The use of global positioning devices (GPS) on golf courses is now ultra-popular with both amateur and professional golfers. When used properly, these rangefinders can accurately measure distances between objects on the green. In turn, golfers can more precisely determine the technique and equipment to be used to achieve the winning shot.
One of the more popular GOS rangefinders is the Golf Buddy GPS. Consumers have three models to choose from - Plus, Pro and Tour - all of which shall be reviewed for its pros and cons in this article.
Golf Buddy Plus
Amongst all three models, the Golf Buddy Plus is the most popular and for good reasons, too. You may find that its features will not work with Mac computers off putting - it only works with Windows and Vista - but it is a minor glitch in the general scheme of things.
You can use the Plus model straight out of the box - no need to load applications, play around with the software and worry about technical specifications. Just turn on the unit and you are good to go.
There will be instances when the course you are on is not in the Plus features. In that case, you can either map the course yourself or you can ask client support to do the job. Take note that mapping the course on your own requires loading to the Golf Buddy database, which will take a few days before it is made available. Its main advantage is that said database is expanding because of the many golfers loading maps to the 20,000-strong library.
It gores without saying that the main point of a rangefinder is accurate measurements of distances on the course. The Buddy Plus does not disappoint in this matter. You will even discover that the distance markers on the sprinkler heads cannot hold a candle to the accuracy of this outstanding rangefinder.
Other notable features include the grey scale and backlight that makes for readability under all conditions; the dynamic green feature that automatically changes the green's shape according to the angle of approach; and the score tracking facility.
Golf Buddy Tour
In many features, the Buddy Tour boasts of the same facilities as its older brother, the Golf Buddy Plus. Its main advantages can be summarized as:
Bigger specifications for better handling Bigger memory for 20,000 courses Bigger colored screen for easier reading Longer battery power
Golf Buddy Pro
Again, this model is similar to the Tour model except that it has a grey scale screen in comparison with the latter's colored screen. Other notable features on the Tour are automatic course and hole recognition, additional custom target capacity, and lithium-polymer rechargeable battery.
All of the Golf Buddy rangefinders are encased in water-resistant casing, designed with durability in mind and offers multilingual capabilities. With these features, it is no wonder that golfers consider it their buddy.
