Frequently Asked Questions

How can the Golf Guru help my game?

Initially, the Golf Guru improves your game with accurate information about the distance to the flag and other targets enabling you to make better club choices and shot strategy. Later, as historical data is compiled, your club selection and strategy at that course can be further refined, mistakes corrected, and club performance analyzed across all courses.

How does the Golf Guru improve upon cart-mounted systems or other range finders?

The Golf Guru provides two major advantages over cart-mounted systems. First, it can go to the exact location of your ball and areas that carts are not permitted. Second, most cart-mounted systems are restricted to a single course, and it is not reasonable to take your cart to distant courses. The Golf Guru can be used on thousands of courses.

Other range finders rely on line-of-sight technology, such as laser. The Golf Guru is not restricted by trees or other objects blocking your clear view of the flag or traps.

Is the use of the Golf Guru or any GPS distance device a violation of USGA regulations?

The use of distance measuring devices, including GPS-based systems, can be permitted under the USGA's recent decision 14-3/0.5. Per that ruling, the decision to permit the use of distance measuring devices is decided by Local Committee. Devices that measure other playing conditions, such as wind speed/direction, elevation, or grade, are not included in the scope of this decision. In the absence of such a Local Rule, the use of a distance measuring device remains contrary to the Rules. Before using the Golf Guru in a USGA sanctioned event, you should confirm that a Local Rule has in effect.

Do you offer a "no risk" money-back guarantee?

Yes. The Golf Guru has a 30 day money-back guarantee. We feel so strongly our product is superior to all the competitors in the marketplace, we offer a 30 day money-back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your Golf Guru, call customer support at 1-866-654-GURU (4878) to receive a return materials authorization (RMA) number.

How do I download course maps to my Golf Guru?

Course maps are downloaded to your personal computer over the Internet and to your Golf Guru through a direct cable connection using a standard USB cable. Your purchase includes PC software and a connection cable.

Can I get a map for any course in the U.S.? In other countries?

GPS Golf Guru has created thousands of course maps, including many popular courses in the US. If the course you seek has not been created, we will create it for you. Just make a request and we will have it mapped within 7 days per request.

Do I have to purchase a course’s map each time I play that course?

No. You can download courses for free from the Guru website.

How many course maps can I store on my Golf Guru?

The G2 can hold up to a total of 40 course maps. The G3/G4 can hold up to total of 200 course maps. You can manage which course maps are loaded on your Guru from the extensive GPS Golf Guru course map database on our servers.

How do I delete a golf course from my Guru?

Simply uncheck the "use" checkbox to the left of the course name in your "My Guru" course list on the web site. The next time you run the Guru utility with your Guru connected to your computer the course will no longer show up in your play list. You may also delete courses from you My Guru list by clicking the delete icon (red x) to the right of the course name.

How do I create my own course map for the Golf Guru?

The Golf Guru is designed to allow each user to create their own golf course maps. You can map an outline of the green along with other target points such as bunkers and water hazards. Follow the directions in the user guide or on the web site.

Can I customize the course maps provided by Golf Guru with additional detail, notes, current pin placement, etc.?

Yes,you can add additional targets, and modify existing greens. A total of 30 targets can exist on any hole. Editing a pre-existing course map will add a "My" to the front of the course name to prevent overwriting of the edited course during the next sync process. You can rename an edited map at any time.

*NOTE: Review the User Manual for complete information.

What advance preparation is required to use the Golf Guru?

Once you receive your Guru, you simply plug it into the USB port of your computer, register on the web site and follow the simple instructions found in the “Getting Started” page of the web site. Also note you must charge the Guru for 5 hours prior to first use. You may register and download courses while the Guru is being charged.

Is the Golf Guru easy to use?

Every effort has been made to design the Golf Guru for easy and intuitive operation. The screen uses transflective technology to enhance sunlight readability, with ample size to allow course details to be easily displayed. The user interface is logically organized. Keys are of sufficient size for an adult to use and located for convenient one-handed operation.

Will using the Golf Guru hold up play?

Absolutely not. In fact, compared to time spent locating a sprinkler head and pacing off distances, the Golf Guru has been shown through independent testing to  speed up your round by providing fast and accurate distances to targets and hazards.

Can the Golf Guru track my score and provide statistics on my round?

Yes, the Golf Guru currently tracks FIR, GIR, number of putts, and putts per GIR. It will also track club selection and lie when used in conjunction with the mark feature.

What are the Near and Far distances shown on the Green View?

The Golf Guru's "Smart Green" view is designed to show the nearest and farthest point on the green relative to where you are located. All other hand held GPS golf products only show the front, center and back of the green. This detailed information can make the difference between hitting the green or putting it in the bunker.

Can I adjust the Pin location?

Yes. The Golf Guru is designed to so the pin can be moved anywhere on the green by using the joystick up and down and left to right.

Does the Golf Guru track and replay where I hit my shots?

The Golf Guru does track and archive your shots. While the Golf Guru does not suggest a club choice, it does provide the accurate information you need to make the correct choice.

Can your device measure the distance of my drive or last shot?

Yes, Guru's simple to use marking feature allows you to measure the distance of desired shots. The Guru marking readout is continuous once set, and can be read from any of the three views available on the Guru. No fumbling around for the distance measurement screen.

Can the Golf Guru track the number of putts I made per hole or the number of greens made in regulation?

Yes. The Golf Guru provides the functionality for your tracking of these statistics.

Are any/all round statistics archived for later recall? Can the Golf Guru calculate historical statistics per course?

Yes. Rounds can be archived for later review. Round scores can be viewd in your member account under "My Rounds" Statistics and shot marks will be enabled on the website soon. While GPS Golf Guru will not try to analyze any data, you will be able to download for your own analysis.

Can the Golf Guru keep score for multiple players?

No.

Does the Golf Guru PC-based software include functionality to conduct a tournament (i.e., upload multiple Golf Gurus to compile scoring database, confirm longest drives, closest to the cup, mandatory scramble requirements, etc.)?

This feature is available when using Vision Perfect tournament software. Interested parties should contact Golf Guru Sales for further information.

How do I purchase a Golf Guru? Is it available at retail outlets or pro shops?

The Golf Guru is the next generation of GPS golf handheld technology and is currently sold through the Golf Guru website. Distribution channels through retailers and pro shops have been contracted and others will be developed.

What kind of payment do you accept for the purchase of a Golf Guru?

We accept all major credit cards and PayPal. We encourage online purchasing, but will take orders by phone.

Can the Golf Guru be leased? Are group rentals available?

A lease and rental program is available to qualified courses and individuals. Contact Guru Sales for more information.

I want to order by phone; what number can I call?

Contact GPS Golf Guru customer service at 1-877-664-GURU (4878)

What is the price and/or total costs?

The Golf Guru is competitively priced and can be purchased on the web at www.gpsgolfguru.com.

How fast does the product ship? What shipping methods are available?

We expect shipping to occur within 1 business day upon your order.

What items are included with the purchase?

The G4 package includes the Guru device, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, and a wall charger. All other documentation and software can be downloaded directly from our website.

Are other accessories available?

The Golf Guru has a complete line of carry cases, cart mounting kits, a/c charger and a car charger available. See the Guru Store for more details.

Does the Golf Guru have a warranty?

Yes, the Golf Guru has a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Is an extended warranty available?

Yes, Guru offers a three year extended warranty. You must purchase this warranty no later than 60 days after your original Guru purchase. Proof of Purchase may be required. The extended warranty may be purchased directly on the website.

Do I also have to subscribe to a GPS provider?

No, satellite signals are free for all to use, and there is no subscription.

Does the company retain my credit card information after the purchase has been completed?

No, which is why you will be asked to provide this information each time you make a purchase.

Is any of my personal information shared outside GPS Golf Guru? Will I receive marketing communications (phone, mail, email, fax) as a result of a Golf Guru purchase?

GPS Golf Guru has a strict policy of not sharing any customer information outside of our company. You may receive an occasional marketing offer from GPS Golf Guru, but marketing communications from other companies will not result from your Golf Guru purchase.

Do I have to pay for a Membership to download Guru Courses?

No. Guru Membership and Standard course map downloads are free. We have no plan to charge for map subscriptions. If at any point we decide to start charging for map subscriptions, Guru’s purchased prior to the date of the announcement of the plan to start charging will be grandfathered as long as the original purchaser owns them. As an added feature we do currently offer AerVu map upgrades for an additional charge but they are not required and all units can be used without them. Please refer to our store for more information regarding AerVu map pricing.

What is GPS?

The Global Positioning System uses a constellation of at least 24 satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit precise microwave signals that enable a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed/direction, and time.

How accurate is the Golf Guru?

In golf course conditions, the Golf Guru is typically accurate to +/- 1 yard with WAAS corrections. Without WAAS, accuracy is typically better than +/- 2 yards.  The Guru uses a 16 channel high sensitivity u-blox receiver with Guru proprietary accuracy augmentation.

Does the Golf Guru incorporate the latest WAAS technology for reception and accuracy?

Yes, and it pulls in and locks on these weakest of GPS signals better than any other device on the market.

Do weather conditions affect the Golf Guru?

No. The Golf Guru is designed to be the most accurate and reliable GPS handheld product in the marketplace. Clouds and fog will not affect the performance of the Guru. Rain in heavy pine trees may affect the GPS signal because wet pine needles act as antennas that may interfere with GPS signals. Because the Guru is so sensitive, this is only an issue if your view of the sky is substantially blocked by the wet pine trees and rarely causes problems even in this case. The Guru's reception will be better than other GPS handhelds because of its high sensitivity.

Does the Golf Guru receive signals outside of the United States? If so, where, and is it just as accurate there?

Yes. As its name suggests, the Global Positioning System is global. Accuracy can improve in Europe and Japan due to their GPS augmentation strategy.

With what operating systems is the Guru Utility compatible?

In order to download course maps to the Golf Guru, it must be connected to a PC via the provided USB cable. The G2/G3/G4 models will communicate with a Windows PC running XP, Vista or Windows 7. The G2/G3 models will also communicate with an Apple PC (Intel processor) running OS X 10.4 or greater. After downloading maps, it is not necessary to use the PC; however, archiving of historical data on the PC allows for additional analysis and increased storage capacity.

What software does my computer need to run the Guru utility and to download golf courses from the Golf Guru web site?

You are provided the Guru Utility, which is the only software needed to use the Guru.

Can I connect the Golf Guru to any PC, and/or multiple PCs, that I might use in business or travel?

Yes. As long as they have the Guru Utility loaded on them.

How durable is the Golf Guru?

The Golf Guru has been designed to withstand rugged environments, repeated drops, and years of use. Don't let its light weight fool you; heavier units can be less tolerant of drops than the Golf Guru.

How long does the Golf Guru's battery last per charge? How many times can a battery be charged? Does the Golf Guru accept standard AA batteries?

A fully charged battery lasts approximately 14 hours in typical usage conditions. Batteries can be recharged several hundred times. The Golf Guru does not accommodate standard AA batteries. A solar charged battery is available that will run the Guru even if your batteries die.

Does the Golf Guru use a rechargeable battery?

Yes, it uses a lithium-ion polymer cell rechargeable battery.

Can I use the Golf Guru while it is being charged?

Yes, course map downloads and general operation can be done while charging.

Can I charge the Golf Guru in my car or golf cart?

The Golf Guru can be recharged in your car or golf cart by purchasing the optional car charger accessory.

Are there mounting brackets and kits available to mount the Guru in my cart?

If you are more comfortable leaving your Guru in the golf cart, there are several mounts and kits available that allow you to mount your Guru. These mounts make it easy to leave your Guru in your cart or take it with you to your ball on cart path only days.

Is the Golf Guru's technology licensed under U.S. Patent No. 5,364,093?

The Golf Guru was developed by the team that originated the application of GPS technology to golf and who originally patented this technology. The Golf Guru is licensed to use those patents.

Is the Golf Guru a defendant in any patent infringement cases?

The Golf Guru is not a defendant to any patent infringement litigation.

Where can I find a Golf Guru User Manual?

Click here to find the Golf Guru User Manual on this site.

How do I contact Golf Guru Customer Support?

Click here to contact Golf Guru Customer Support, or call 1-877-664-GURU (4878).

Can the Guru display distance in either yards or meters?

Yes. Select your preferences by selecting the "Menu" button

Can I reset the Golf Guru to restore default functionality?

Coming soon.

Why doesn't the rechargeable battery on my Golf Guru last as long as it once did?

Always check that your battery is getting a good charge first. The charge indication should always come on when plugged in, and the battery should eventually show a full charge. As with any rechargeable battery, if you have recharged the Guru battery hundreds of times, its working time will start to get shorter. The Guru uses an inexpensive, standard Lithium Ion battery and can be easily replaced.