Reader Test: Golf Buddy WT5 watch

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Distance measuring devices are not just for tour pros. Range finders and hand-held GPS systems are now in many bags of ordinary golfers while GPS watches are being worn on their wrists. Does knowing the correct yardage to the flag help you hit it closer? Would you play more intelligently if you knew you needed to bust a drive to carry a bunker? We wanted to find out, so we asked a regular fourball at Elton Furze Golf Club in Cambridgeshire to test the Golf Buddy WT5. 

Our testers were:

Allan Young – Handicap 11.5
Graeme Starkey – Handicap 12
George Walters – Handicap 8.6
Roy Taggart – Handicap 23

 

Q: Was the WT5 easy to set up and use?
AY: It’s simple turn it on, and the date and time updated immediately. It picked up the course in 90 seconds and was giving me yardages on the first after four minutes.
GW: Turn it on and the watch does the rest.
RT: It couldn’t be simpler, even for me.
GS: A breeze. Turn it on and it locates itself.

Q: Was it comfortable to play in?
AY: I don’t have an issue playing with a watch on so it’s normal to me.
GW: Comfort is not an issue at all for me, but the system had an issue selecting the correct hole when one tee position had changed.
RT: No issues here, I found it made me slow down and consider my club selection more.
GS: I don’t usually wear a watch, but I had no issues adapting to playing with one on.

Q: Were the WT5 yardages accurate?
AY: I double checked the WT5’s yardages with my rangefinder and they were spot on. I really liked the yardages to hazards, too.
GW: It needed manually adjusting for a few holes, but generally they were very accurate.
RT: Yes, I had no issues.
GS: Yes, they were very precise.

Q: Do you feel the GPS saved you shots?
AY: Absolutely. When I was in trees there was no faffing about trying to lock a rangefinder onto the pin.
GW: I think it could well do.
RT: Yes. I was blocked out by bushes and still got a good yardage to the green’s centre.
GS: I can definitely see the GPS has its benefits for blind tee shots or where a clear view of the pin is not an option. 

Q: Would you recommend GPS systems?
AY: I’ve been a rangefinder advocate but this  GPS is certainly swaying me its way.
GW: Most golf gadgets are a plus. Even with a yardage you still need to hit the shot!
RT: Knowing the distance you need to hit shots is invaluable so yes I’d recommend it.
GS: They are a fantastic aid and vital to saving shots so they get a big thumbs up.

Q: At £160, is it worth the money?
AY: Yes the design, features, colours and ease of use are worth the investment. I’ve already used the extra features at the gym.
GW: I’d like to use the watch on different courses to see if it needs manually adjusting.
RT: I think £160 is a sound investment.
GS: As long as it didn’t need lots of manual updating I’d recommend it.

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