A lot of talk has been circulating about using a golf GPS watch, such as the Garmin S60 or S6, or a laser rangefinder, such as the Bushnell Pro XE, Bushnell Pro X2 or Garmin Approach Z80, and whether it is a form of cheating on your golf game. In any situation where sports are involved, you should first take a look at what types of affordable golf laser rangefinders and golf gps watches the pros are using in organized competitions and then base your decision from there.
The Garmin Approach S62 is the newest Garmin golf GPS watch, which was released to market in January 2020. Both the Garmin Approach S62 and S60 come with slope compensation and overhead 2D views of each hole but only the Garmin Approach S62 comes with a wrist-based heart rate monitor, wind speed and direction, and club recommendation feature.
Almost every golf professional uses some kind of GPS unit or rangefinder to help them with their game. There are GPS devices that are allowed in professional competitions and others that aren’t. Of course, the professionals are using higher end units that are a lot more costly, but they are using them to help their game and it is allowed per the USGA rules.
A golf GPS unit should be thought of as an advantage instead of cheating. No piece of electronic equipment can make you a professional golfer without raw talent and persistent practice. The device is simply a tool to help you with your game of golf and nothing more.
A golf GPS unit is not hitting the balls, you are. It is your interpretation of the information that is presented on the device that will determine how much better you do at golf. At first you may not see your golf score rise as you get used to the device and use it to help with your choice of club and direction of your swing. Then, once you are more accustomed to it, you may see a big improvement in your shots and ultimately in your score.
A lot of golfers are using GPS products to enhance their game of golf. There is nothing unethical about using an appliance that is allowed by the professional golfing associations and their members. Of course, the final choice is always up to you, but if you take a look at the big picture, you may be one of the last ones standing on the course without an electronic caddie by your side.
