he will pop up a few nice words for the GPS
Philip
May 4, 2016 at 10:51 am
I think your preaching to the wrong crowd – I expect most on GolfWRX rely on some management system already – whether GPS, laser, course book, notes, Google maps, etc. Personally I dislike GPS apps on phones – interrupts my routine and often difficult to see the screens in the sun. For the majority of golfers a GPS app is only going to make the game slower for all – they have other more important things to figure out – like how to check their ego (you don’t HAVE to use driver on the tee) and make a decent swing for starters.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 1:23 pm
Haha Good points Phil! Have you checked out the GPS watches? They’re pretty great and don’t require you to use your phone. I’m with you though, I prefer to not use my phone while on the course.
Don’t you think having some kind of tech for high handicaps would improve pace of play? If they can reduce strokes because they have proper distances, shouldn’t that speed things up? 10 seconds to look at a GPS watch or something and maybe they save a stroke.
Philip
May 4, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Yes, I’m keeping my eye on the watches, almost got the new Microsoft one – waiting for v3. Thing is, I know my yardages and can hit them within 5-10 yards, unless I mishit. When I was a higher handicapper I was only accurate with my yardages to 20-30 yards. There was just too much variance due to my over swinging and setup issues to get any real use out of the GPS apps. I tried a few, but knowing you can hit a club within 30 yards of your target doesn’t help much with choosing a club. I just measured to the front of the green and went for it.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Yeah, you’re right. I guess it depends on how badly the player is hitting their clubs…at the end of the day, you still got to have a decent swing. I know players with a similar miss pattern, about 20yards, they can still benefit from the additional course knowledge that these devices provide: take a green that’s 30×30, and all of a sudden if this type of player were to aim in the middle, they could end up somewhere on the shed of the green, front or back. Still helpful I think! How’s the MSFT watch? Haven’t tried it.
Philip
May 4, 2016 at 7:30 pm
I still use the middle of the green quite often. If I can get on the green in regulation I have a shot at par, with the occasional birdie opportunity. There were a few things about the watch that I think shouldn’t be missing, and since we already know that next years watch is being prepared, I’ll just wait for those few things to get added eventually. In the meantime I may go for Game Golf, or more likely, just start going onto the course after work again with my laser and hit shots to the fairway/green.
Double Mocha Man
May 4, 2016 at 10:22 am
If you use a GPS device you still have to rely on your depth perception. How far forward is that pin from center??? Laser rangefinder is the way to go… until it comes to an uphill blind shot where you can’t see the pin.
Double Mocha Man
May 4, 2016 at 10:23 am
So to cover for both instances someone needs to come up with the Laser/GPS rangefinder, where you can switch between the two technologies in the same unit.
jim
May 4, 2016 at 10:46 am
http://www.callawaygolf.com/accessories/gps-rangefinders/gps-c70110-hybrid-laser-gps-rangefinder.html?gclid=CPWy6bzUwMwCFdgQgQodhpMPhA
Double Mocha Man
May 4, 2016 at 11:23 am
Dang! A guy just can’t keep up with the technology these days. Thanks Jim.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 12:35 pm
That’s sweet, never seen that before!
Scott
May 4, 2016 at 3:40 pm
I use a watch and range finder. The gps is nice for courses that you have not played before. If I have played the course before, I find myself using the laser most of the time. The hybrid range finder and gps is a really nice product but it does not have all the bells and whistles that the top range finders have or the top gps units have. I just just basically created my own by attaching my watch to the laser case.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 5:21 pm
Haha that’s a cool idea, with the DIY setup. I like the GPS most times, like you, even if I know the course. A big issue of mine is not knowing the size of a green and how much room I have to play woth (my depth perception isn’t good there).
BD57
May 4, 2016 at 11:43 pm
Vast majority of us would benefit from playing to the middle of the green 75-80% of the time – at least, with any club longer than a wedge / 9 iron.
Also, most GPS will give you yardage to front, middle & back, so you can get a reasonable approximation of where a “front” or “back” pin will be by dividing depth by “3” and then putting the pin in the center of the appropriate third.
P.S. Have a laser & use Golfshot both. so I’m not boosting one over the other. Just saying that, for those who can’t afford / choose not to bite the bullet for a laser, there are things they can do w/ GPS alone that are useful.
Mike Puglielli
May 5, 2016 at 6:36 am
All totally true.
ooffa
May 4, 2016 at 8:45 am
Welcome to the the party. Your 10 years late.
Mike Puglielli
May 4, 2016 at 8:59 am
Do we have jackets?