2 questions: GPS and Ball cleaning

I think a GPS could be a good idea for anyone. It really depends on your prefered method of getting distances. I like to walk them off, while others like lasers, while others like GPSs. And as far as knowing your distances, you probably won't figure that out until you have a repeatable swing and can make solid contact every time. If you are a "beginner" those two things are hard to come by. But, I think a GPS is a very valuable thing to have.

I usually clean it with my hand because I usually only have some small stuff on it. Or I'll find a wet part of the green and wipe it on that (I realize this is agains the rules, so I only do it when I'm in a practice round.) If my ball is very dirty, then I'll use the towel that's on my bag.

1) A GPS or a laser rangefinder can be of assistance to any player at any level if it's used properly. Use it quickly and get on with the game. Don't spend a lot of time switching screens and finding a bunch of targets, just get the basic info you need and go. It helps with the confidence that you have the right club for the shot you want... but it doesn't always mean the you'll execute the shot.

GPS is up to you individually. FWIW, I've managed to play quite nicely for over 40 years without one, but they're fun toys and I'm not one to tell any guy he shouldn't buy a toy that he wants!

I carry a large bath towel that I wet on half. It cleans my balls and clubs, and dries my grips and hands as needed. It gets washed once a year whether it needs it or not!

1. Never tried Handheld GPS/rangefinder
2. Usually spit clean and wipe on pants..

Do you use the 150 yard markers? 200 yard markers? If so then there is really no difference except that you are either taking longer than me by pacing off the distance or you are just guesstimating.

Those are part of the course, as is the tee distance on the scorecard.

They don't use GPS or lasers do they? Why do you think that is?

Because they get a pin sheet every day before they tee off. If you know that the flag is 8 yards past center it is pretty easy to get yardages without guessing by using the course markings. I wouldn't have much need for a rangefinder if I was given a pin sheet for the day. I have yet to see a course provide one to the public.

If you rely on the scorecard distances then you are going to be wrong more than you are right. Some courses are well marked on the course some are very haphazard. When you play a new course there is no way to know but trial and error, and that's just too random for me.

Every number they use in their yardage books is scoped with a laser rangefinder. Where did you think those numbers came from? I worked a PGA tournament for 4 years, I've watched the caddies out on the course early on practice days shooting every possible obstacle or hazard with lasers, verifying the existing yardages, and jotting down notes for new things to add their player's yardage book All of the numbers are established with those electronic devices that you eschew.

1. Get a laser. You can scan the fairways of hilly courses to findlanding areas. You don't have to pay monthly fees or pay per course. It's just so much more maintenence free and flexible...
2. Ballsy ball cleaner. I've had this thing for years... In fact it's my oldest piece of equipment... There's a towel in the middle you just get wet to start the round. You can stick it in your pocket and your pocket doesn't get wet!
   
   http://www.ballzee.com/drill_down/ba...l_cleaner.html