GPS Rangefinder

Get real-time distances to the pin, green, and hazards directly in your scoring interface. No additional devices or apps needed.

Overview

The GPS rangefinder provides accurate yardage information while you play, using your smartphone’s built-in location services. Distances update automatically as you move across the course.

Getting Started

Grant Location Permission

When you first open the scoring interface, your browser will ask for location permission:

1. Open the scoring interface for your round
2. A prompt will appear: “Allow this site to access your location?”
3. Tap Allow (iOS) or Allow while using the app (Android)

Important: You only need to grant permission once. Your browser remembers your choice for future rounds.

First-Time GPS Lock

After granting permission, wait for your GPS signal to lock:

• Normal conditions: 2-5 seconds
• Dense tree cover: 5-10 seconds
• Indoors or covered areas: May not work

You’ll see a loading indicator while the GPS acquires your position.

Understanding the Display

Distance to Pin

The primary display shows your distance to the current pin position in yards. This is the number you’ll use for club selection.

Example:

Pin: 147 yards

Secondary Distances

Below the pin distance, you’ll see additional reference points:

• Green Center: Distance to the middle of the green (useful when pin position is unknown)
• Front/Back of Green: Helps you factor in green depth

Hazard Distances

When the course has hazard data, you’ll see distances to nearby hazards:

• Bunkers: Displayed with distance and direction
• Water: Clearly marked with distance to carry
• Other hazards: Trees, OB markers, etc.

Hazards are sorted by proximity, showing the closest three.

Accuracy Indicator

A small indicator shows your GPS signal quality:

• Green: Excellent (5-10 meter accuracy)
• Yellow: Good (10-20 meter accuracy)
• Red: Poor (20+ meter accuracy)

Using GPS During Play

Selecting the Current Hole

Use the hole selector dropdown to switch between holes:

1. Tap the hole number dropdown
2. Select your current hole (1-18)
3. Distances update immediately for that hole

Distance Updates

Your position updates automatically every 5 seconds. As you walk:

• Distances decrease as you approach the green
• Hazard distances update based on your new position
• No need to manually refresh

Best Practices

For accurate readings:

• Hold your phone upright, not flat in your pocket
• Step into open areas away from tall trees if signal is weak
• Wait for the GPS to stabilize before committing to a club

Battery considerations:

• GPS uses approximately 10-15% battery over 18 holes
• Comparable to any GPS golf app
• Consider bringing a portable charger for back-to-back rounds

Troubleshooting

”Location permission denied”

If you accidentally denied permission:

iOS Safari:

1. Go to Settings > Safari > Location
2. Find the site and change to Allow
3. Refresh the page

Android Chrome:

1. Tap the lock icon in the address bar
2. Tap Permissions > Location
3. Change to Allow
4. Refresh the page

”GPS signal unavailable”

This occurs when your device cannot acquire a GPS signal:

• Move to an open area with clear sky view
• Wait 10-15 seconds for signal acquisition
• Ensure Location Services are enabled in device settings
• Restart your browser and try again

”No GPS data for this hole”

The course hasn’t added GPS coordinates for this hole. Contact the tournament organizer to request GPS data be added.

Distances seem inaccurate

GPS accuracy varies by conditions:

• Expected accuracy: Plus or minus 5-10 yards
• In tree cover: Accuracy may decrease
• Near buildings: Urban canyon effect can cause drift

Compare with yardage markers on the course. If consistently off, your course’s GPS data may need calibration.

GPS not working at all

Check these items:

1. HTTPS: GPS requires a secure connection (look for the lock icon)
2. Location Services: Must be enabled in your device settings
3. Browser support: Use Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android
4. Permission: Ensure you’ve granted location permission

Tips for Best Results

Pre-Round Preparation

1. Open the scoring interface before teeing off
2. Grant location permission on the first tee
3. Verify GPS is working before you start

During the Round

1. Keep your phone’s screen on or use GPS-enabled lock screen
2. Select each hole as you play for accurate distances
3. Use green center distance when pin position seems wrong

Signal Optimization

1. GPS works best with clear view of the sky
2. Step away from golf carts (metal can interfere)
3. Avoid keeping phone in deep pockets during measurement

Privacy Information

Your privacy is protected:

• No tracking: Your location is never stored on our servers
• Client-side only: All distance calculations happen on your device
• No history: We don’t save where you’ve been on the course
• Revocable: You can revoke permission anytime in browser settings

Browser Compatibility

Recommended: Use your smartphone for the best GPS experience.