There’s a device, gadget or app for pretty much everything nowadays, and golf is no different. Golf GPS have been permitted in the rules of golf since 2006, and they have become a staple feature on courses far and wide. But is it just another gadget, or will it actually benefit your game? We’ve outlined four reasons we think a golf GPS can really boost your performance and improve your overall golfing technique.

Hitting more greens

Everyone wants to be hitting more greens in regulation, bettering their score and improving their overall game, and professional golfers regularly recommend that accuracy over range is key when it comes to hitting more greens. A GPS system can be a huge help. Your device will have the course mapped out, accurately calculating distances and ranges for each par, meaning you will have precise statistics; it will also note areas for improvement, or achievements, in each game. This feature is great in both competitive play and when practising at the driving range.

Tactical play

If you want to get the upper hand during any game, tactical play is vital , and not only is it essential in competitive gaming, playing tactically is also beneficial to improving your own technique, as you will start to approach each course systematically, making professional decisions on how to swing and what club to use. A golf GPS contains the details of thousands of courses – with more easily available to download as and when you require. The shape, play and layout of each course you approach is readily available in your hand, allowing you to make tactical decisions and get a grasp of the course before you’ve even teed off.

Minimise hazards

One fantastic edge a golf GPS will give even the most experienced of players is the ability to see hazards and blind spots throughout the course. No matter what the hazard a GPS can help you avoid it, or ensure you get out of it without affecting your score or play. You can use this feature to choose targets and clubs more effectively, to avoid getting trapped on the course, or to calculate your distance out of the rough, leaving nothing to luck or guesswork.

Great for casual golfers

For a casual round of golf all you will need is your clubs and your GPS. Forget your caddie, as this device calculates distance, ranges, tracks your game, takes scores and gets you out of any trouble on the course. For beginners a hand held device, which can stay comfortably in your pocket, is great to remain focussed on improving your game without getting distracted by other people or scorecards. For the more experienced golfer accuracy is key to improving your game, and the vast library of maps opens a whole new world of courses.

Snooper specialise in creating the latest GPS and tracking devices on the market including a wide variety of Shotsaver golf GPS and rangefinder devices.