REVIEWS
On Richard Punyer reviews TomTom’s Golfer Watch
Overview: TomTom has launched the all-new TomTom
Golfer, a GPS sports watch designed to make it easy for golfers to improve their game. Unique course graphics clearly show accurate distances to hazards and layups, and the best approach to the green. The TomTom Golfer uses graphics to clearly
show key golf course data from more than 34,000 golf courses across the globe on its extra- large screen. Course updates are delivered wirelessly via a unique smartphone app, so golfers can trust they are playing with the most up-to-date course information. The TomTom Golfer is designed for golfers,
with a lightweight and slim appearance. It uses GPS technology to automatically recognise nearby courses and find the next hole. A golfer can also keep track of the score, distance and time of a round.
Verdict: The first thing that strikes you is how sporty it
looks. It really is a nice looker, with a black face bordered by a matt aluminium look casing. The strap is suitably sporty too, in an attractive matt black perforated by punch holes across its width, which also acts as the strap adjustment for the clasp. The backing of the strap is a lime green, which again enhances the sporty look as it is visible both on the edge of the strap and through the perforations. But the most surprising and pleasing feature is how thin the device is! TomTom have obviously
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done a great job on the electronics and packaging enabling them to produce something this thin, especially when compared to others in the golf arena. It really does not look out of place or odd when worn simply as a watch – and with large, easy to read characters displayed on the face, and date/time adjustment, it can be worn as just that when it’s not being used for it’s primary purpose – helping you get round the course in less shots. So to the course. For a start TomTom have
loaded their watch with over 34,000 courses and the watch itself is ‘self searching’. So, when put into ‘Golf’ mode, it will immediately begin searching and then place you on the course corresponding to your position. It will then display yardages to the front, middle and back of each green from your current position. You can also view the hole, as well as distances to various hazards, and also benefits from ‘Greenview’ which allows you to see the green, the various hazards around it and the yardages to them, giving you even more planning information. The Golfer Watch also has a scoring function,
which will keep track of your round and let you review it aſterwards, as well as tell you how far you have walked and the time your round has taken – a good indicator of your pace and whether you and your friends need to speed up a bit, for the good of everyone! Using the watch couldn’t be simpler – just look
at your wrist! Wherever you are on the hole you will get distance to the front, middle and back of the green. Switching between modes is easy due
to the single ‘rocker’ switch which fits neatly into the strap, so no confusing buttons around the edge of the casing leaving you to wonder which one to press at any given time! I have to say, having used it around my home course of Chestfield in Kent, the yardages given are extremely accurate. Updates to changes in position come instantly, with no annoying ‘acquiring satellite’ messages appearing. Obviously where the watch and any other GPS device comes into its own is where your view to the green is hindered, either by a dogleg or copse – something which limits the more precise Laser measuring devices. Updating the watch is easily done wirelessly
by pairing it with a suitable Smartphone App ensuring the wearer has the latest, up-to-date course information. Charging is also simple via a standard USB connection, either into a PC or laptop, or via the mains and suitable 3-pin plug with USB connection.
Summary: This would be a great piece of kit to offer in the
Pro’s shop. Members will be attracted by its slim and sporty look, and it’s versatility. At £199 it’s slightly on the pricey side, but speaking from a members point of view, it would be worth every penny. Performance is great- looks are great.
If you would like your product innovation reviewed, please contact Alex Fordham at
afordham@datateam.co.uk
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