The first thing to understand is that a golf GPS is a satellite based mapping device. It communicates with overhead satellites to pinpoint your exact location on the Earth.

It then uses previously recorded, or mapped, locations on the golf course to tell you the distance to any important locations near you like the front of the green for the hole you are playing for example.
Here are the 5 Facts that Will Help you choose the Right Golf GPS Unit

1.    The course must be mapped: you won’t get any useful information on a course the first time you use your GPS if the course hasn’t been previously mapped by you, another user or the GPS company, and stored on your GPS device.

This shouldn’t be a problem if you live in a popular area, but if you live outside a major city, you may need to manually map your home course the first time you play it. Also, some golf GPS company will “map a course by request” if they haven’t done it yet.

2.    You must have satellite reception for your golf GPS to function. More and more this is not an issue, but if your connection to the satellite is weak or not present; your device will be useless.

3.    A golf GPS won’t work under a canopy of trees, since it will lose satellite connectivity.

4.    Many GPS companies require a fee to their mapping service. To be able to continue to download new courses (units will often only store 10 to 20 courses) you may have to pay a one-time or annual fee to a “course mapping information” provide like iGolf.

5.     One of the huge advantages of a golf GPS is that you don’t have to aim it at a target to get a yardage reading. This can especially useful if your target is not in your line of site; an elevated green or you are behind a bush for example, or in the wrong fairway (talking from my own experience here!).

Which is Better Golf GPS or a Rangefinder?

Consider the following: “If I had to use only one device, I would go with a golf GPS unit. Smart golf is about playing to the right parts of the greens and fairways. GPS is better at telling me the yardage to that “smart” location, since it provides front, center and back of the green distance and not just the flag stick, like a rangefinder would.”

The last thing to know is that most GPS and rangefinders can now be used legally in tournaments and for handicap rounds, however read the rule carefully since they are considered “local” rules and can therefore be changed by tournament organizers.

It’s always a good idea to seek out independant or actual user golf GPS reviews as an aide in making an informated decision. The information in this article should help make you determine that factors that are important to you when purchasing a golf GPS unit.