Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to answer the most common questions here. If you do not see what you need, please contact us
Benefits
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.
Course Maps
Which operating systems is the Guru currently compatible with?
Golf Guru is compatible with WIN XP, WIN Vista & 7 Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre (WMDC).
XP users will need to install Microsoft Activesync 4.5.
*Note that WIN 7 often has WMDC already installed.
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 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 Golf Guru can store up to 200 Guru course maps.
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.
Purchase
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 On-Pin website. Distribution channels through retailers and pro shops have been contracted and others will be developed. See list of stockists
What kind of payment do you accept for the purchase of a Golf Guru?
We accept Visa & MasterCards. We encourage online purchasing, but will take orders by phone.
How fast does the product ship? What shipping methods are available?
We expect shipping to occur within 3-4 business day upon your order
What items are included with the purchase?
The Golf Guru package includes the Guru unit, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, and the Guru desktop utility for PC's. The most basic website package also includes your choice of AC wall, or car charger.
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.
Does the Golf Guru have a warranty?
Yes, the Golf Guru has a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
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 On-PIn 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,) as a result of a Golf Guru purchase?
On-Pin has a strict policy of not sharing any customer information outside of our company. You may receive an occasional marketing offer from On-Pin, but marketing communications from other companies will not result from your Golf Guru purchase.
Membership
Do I have to pay for a Membership to download Guru Courses?
No. Guru Membership and course 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 (i.e., the original purchaser of that Guru will never be charged for map downloads).
Technology
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.
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.
Is the Golf Guru small enough to carry in my pocket comfortably?
The Golf Guru is the smallest GPS golf handheld on the market and comfortably fits in a shirt pocket to be available when and where you need it. If you prefer to leave the unit in your golf cart, mounting kits are available.
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.
Troubleshooting
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 send a support request
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.
We have tried to answer the most common questions here. If you do not see what you need, please contact us
Benefits
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.
Course Maps
Which operating systems is the Guru currently compatible with?
Golf Guru is compatible with WIN XP, WIN Vista & 7 Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Centre (WMDC).
XP users will need to install Microsoft Activesync 4.5.
*Note that WIN 7 often has WMDC already installed.
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 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 Golf Guru can store up to 200 Guru course maps.
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.
Purchase
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 On-Pin website. Distribution channels through retailers and pro shops have been contracted and others will be developed. See list of stockists
What kind of payment do you accept for the purchase of a Golf Guru?
We accept Visa & MasterCards. We encourage online purchasing, but will take orders by phone.
How fast does the product ship? What shipping methods are available?
We expect shipping to occur within 3-4 business day upon your order
What items are included with the purchase?
The Golf Guru package includes the Guru unit, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, and the Guru desktop utility for PC's. The most basic website package also includes your choice of AC wall, or car charger.
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.
Does the Golf Guru have a warranty?
Yes, the Golf Guru has a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
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 On-PIn 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,) as a result of a Golf Guru purchase?
On-Pin has a strict policy of not sharing any customer information outside of our company. You may receive an occasional marketing offer from On-Pin, but marketing communications from other companies will not result from your Golf Guru purchase.
Membership
Do I have to pay for a Membership to download Guru Courses?
No. Guru Membership and course 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 (i.e., the original purchaser of that Guru will never be charged for map downloads).
Technology
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.
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.
Is the Golf Guru small enough to carry in my pocket comfortably?
The Golf Guru is the smallest GPS golf handheld on the market and comfortably fits in a shirt pocket to be available when and where you need it. If you prefer to leave the unit in your golf cart, mounting kits are available.
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.
Troubleshooting
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 send a support request
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.
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