Portability. Just because it’s handheld doesn’t really mean it’s light. As much as possible, you need to look for one that weighs in ounces, so you can comfortably carry it in your pocket or vest when you’re already in the golf course.

Ease of Use. Just hearing the word “GPS” may make you cringe. It just sounds too technical. Nevertheless, technicality should never reflect on its function. You have to look for a handheld golf GPS that is very convenient to use, one that you can already bring to the golf course the next day you bought it. This means that the options are basic. It has all the fundamental tools you need (distance calculation, for example), and it should come with a manual. There should be no additional hardware or software to use just so you can operate the GPS device.

Durability. If you ever get soaking wet (where’s the caddy, by the way?), then expect your GPS to experience the same thing too. However, you are on the lucky side if it doesn’t start to malfunction just because of water. This only means that you’ve invested your money really well. Fortunately, there are durable, weather-resistant handheld GPS devices in the market today. You have good-enough choices for you.

Assistance. This is one of the most important characteristics that you need to look for in a handheld golf GPS. It should be your perfect partner in the course. Try searching for one that will inform you of the shot distance or how far you have to hit to get a hole. It must help you in lowering your score for you to win.

There are also bonus features. One is pre-map feature. Some manufacturers maintain a website where you can download existing maps of golf courses into your GPS. This way, you can save time creating your own. There’s no need to use any other program, but you have to see to it that you have an Internet connection. It’s also great if it works using batteries made of lithium ion since they tend to last longer than their counterparts.

First of all, you have the golf GPS system that is a sports watch that has those GPS capabilities. Golfers have found that these watches are very convenient for them as they do not have to carry around an additional piece of equipment on the golf course.

Sure, these golfers are bigger than the traditional watch and we do not recommend you wearing them daily, but they are perfect when you are on the course. They are able to judge the distance and some of them will point you towards the right club to use. With these watches, you will be able to download information from the Internet about a specific golf course.

Another type of golf GPS that you may want to consider when you are thinking about buying one is Solocaddie. These are handheld devices that will tell you the distance between you and anywhere else on the golf course. It is just like the watch we previously told you about as it allows you to download information from the Internet and put it on the device.

Sureshot GPS systems is another useful piece of equipment. These are able to work worldwide and will measure in both yards and meters. They are easy to use and portable, so the golfer is able to carry them around as they are playing.

For those of you that have certain cell phones this technology will be available for you to download. That’s right, many cell phones allow the user to download golf GPS information right to your cell phone.

For those of you that are buying a GPS golf system, we highly recommend you doing your research so that you can find the one that suits you the best.

The Evolution of the Golf GPS

At first, GPS systems were used by golf courses to track people playing at a time; nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before golfers realize the benefits of handheld golf GPS in how they play. They use the device on their golf carts, so they would have a view of the field.

Soon, several companies already involved in providing GPS for cars started to make public their interests to introduce such devices.

The problem was that the rules of golf at that period made it very clear that the use of any mechanical or electronic device may not be utilized for sanctioned play. It is the same rule that prevented high-end binoculars to be used in the course. This limited its popularity to those who are relatively new to the sport. Fortunately, the rules were recently changed to accommodate the use of such devices. Today the popularity of handheld GPS is steadily rising.

How GPS Devices Work

As everyone is well aware, GPS receivers interpret signals coming from satellites hovering above the Earth. The receivers are able to calculate the time a signal arrives from the moment it was sent above the atmosphere. Using similar data from four different satellites, a receiver is able to calculate its exact location with an accuracy of a meter. The information is presented in terms of familiar latitudes and longitudes. To make it easier for people, most receivers are paired with high-resolution display to present the location visually through a map. Simply put, golf GPS equipment tell distances of important targets relative to a player’s position.

Many professional golfers still stay clear of handheld golf GPS devices perhaps because they may take away certain skills and instinct that are inherent characteristics of the sport. However, one cannot deny that the pieces of information these devices provide help make a player come up with better playing decisions.

Typically, you’ll be using your GPS to determine how far away the green is from your current location. You’ll also get information on your position in terms of the tee, other parts of the course, and most, if not all, of the hazards around you. Best of all, it all comes in a handheld form that is easy to carry around on the course with you at all times.

The arrival of the GPS was only natural, as golfers like to use technology to get better scores. It will help you achieve that goal with the information it provides you. You get a clearer picture of where you need to aim, how far you have to hit, and what you need to avoid so that there are no shots that will take you in the wrong direction.

Like with most golfing products, there are a range of different quality products available, and you basically get what you pay for. Some are very simple but reliable and will generally be quite cheap, but if you’re willing to pay more, you can get one with all sorts of extra features. The best ones look very professional and are even waterproof.

Many golfers like to show off with their GPS, and with all the options available, it’s hard to blame them. Touch screen models with detailed but easy to follow menus and pictures of the green that look as good as a professional photograph – because they are made from satellite pictures – send a message about how much someone was able to invest.

How do all these course layouts get onto the GPS? Generally, they will come with a database of up to 7, 000 courses, with companies always working to add more. With these layouts comes all the required information you need to know about them. Whether it’s the bunkers, water hazards, or lay-up areas, it’s all right there for you.

Obviously, the more advanced the system, the more advanced the options that come with it. However, even with a black and white screen and just the basic features, you should still be able to get by very well. Shop around and know your budget so that you can get the best option to give you a lower score every time you play.

Basically, then, the GPS uses its positioning software to tell you where you and your ball are on a certain course, and where the hole is. You use this information to determine how hard you need to hit the ball and where you need to aim it. Often, you get a very clear image of the course you’re playing on, even with hazards and the like.

The information on their shot is important to a lot of golfers because it helps them figure out what club they should use and how they should plan their swing. Now, for some golfers, guessing this on their own is a big part of the enjoyment of the game. For others, though, it’s a helpful device that makes their lives a lot easier.

Typically, people would be fine with just letting each other play however they want, but there is a debate over whether using a GPS, especially with a range finder, is considered cheating or not. Some people feel as though this gives some players an advantage over others, but really the technology is perfectly acceptable.

Setting aside the debate for a moment, it’s easy to understand why there’s growing love for these devices among at least some bold players. Like with any technology, they have become more advanced and sophisticated over time, both in terms of looks and features, being able to calculate things like the effect of the wind on a shot.

Basically, this tool makes it easier for people to know how to play the game, and, admittedly, for some this brings up a sense of guilt if they play especially well. It gives sense that they didn’t play completely off their own skills, and though they still didn’t break any rules, they might feel as though they did.

The bottom line, though, when it comes to how does a golf GPS unit affect your golf game, is that your skills per se aren’t being improved; you’re just getting information than can help enhance them. They’re becoming more accepted over time, and with all they have to offer, will likely soon become common practice on the course.

You’ll probably want to look for something that has automatic course recognition. This is basically just what its name indicates – the ability of the system to know the course you’re on when you arrive there. When you turn it on, you’ll be provided with the course layout and the details that will help you to improve your game.

Don’t worry if you’re not that good with technology. The GPS will know where you are, so all you need to do is enter information like the point you want a yardage to, and the device will calculate this for you, displaying it on an easy to read digital screen. It’s easy to clip it onto your bag or slip it into your pocket as you carry it around.

You can get a GPS at almost any budget, and the more you spend, the more you’re going to get. $175 will get you a very basic model, but you could end up paying for a $500 option overloaded with features. When setting aside funds, remember that there’s often a cost for usage as well that you will have to pay on about a yearly basis.

If you want to save money, you should ask the company about a plan where you can purchase multiple years worth of an agreement, getting them at a lower cost in the long run. You should also get information on any other concerns you have, especially whether your service will be renewed and how long courses will remain on the unit.

When it comes to battery life, you’ll probably get a lithium battery which is rechargeable, saving you a lot of money on batteries, provided you remember to charge it when needed. Typically, it will last about twelve hours on a charge, more than enough time for even a very long game. The GPS will also come with a variety of other extras.

Now you should have a basic idea of the purpose and benefits of GPS units, but you should still be doing research on your own. Know how much you’re willing to pay and get the best deal for your money. Whatever you get, though, know that you’re purchasing a tool that will really help you with your game.

uPro Golf GPSThe uPro Golf GPS may become the most important companion a golfer will ever have (besides the caddie). What makes it a leader of the pack is its slew of features that give maximum aid to players. When in Pro mode, one can have a flyover video of all the holes in a given course, giving the player a quick but detailed preview of his or her game. A player can also view his or her targets and their corresponding distances from a top-view perspective. The touch screen display also allows players to calculate the distance between any two points.

Skycaddie SG5

The Skycaddie SG5 seems to want to replace the caddie altogether, though its features make it a worthy competition. One of its important features is that the course measurements of the caddy are performed by a ground crew as opposed to satellite images. This makes the distance more accurate and realistic. Through its Intelligreen tech, players can even align the green based on their current position and still get accurate distances.

iGolf Neo

The iGolf Neo has been slowly gaining ground among players and courses alike because of its no-frills solution for the greens. Unlike most of its competitors, it is clearly smaller and lighter (though it only carries monochrome display). What’s shown on the screen are only the necessary points like front, back, and center distance. It will also calculate the distances of your shots. What makes it a hit is its portability. It fits perfectly on the pocket.

GPS Golf Guru

The GPS Golf Guru has features and a solid-build quality that can give the products above a run for their money. The device can hold 200 courses, which are free to download from their website. It has a similar technology with the Skycaddie called Smart Green, which essentially allows players to rotate the view of the green. The Guru also takes note of the player’s statistics, which can then be uploaded to ushandicap. Com.

Many people take weeks or even months to decide on the one that meets their requirements. Though Skycaddie is a well known brand, there are many other players too in the arena like uPro, IGolf, Golf Guru, Golf Buddy and many others. The primary question that a person tends to ask when faced with a number of options is “which golf GPS system should I buy?”

In this article, we shall talk about a few points that you need to keep in mind while shopping around for a new golf GPS system. Understanding these points and considering them while making the purchase will help you answer the question mentioned above. So, let us move forward and understand what the points you need to consider are.

The first thing that you need to do is formulate your groundwork. You sure will have golf buddies who play the game with you. Speak to them and find out what golf GPS systems they use. In addition to getting the names, also get the reviews for each of the products that they are using. This way you will have a better idea of what you are looking for.

The next step is to look up for some products on the internet. There are a few things about the product that you will need to research and find out well in advance. The first point is the weight and the size of the system. You will need a golf GPS system that you can carry with you. If you opt for something heavy, then, you might have to end up leaving it in the golf cart which increases the chances of the system getting stolen if you are not careful enough.

Reliability is the next aspect you need to consider when making a purchase. When you research on the internet, make sure that you visit the product review sites and see what the customers have to tell about the golf GPS system you are interested in. Don’t just consider the sales part of it, but also look into the after sales service review which is extremely critical.

In addition to these you can also consider the screen size and the warranty on the product while buying it. Keeping all these points in mind while buying the golf GPS system will ensure that end up with the right one that meets all your expectations.

Though the main feature is the global positioning system found in every device, a shrewd golfer can make the most out of his golf GPS by selecting the features that will give him or her the ultimate advantage:

Accuracy:

With satellites triangulating your position, a golf GPS unit can be as accurate as it gets. But there are a number of GPS units that can calculate not just your location but also the distance to your next target or hole within the accuracy of feet and, some, inches. In golf, judging distances accurately is the key since it will determine the type of golf club and the force of the swing needed. If a golf GPS can accurately pinpoint where your current position is, this can translate to a better golf experience.

Availability of Maps:

Once it is able to accurately tell your position, it must carry a familiarity of the golf course for it to be useful to any golfer. Golf GPS must be able to provide details about the course you are playing.

Most golf GPS devices already have a top-down representation of the maps, allowing a player to spot the size of the fairway and the number of bunkers relative to his or her position. Availability is an issue, since golf GPS companies have proprietary methods in generating the maps. The more golf courses that are available, the better. Some would even load a newly golf GPS with thousands of golf courses for free. There are also units that allow the use of scanned maps, though accuracy and calibration may take some time.

General Build of the Hardware:

Devices built for the golf course must be stable and durable. Though most of the time these GPS devices are holstered on a belt or even held by a caddie, they should still be able hold themselves against the hot temperature of most courses. They should also be able to withstand the occasional drop and, if possible, remain functional if they accidentally get submerged. The display must also be scratch resistant. One must also consider how the hardware interface is. It is almost standard for golf GPS devices to have a colored touch screen interface, but there are still simple screens for those who want a no-frills info at hand.

There are two basic types of GPS units, handheld and course-integrated, also known as cart attached. It’s the first type, however, that’s becoming commonly used by the average player, who can simply slip in into his pocket before he goes to play and check regularly for the information he needs before he makes a shot.

So what sort of data is provided? Basically, your GPS will be able to tell you where you are in your relation to the hole. This becomes especially impressive when you consider you could be at almost any angle from the hole on the ball and yet know where you need to hit and how far you should try to get the ball to go.

There are free downloads that will help you become familiar with and use the system. A GPS can take nearly everything you would normally have to take care of by hand, even when it comes to entering your scores. Overall, it can make a big difference in how you play and help you improve your game with better strokes.

There is a wide variety of units available on the market, but nearly any should help you achieve your goals. You can find out information about the course you’re playing on and determine from what you see things like what type of club you should use to hit the ball. No matter where you are on the course, you’ll know what you need to do.

There are, of course, some cynics toward this new trend. Some suggest that people are no longer willing to play without a GPS system to help them out in their game. On the other hand, you can’t really blame the people who love them. They’re easy and really helpful to use, and with big screens, you can check up on things in seconds.

More and more golf courses are making use of GPS systems so that they will appear in the maps already provided on the devices. With the amazing things they can do, it’s no wonder the whole world is using them more and more often. So, if you are wondering – should you invest in a golf GPS system? The answer is most likely yes.