GPS is here to stay

[BrianW]

Re: GPS is here to stay

My point is that I will not use them. If anyone else can or will then that's their prerogative.

I like to think of Golf as a game of skill and part of that skill is estimating distance and choosing your weapon, the golf balls and square headed drivers don't make any real difference to the game. I would also say that you cannot compare the game we play to the game played by the touring pros, that's a (How can I put it ) different ball game

[gatorguy146]

Re: GPS is here to stay

This is all just kind of surprising to me, I never knew there was anyone who thought it was ruining the game.

Gotta love forums lol.

[Matt10]

Re: GPS is here to stay

No joke indeed.

Surprised to see noone has mentioned the positives of the mental game in regards to GPS devices. When you have a sure fire number in your head (not a guessing game) you will in fact only think about the target, not whether you miss it or not. You see the yards mark up on the screen and you're set - just play.

The entire world is changing, you're one second older than you were a second ago - learn to live with it and welcome it, it's the way life works and you cannot stop it - enjoy.

[Cliff]

Re: GPS is here to stay

Played in a club medal today, Could not use GPS due to local rule not set yet with our club. Not that it mattered though, with a 30-40 mile gusting to 60 head/tail/side wind GPS would not have been any good to you at all. We have a par 4 open 350 yrd hole, I hit FTi Driver followed by a 20% rescue club to the centre of the green, as a norm it wold be FTi followed by a wedge. Today the approach shot I hit started 20 yards left of the green and it finished in the centre leaving me 15 foot putt.

I think GPS has it’s limits. But given a calm day it will be a walk in the park.

Matt10 refer to page 2 m8

(As with most good players they have a routine, that routine does not change even when under pressure. The GPS confirms/gives me confidence in a club making decision that will allow me to focus on the target of that moment. This intern frees up the mind and helps free up the swing.)

[Matt10]

Re: GPS is here to stay

Cliff - thanks for the reference - I must have jumped from page 1 to 3 on accident.

I wasn't aware that GPS devices weren't allowed in competition yet, must be for the UK only? I played in the club champ last year and pretty much every single player had a GPS device - the ruling was that as long as it doesn't show the wind scale, it is legal for play.

[Cliff]

Re: GPS is here to stay

Same rule is for UK (R&A) distance only. You play Matt in the USA I see by your blog. Tell me how long has GPS been allowed over there.

Re your blog ... I was very successful in soccer by not thinking too much. (You should fit in well with the English squad.)

Regards Cliff

[BrianW]

Re: GPS is here to stay

No joke indeed.

The entire world is changing, you're one second older than you were a second ago - learn to live with it and welcome it, it's the way life works and you cannot stop it - enjoy.

One day Matt you will realise that you have become old, you will hear the cries of youth telling you that the world is changing for the better, that change must be embraced for the good of us all. A wry smile will open as you recall your own youthful protests to create change for the sake of change. It's a phenomena perennial as the grass. The future will be different but not necessarily better. Enjoy.

[Cliff]

Re: GPS is here to stay

What is old!! Im am over 50 is that to old for change.. You are as old as you feel. I'm sure you can add to that!

[BrianW]

Re: GPS is here to stay

What is old!! Im 54 is that to old for change.. You are as old as you feel. I'm sure you can add to that!

Cliff,

You are one second older than a second ago, learn to live with it

[Matt10]

Re: GPS is here to stay

One day Matt you will realise that you have become old, you will hear the cries of youth telling you that the world is changing for the better, that change must be embraced for the good of us all. A wry smile will open as you recall your own youthful protests to create change for the sake of change. It's a phenomena perennial as the grass. The future will be different but not necessarily better. Enjoy.

Brian - you know I always enjoy your insight.

When that day comes, I'll welcome it as a moment to experience - and I do apologize if I sounded offensive - couldn't be further than the truth, buddy.

[bruin]

Re: GPS is here to stay

ROLF Bruin

If you have not used one then you have no idea about the way they work (Instant continuous read out, 2-5 second from stationary will settle to read distance within 2 metres)

No pacing about looking for markers, no pressing buttons all GPS now are automatic and move around the course with you, Auto hole etc. GPS is ready from the time you stop at your ball.

Regards Cliff

you are right cliff, i have no idea about gps , but have learnt a bit from this thread , and i suspect in 5 years or so everyone will be using them.at present you cannot use a buggie in a comp (unfair advantage? ) so i assume the same will apply to gps/ rangefinders.but i can see the value of using one on your local course to get accurate measurements and transfering these to a course yardage chart.

[BrianW]

Re: GPS is here to stay

Brian - you know I always enjoy your insight.

When that day comes, I'll welcome it as a moment to experience - and I do apologize if I sounded offensive - couldn't be further than the truth, buddy.

Thats OK Matt, none taken none given.

[Hannu]

Re: GPS is here to stay

I've been looking for a GPS Xcorecard where you record every shot leght and club used. - and maybe a comment on how power?

I believe that I would learn the carry of each club after some rounds?
(Or get more confidence - as I think I know what I hit with my clubs - just don't seem to be flag high every time...)

[golferman86]

Re: GPS is here to stay

i'm one that hates technology, but i find gps to be very useful and even fun. (when i can figure it out)

[LowPost42]

Re: GPS is here to stay

Tempest in a teapot! (But a fun read none the less).

I, dear friends, am a cutting edge junkie.

I have both an iGolf GPS (no fees) and a Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 TE (no slope).

Both have their advantages; the GPS is fantastic on blind shots where you can't "shoot the flag", while the Pinseeker is great for getting a distance to the pin.

If you only ever play your home course, then I would not invest in either. As stated, you get a feel for your course pretty quickly (but for your own good, don't play a different set of tees!).

As Matt has stated, the confidence gained by having an exact yardage cannot be quantified. Indecision is a killer - whether it's the line of your putt or the yardage of your shot or the gusting wind.

As for 'extra time taken', it's quicker than any pacing (save those who walk by a marker and keep track of their paces; who must have developed a wonderful 1 yard pace! ) GPS's update 'on the fly', and it takes 4 seconds to pick up my rangefinder, put it to my eye, and hold the button long enough to get a reading. If I missed a sprinklerhead or other yardage marker, then I'm automatically faster.

I'll happily use my toys in lieu of a well-paid and well-walked caddie. To those of you who look in disdain at such devices, I still say 'enjoy your golf, my friend.'