GPS vs Range Finder vs Phone Apps??

This was something I debated for a long time until I finally settled on a Skycaddie SGX. The reason I settled on the gps was due to convenience and speed. I keep the gps clipped in it's holder hanging from the strap on my bag when I walk and in the cart cup holder when I ride. Both are convenient and very fast ways to get yardages. All you really need to do is glance down to get the yardage as you can select pin position while approaching your shot.

The other thing I really like about the gps is having the yardage for the front and back of a green. It's nice on approach shots where those yardages are more important that the actual yardage to the pin. 

I really would prefer the accuracy of a laser range finder but didn't like the idea of having to get it out, remove my sunglasses, and sight the yardages for each shot. I've watched other people do it and it seemed a little awkward and obviously didn't work on doglegs or courses with significant mounding. 

Another 'pro' of having a range finder is that you can use it to measure yardages on the range to dial in your clubs. A 'con' of the gps is the possibility that you would have to pay an annual fee. 

I guess it comes down to comfort in the end as to which device will suit your style of play and give you the yardages you want.

Hi Lee,

Travis posted an excellent summary.  Here are my thoughts.

For the record, I have a SkyCaddie SGX as well.  The biggest reason I chose the SGX was for the fact I could get readings to blind objects off the tee (like streams, bunkers).  I'm a nomadic golfer, so I don't always know the lay of the land, and I hate losing strokes when I hit what I thought was beautiful tee shot only to find that there was a blind ocstacle.  The SGX helps me understand what I'm facing off the tee much better.  Maybe if I was a member at a course, and knew it like the back of my hand, things would be different.

When it comes to getting a reading to the pin, the rangefinder gives you the best info for sure... assuming you "hit" the pin with the laser... I've played with a guy who must have laser'ed a tree behind the green by accident, and proceeded to airmail the green.  With the SGX, it is true, you need to "guess" where the pin is actually located, so the info is only as accurate as your guess.  But for my skill level, being off by 2-3y is not that big a deal - I usually look more at the front/back info anyway.  Some courses also have various green contours and tiers mapped, so you can get that feedback from the SGX too.  Really nice to know where that "false front" ends, or where is the ridge to that darned back plateau.

As to using your iPhone app, I played with a buddy who did - for one round.  His battery lasted only12 holes... maybe it was his phone.  But most reading were off by 5y to 10y either way.  If I ever forget my SkyCaddie at home, I might give it a try with my iPhone, but haven't needed to yet.

As to a wristwatch GPS, I played with someone earlier this year that had one.  Yardages were very similar to my SGX readings, but he only had green front/middle/back info (as far as I can remember).  For me, the watch would be a non-starter, because I hate playing with a watch.  Your mileage may vary....

The biggest disadvantage I can see of any GPS is that it will actually slow down an aleady slow player.  It may seem counter-intuitive, but a very deliberate player might wait until it is their turn to play before checking yardage and making club selection.

Lastly, SkyCaddie does require a yearly memebership if you want to keep your courseinfo up to date.  For me, the cost is worth it.  The subscription also includes membership to their website that tracks scoring, stats, and can compile a non-official handicap following either USGA or RCGA rules.  Apparently they are working with the RCGA to offer the ability to have an official index (for an added fee).

Hope that helps,

--
Kevin

Hey guys, thanks for the comments. I was actually researching the skycaddie last night too. Seemed

like a good option.  Still have some more things to consider, but I am leaning that way.

Lee...  You have received a couple of really good comments as feedback so far. You have to love this Discussion Forum !

For much the same reasons as noted before - I prefer a GPS unit over the Laser. I play with guys who have the lasers, and unfortunately they often cannot see the pin due to the fact that our course has a lot of dog legs.

I use the Garmin SG6. I chose that model because there is NO Annual Dues and FREE course updates for life.

The unit allows me to keep score for the foursome right on the unit.  It also allows me to track fairways hit, greens in regulation (based on putts relative to par) and number of putts.

As for accuracy - the Garmin SG6 allows me to touch the screen and get a measurement to hazards, bunkers, etc...  It also allows you to move your pin on the green so you can get your measurement to your pin placement as well as front, middle and back of the green.

Overall - I find it quite accurate as often I compare my yardage to what the guys with their laser finders read, and we are seldom off by more than 4 or 5 yards.

I love the unit and find it really quick and easy to use.

Highly recommend it !!!

Darius

Hi,

Just buy a yardage book and a range finder.  It gives you the distance off the the tee to the trouble and doglegs, then scope the flag and go. Plus if you play different courses you get nice keepsakes.  

I love my bushel v3. It's really fast and really easy to use on course. I also find it very helpful at the range where the yardage marks are usually off anywhere from 10-15 yards. Ovi.

Lee, I went through the same dilemma two years ago. I loved the accuracy of the laser but I felt it only helped when you are approaching the green. Plus I don't think I am that great when 4-5 yards make any difference. Never really gives you a proper layout of a hole and if you play different courses, it can be a downfall imo. I did go with GPS that keeps scores, stats (GIR, putts, fairway hits) that I can upload to my computer so it gives me an idea of where to improve my game. Watches are great and getting better but may be uncomfortable to some when swinging a club. Great advice from others on this awesome forum!! TT members will not steer you wrong....