Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder
|
Average customer review:
(63 customer reviews)
Product Description
The Golf Buddy® Tour GPS displays your remaining yardage throughout the course, from greens, bunkers, and more. It also includes built-in score tracking and offers unique automatic course and hole recognition so you don't have to fiddle with buttons as you play. It features an full-color display and is impact resistant, ultra-light, and water resistant.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #65109 in Sports & Outdoors
- Size: Each
- Brand: Golf Buddy
- Model: DSC-GB300
- Released on:
Features
- Golf rangefinder with true GPS capabilities and automatic course.
- No membership or download fees.
- Stores up to 20,000 courses and 1,000 scores; target information is preloaded.
- Large, high-resolution color screen with dynamic green view which changes the shape of the green, depending on your angle of approach.
- Runs on a rechargeable 12-hour Lithium Polymer battery with AAA battery backup; Measures 2.25 x 4.25 x 1-Inch; weighs 4.23-Ounce; 90-day warranty.
- And hole recognition preloaded with courses from across North America able to load courses worldwide.
- Comes with a belt clip/plastic holster, USB data cable, rechargeable battery, wall charger, user's manual, and software CD.
- The exact distance to greens, bunkers, lakes, lay-up points, and hazards.customizable target technology lets you customize your own targets.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Liberate yourself from the hidden cost of membership and download fees with the GolfBuddy Tour GPS Rangefinder. Coming preloaded with courses from across the USA and Canada, with the ability to store up to 20,000 courses from 30,000+ courses worldwide, the Tour GPS Rangefinder delivers the information you need at no additional cost once you have purchased the unit. Delivering true GPS capabilities with automatic course and hole recognition, each unit features the dynamic green view, which changes the shape of the green depending on your angle of approach. Target information is already preloaded, but customizable target technology allows you to add up to 11 targets per hole--in addition to what the GolfBuddy already provides. With no annual membership or membership fees to keep up with, an easy-to-read high-resolution LCD screen, straightforward usability, and powerful game-improving technologies, the GolfBuddy Tour GPS Rangefinder is sure to become your best friend on the course.
Accuracy: The GolfBuddy will help you gain confidence by knowing exactly how far and where to go. The GolfBuddy's large, easy-to-read full-color screen gives you the exact distance to greens, bunkers, lakes, lay-up points, and hazards.
Technology: Each unit features the dynamic green view, which changes the shape of the green, depending on your angle of approach. Target information is already preloaded, and the GolfBuddy features custom plotting technology which lets you add up to 11 of your own chosen targets to each course in addition to what the GolfBuddy already provides.
Simplicity: With its unique automatic course and hole recognition feature, the GolfBuddy will automatically know which course you are playing and which hole you are on. There is no need for aiming or manual operation to obtain distance information to the green when using the GolfBuddy. The GolfBuddy is a true GPS unit... Just turn it on and play.
Power: The GolfBuddy features 20,000 course storage capability, dynamic green technology, target customization technology, and a digital scorecard. The GolfBuddy is a full feature rangefinder, making it the most powerful GPS device on the market today.
Benefits:
- True GPS tracking with automatic course and hole recognition
- High resolution color LCD screen
- Preloaded with courses across North America
- Ability to load courses from all over the world
- 30,000+ available courses
- Course data storage capability up to 20,000 courses
- No membership fees or course download fees
- Durable and water-resistant design
- Multi-lingual
- Scoretracking module
- Simple and Easy Operation
How it Works:
- Score Tracking: GolfBuddy's score tracking feature allows you to keep a record of up to 1,000 rounds of golf stored into your unit. In addition to keeping your score, it also stores information for the course you played on and the date you played. This feature comes in handy for keeping your handicap, as well as going back to track your scores on previous rounds that you played at a certain course on a specific day.
- Calculate Shot Distance: Knowing the actual distance that you hit with each club is critical to playing your best golf. The Mark Feature on the GolfBuddy allows you to measure your shot distance at the touch of a single button. From your current position, all you need to do is take your shot, push the Mark Button on the side of your GolfBuddy and travel towards where your ball has landed, and you will get an accurate measurement of how far you hit your shot.
- Remaining Distance Display to Targets: (1) Hazard Avoidance--The various natural and man made hazards on the course make up the character of the course and give the golfer varying levels of difficulty. Knowing where these hazards are, and how to avoid them can eliminate strokes from your game. The GolfBuddy displays distance values for each of the "in play" hazards, as well as aspects of the terrain, which affect shot selection and course management. Golf Buddy lists all items, which can affect your play, even if you cannot see them from your present location. (2) Layups and Carries--Knowing the location of a hazard is only one part of the equation. To effectively avoid the hazard you need to know the Lay-up (approach) distance, as well as the distance to pass the item (carry distance). The GolfBuddy gives you each of these values when required. The GolfBuddy is designed to offer you a variety of information screens so that you are constantly aware of every distance.
- Automatic Course and Hole Recognition: Without GolfBuddy's automatic course recognition feature, sorting through the list of thousands pre-loaded courses to find the course and hole that you are on would be a difficult task. The minute you power on your GolfBuddy, it automatically locates the course and hole that you are on and brings up the yardage information within moments. GolfBuddy's Auto Hole Recognition feature tracks your position on the course and automatically advances to each hole as you play. This allows you to keep your mind focused on your game without having to deal with the trouble of manually setting your unit as you advance towards the next hole.
- Continuous Distance Updates and Your Current Position: From the moment you turn on your GolfBuddy, it begins measuring distance values to the green and to all target points. Distance measurements are automatically updated so there is no need to manually refresh the screen as you move along the course.
- Golf Course Customization: In addition to the targets that are already programmed into your unit, GolfBuddy also allows you to add up to 11 additional targets per hole. This allows you to add specific carry distances and preferred lay-up points.
- Remaining Distance Display to the Green: Knowing the actual distance that you hit with each club is critical to playing your best golf. The Mark Feature on the GolfBuddy allows you to measure your shot distance at the touch of a single button. From your current position, all you need to do is take your shot, push the Mark Button on the side of your GolfBuddy and travel towards where your ball has landed, and you will get an accurate measurement of how far you hit your shot.
Specifications:
- Size: 4.25 x 2.25 x 1 inches
- Weight: 4.23 ounces including battery
- PC interface: USB
- Display: high resolution color LCD screen
- Operating temperature range: 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Power SOURCE: Lithium polymer rechargeable battery with AAA battery backup
- Battery life: 12 hours
- Power adapter: 5 volt, 450 mA
- Durable water resistant design
- 20,000 course capability
System Requirements:
- PC with Microsoft Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/Vista
- Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher
- 256 MB of RAM
- 4 MB of available hard disc space
- Internet access
- Available computer USB port
- 2X CD-Rom drive (optional)
| Navigating Your Options | ||||
| Unit | Available Courses/Capacity | Membership Fees | Screen | Battery Type/Life |
| Bushnell Golf GPS 368100 Yardage Pro | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | Black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Neo Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | 2.1-inch, black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | Black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro XG Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/20 | $34.99 annually | 2.2-inch, high-contrast black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually) | $34.99 annually | 2.2-inch, high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Callaway Golf uPro Golf GPS | 18,000/50 | None | 320x240 high-resolution color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| Callaway Golf uPro Go GPS | 18,000 pre-loaded | One-time $49.99 activation fee | 240x320 high-resolution color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/10-12 hours |
| Garmin Approach G3 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld | 12,000/unlimited | None | 160x240 transflective color TFT touchscreen | Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium |
| Garmin Approach G5 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld | 12,000/unlimited | None | 240x400 transflective color TFT touchscreen | Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium |
| GolfBuddy Plus GPS Rangefinder | Over 14,000/1,000 | None | High-resolution black/white LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer |
| Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder | All available courses in North America/20,000 | None | High-resolution black/white LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup |
| Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder | All available courses in North America/20,000 | None | Backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup/14 hours |
| GolfLogix GPS by Garmin (2008 Model) | 15,000/20 | $39.95 annually | 1.25-by-2.25-inch backlit black and white LCD | Two AA/22 hours |
| GolfLogix GPS Smart Phone Membership and Ultimate Retail Accessory Kit | 24,000/varies by smartphone | $39.95 annually | N/A | N/A |
| GPS Golf Guru 4 Precise GPS/PDA Golf Rangefinder with Multi-application capabilities | 20,000/200 | None | 3.5-inch full color touchscreen | Rechargeable/14 hours |
| IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS Unit | 12,000/10 | $9.99 annually | Black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| OnPar Golf Touchscreen GPS | 13,000/300 | None | Full color backlit touchscreen | Rechargeable lithium ion |
| SkyCaddie SG2.5 Golf GPS (Black) | 16,000/varies based on membership plan | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | 120x80 backlit black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| Sky Caddie SG3.5V GPS Unit | 16,000/20 | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | High-resolution 2.2-inch backlit color LCD | Three AAA |
| SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black) | 16,000/10 | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | 220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS | 30,000 pre-loaded | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | Three-inch, high-resolution transflective TFT-LCD screen | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| Sonocaddie Auto Play Golf GPS | Pre-loaded with 18,000/30,000 | None | 220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| Sonocaddie V300 Color GPS Unit | 22,000/30 | One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads | 2.2-inch high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/15 hours |
| Sonocaddie XV2 Personal Golf GPS | 22,000/20 | One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads | Black and white LCD | Three AAA/10 hours |
| Sureshot GPS Golf System | 14,000/10 | $29.95-199.95 annually, depending on plan | Full color backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/typically lasts for 36 holes |
Buying Guide
Amazon.com Golf GPS Guide
Staying Linked in on the Links
Having a golf GPS unit in your bag is a bit like playing with your very own PGA-quality caddie. These little electronic wonders have evolved a great deal since the USGA deemed them legal for tournament play in 2005. Most models these days can provide you with quick and accurate information regarding distance to the hole and other targets and hazards; length of prior shots (often storable for future reference); course layout; distance to the front, middle, and back of the green; and more.
With a wide range of golf GPS device, feature, and subscription choices available on the market today, finding one that's right for you can be like finding the middle of the fairway when the winds are swirling. Amazon.com has put together a list of the top GPS units and their key specifications, below, to help you select your ideal model.
| Navigating Your Options | ||||
| Unit | Available Courses/Capacity | Membership Fees | Screen | Battery Type/Life |
| Bushnell Golf GPS 368100 Yardage Pro | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | Black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Neo Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | 2.1-inch, black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/10 | $34.99 annually | Black and white backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro XG Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually)/20 | $34.99 annually | 2.2-inch, high-contrast black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC Golf GPS | 12,000 (download up to 100 annually) | $34.99 annually | 2.2-inch, high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/16 hours |
| Callaway Golf uPro Golf GPS | 18,000/50 | None | 320x240 high-resolution color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| Callaway Golf uPro Go GPS | 18,000 pre-loaded | One-time $49.99 activation fee | 240x320 high-resolution color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/10-12 hours |
| Garmin Approach G3 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld | 12,000/unlimited | None | 160x240 transflective color TFT touchscreen | Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium |
| Garmin Approach G5 GPS-Enabled Golf Handheld | 12,000/unlimited | None | 240x400 transflective color TFT touchscreen | Two AA batteries/up to 15 hours using NiMH or lithium |
| GolfBuddy Plus GPS Rangefinder | Over 14,000/1,000 | None | High-resolution black/white LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer |
| Golf Buddy Pro GPS Range Finder | All available courses in North America/20,000 | None | High-resolution black/white LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup |
| Golf Buddy Tour GPS Range Finder | All available courses in North America/20,000 | None | Backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium-polymer with AAA backup/14 hours |
| GolfLogix GPS by Garmin (2008 Model) | 15,000/20 | $39.95 annually | 1.25-by-2.25-inch backlit black and white LCD | Two AA/22 hours |
| GolfLogix GPS Smart Phone Membership and Ultimate Retail Accessory Kit | 24,000/varies by smartphone | $39.95 annually | N/A | N/A |
| GPS Golf Guru 4 Precise GPS/PDA Golf Rangefinder with Multi-application capabilities | 20,000/200 | None | 3.5-inch full color touchscreen | Rechargeable/14 hours |
| IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS Unit | 12,000/10 | $9.99 annually | Black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| OnPar Golf Touchscreen GPS | 13,000/300 | None | Full color backlit touchscreen | Rechargeable lithium ion |
| SkyCaddie SG2.5 Golf GPS (Black) | 16,000/varies based on membership plan | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | 120x80 backlit black and white LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| Sky Caddie SG3.5V GPS Unit | 16,000/20 | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | High-resolution 2.2-inch backlit color LCD | Three AAA |
| SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS (Black) | 16,000/10 | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | 220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| SkyCaddie SGX Golf GPS | 30,000 pre-loaded | $29.95-129.95 annually, depending on plan | Three-inch, high-resolution transflective TFT-LCD screen | Rechargeable lithium ion/14 hours |
| Sonocaddie Auto Play Golf GPS | Pre-loaded with 18,000/30,000 | None | 220x176 high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/12 hours |
| Sonocaddie V300 Color GPS Unit | 22,000/30 | One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads | 2.2-inch high-resolution backlit color LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/15 hours |
| Sonocaddie XV2 Personal Golf GPS | 22,000/20 | One-time $29.95 or $49.95 fee, depending on plan, or $5 per course after first five free downloads | Black and white LCD | Three AAA/10 hours |
| Sureshot GPS Golf System | 14,000/10 | $29.95-199.95 annually, depending on plan | Full color backlit LCD | Rechargeable lithium ion/typically lasts for 36 holes |
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
104 of 106 people found the following review helpful.
A Great Golf GPS
By D. Fisher
I read all the reviews and compared all the features of golf GPS's before selecting the Golf Buddy Pro. I especially liked the feature that all the courses and course information were already loaded on the unit or available for free from the Golf Buddy website. And of course, that large color screen. When I received the unit, I immediately put it on the charger while I reviewed the User Manual...it's pretty slim because the unit does most functions automatically. The next day I went golfing. Within 5 minutes, the unit initallized and indicated I was on the first hole of Highlands Reserve. The unit advanced automatically hole by hole without any user input from me. The GPS seems very accurate and the screen is exceptionally bright in all lighting conditions. I did notice that if your riding a cart, it takes a few seconds for the unit to stablize after stopping before giving an accurate distance. I am now using some of the more advanced features including adding and editing my own hazards, measuring distances hit, and keeping track of my scores. Ok, does it really help your game. The answer is yes!
53 of 54 people found the following review helpful.
Very Pleased, Glad I Went With Golf Buddy Tour
By Christopher Wang
I thought long and hard between the skycaddie and the golf buddy. I was nervous that the Golf Buddy was "too good to be true", but decided on it anyway because of the no yearly fees. All of my golf friends have the skycaddie, so I know that it works great. I took the risk with the golf buddy tour and have been very pleased every round. The yardages are exactly the same as the skycaddie, and my friends are stuck paying $50 a year for the same yardages. Not only is the color screen easy to read and shows up in any lighting, the size of the Golf Buddy is perfect. The skycaddie looks like a walkie-talkie while the golf buddy looks like a sleek electronic gadget.
You will not be disappointed with the GBT. I got it out of the box, charged it, went to Heron Bay Golf Course in Locust Grove, GA, turned on my GBT, it instantly recognized where I was, it knew I was approaching #1 tee, and from there on it gave me accuarate distances to the programmed targets. No syncing, no adding courses, just turned the thing on. Even on an overcast day and a rainy day, the GBT still gave me yardages.
Adding your own target, measuring your shots, and keeping track of your score are all very easy. The skycaddie has about 6-7 buttons while the GBT only has two main buttons. It's a synch to use. Apple might as well have invented the thing.
You'll love it. Spend the extra money up front. If you are a wife or girlfriend, get this for the man in your life. He will be amazed that you made the right choice on the best golf gps there is!
CONS? Are you kidding me? No cons!!!
59 of 64 people found the following review helpful.
Once a buddy always a buddy
By Arthur Sams
First let me say that the Golf Buddy Tour works as advertised. It always knows what course I'm playing and where I am on the course. The distances are accurate. The functions such as measuring driving distance works great. I am having one problem with the unit. I belong to two Country Clubs. One club is in Florida and one club is located near Washington, DC. Last year both courses underwent major renovations nd both re opened for play this past April. Both courses were loaded in the Golf Buddy with the old configurations. Thus, my Golf Buddy was not usable on my two home courses until the courses are re mapped. I've requested a re mapping but no definitive time was given me. Within 4 weeks the golf course in Florida was remapped. With the additional targets I added the Golf Buddy operates like a charm. Its a great tool. Unfortunately, the TPC Avenel has not been updated since the June request. This course had a complete reconfiguration. Right now it is not usable for my needs at this course.
