Laser vs. GPS

[OSKARJONES]

I have a Bushnell 1600. I play with several guys with various GPS units. They constantly ask me distances to pins and hazards......I don't think I have ever asked them a distance.

[dahtbomber]

GPS is more convenient but the laser is more accurate.

[SlowRain]

FWIW I prefer the laser...simply I don't have to pay a yearly fee to someone to use it. Another thing I have noticed...I play on the Golf Channel Am Tour and better than 90% of the tournaments I play in, the laser (non-slope versions) are the only distance measuring device allowed during competition. GPS units per the handbook that only give distance measurements are legal in the handbook...but some tournaments I have played in during the pre-round briefing have said the "only permitted distance measuring device is a laser without a slope feature incorporated into the device". Guess I haven't bothered to ask because I don't use a GPS unit.

They expressly forbid cell phones...probably because you could use other applications on a smart phone (i.e. getting wind direction and speed from a weather app) that would give an unfair advantage...thus illegal under 14-3. They do allow cell phones to be in possession but if it is on you are DQ'ed unless you have some sort of emergency situation where you are expecting a call...and that has to be declared with the starter prior to the round.

[TheLastDon]

I play a lot of different courses so a gps (golfshots on android phone) makes the most sense for me. The ability to know the carry distances of traps, hazards, doglegs, etc. is very helpful. On approach shots front/mid/back is enough info since I have to calculate wind/elevation/time of day/ lunar cycle/ etc. anyhow. The only time I believe the laser trumps gps is tournaments where gps aren't allowed (since I use phone that would be alot) and under 120yds (full wedge). For wedge play laser is more beneficial IMO as the need to be exact is higher and less outside elements are figured into yardage calc. Plus expectations game comes into effect, I expect to be inside 10-15ft. (3-5yds) on a well struck wedge.........not necessarily when playing a 7 iron.