Watch, Phone App, or Trolley for GPS?

[Sueisablade]

I'm new to golf and definitely going to be one of those 'all the gear, no idea' types lol. Seriously though, while looking for something to help keep track of my scoring I've found some feature-rich phone apps that record shot distances, show hole layout and distance to green etc - but am aware you can also get this in a watch, and also in a trolley. I'm already tiring of my push-along trolley and thinking of a motorised one - so my question is, where's best for the gps app?  Which is most convenient to use, easiest to update as technology evolves etc ? 

[dennyjones]

If you are getting tired of using a trolley, that option seems the obvious choice to be out.   

Several people here use something like a Garmin watch which shows distances to the front, middle and back of the green.   

You may also consider a range finder, there are several companies including Bushnell and Leupold which make good ones.

Your cell phone can work as a gps.   There are many apps you can try which will give you a visual distance to any location on the course.

Whatever you decide, don't let this become the defining part of your golf game.   I only say this because you stated that you are going to be one of those....Learn to play ready golf and enjoy the game.

[Keep It Simple]

I have used the watch and golf logix iphone app but much prefer the course map and my laser range finder with slope.

[Mr Puddle]

I use a Bushnell phantom. Its like the watch, but fits on to a magnetic holder, which can be attached your bag or belt. If you chose to use a phone app, it will drain your battery at an alarming rate. I tried a few phone apps, but never had much luck with them.

[Sueisablade]

Thanks guys - all good info. At this stage distances are all a bit academic as mine are so inconsistent - but It's mainly cos I was thinking of upgrading the trolley that I started to think about paying the extra for one with gps, and what the alternatives might be - for when it might actually be useful .

[RichWW2]

I use the SwingU app on my phone.  It's free and pretty good I think.  It uses distance and keeps score for you.  Doesn't drain the battery very much as long as you're not using your phone the rest of the time.  There are some features you can pay for, but I've never needed them.

[windlaker]

I use The Grint app on my phone.

GPS seems close enough for my golf game.

My family all uses it to keep track of handicaps.  Make betting a lot easier, as long as everyone agrees to handicapping the group.

[Missouri Swede]

3 hours ago, Mr Puddle said:

I use a Bushnell phantom. Its like the watch, but fits on to a magnetic holder, which can be attached your bag or belt. If you chose to use a phone app, it will drain your battery at an alarming rate. I tried a few phone apps, but never had much luck with them.

Put your phone on low power mode. I’ve noticed no difference in latency in getting the yardage.

[pganapathy]

The phone is generally the best option.  Many apps have regular updates and the GPS is pretty accurate on modern phones.  The issues are battery life and needing to pull your phone out of your pocket for every shot

[ag01fer]

When I first started playing one of the guys I played alongside had a phone app that when I tried to use wouldn't work on my phone, so make sure  your phone is compatible with the app you want. 

I ended up buying a Garmin G5 great bit of kit I still have it, after a while I tried to upgrade to a Watch S6 I think it was but couldn't get on with it as it was too small and fiddly and ran out of power half way round my second game, so got the G5 back, it works off rechargeable AA batteries so I carry spares, I have recently upgraded to the G80 but am keeping the G5 as the G80 has a 'plays like' function that I think means it can't be used during competitions. 

Moral of the story look around try different bits of kit make sure you know what your buying in to

[Slim_Pivot]

I have a bushnell watch that I got as a gift. I dont like playing in a watch, so I either leave it in the cart or use my phone. I like the app I use. It's called golf pad. My phone will last 18 holes. I also have little charging sticks that I can use to keep my phone charged on big courses and trips. 

I like the app tho...golf pad.

[tehuti]

I have 3 apps on my iPhone - Golfshot, Swing U and The Grint. All of them are good for keeping score and gps, but I use Golfshot on the course these days. They even post your handicap to GHIN for you.

I do like the fact that the Grint will give you a handicap if you don’t want to spring for an official one.

[uitar9]

My wife and I use a bushnell  watch-front, middle and back. At our hcps, its good enough for ue. usually get two 18 rounds out of a charge

As long as you don't mind using a watch its great. We walk so don't need another gizmo to have to find and open

No fiddling with a phonie or draining its battery

 

[TheWoodBoss]

I use golf shot and it does a good job with the GPS distances if you change the setting to refresh the gps signal more often. I don't have any battery issue using that app. It's nice for keeping score too.

[jlbos83]

I like the combo of a watch and rangefinder.  Many times I won't use the rangefinder, as the watch is enough, but if find that the actual hole distance is important, or if the watch doesn't seem right (sometimes a hole can be mismapped, or you can be coming from a direction when front and back don't make sense) the rangefinder is handy.  I keep score on the phone, but grabbing the phone, and unlocking it to see the distance for every shot is time consuming.

[tehuti]

2 hours ago, TheWoodBoss said:

I use golf shot and it does a good job with the GPS distances if you change the setting to refresh the gps signal more often. I don't have any battery issue using that app. It's nice for keeping score too.

Likewise, I use Golfshot for scoring and for the gps.