Usually at Stewart we like talking about what our machines can do, not what they don't do. However, one of those topics that come up every now and again is GPS and will we ever add an integrated GPS to our trolley lineup. The short answer...no. But, we wanted to share with you why we don't offer it in our range.
Obviously we've considered integrating GPS into our machines, but every time we've had those conversations internally we've reached the same conclusion for the following reasons:
We Don't Want To Make You Compromise
We're confident we make the best golf trolleys available, but we're even more confident someone else makes a better GPS than we could. If we force you to have our GPS we're asking you to accept second-best, and we'd never do that! Buy the best trolley you can. But then buy the best GPS you can too.
You've Probably Already Got It
Most golfers already have GPS in some shape or form - in fact recently we conducted our largest ever customer survey, in which we found 96% of our golfers used some kind of GPS/distance measuring device - smartwatches are becoming almost as popular as smartphones. A good proportion of golfers also have a rangefinder for when they want the most accurate distance measurements. No GPS can compete for accuracy with a good quality laser rangefinder.
GPS Is Free
Even if you don't have a GPS watch, there are countless really good smartphone apps out there that offer accurate GPS totally free of charge! So why would we make you pay extra for it? What's more, your phone screen is way bigger with better resolution and easier to see when the sun is shining (remember that?) than any trolley screen could ever be. If you want to go down this route we offer a smartphone holder that fits neatly to any of our trolleys' handles.
You're Not Always With Your Trolley
With remote control, you're often playing your shots some distance from your trolley - and for good reasons. How frustrating would it be to have paid the extra money to get the freedom a remote trolley gives you and then have to be constantly tied to it just to read your GPS? Walking back to a tee box; leaving your trolley on a fairway while you go to find your ball; etc etc; we've all been there, and we've all then realised we didn't know the distance! Keep your GPS with you and don't think you have to have your trolley with you 100% of the time.
Screens Don't Add Much Value
A screen just doesn't add any value out on the golf course. If you have a Follow trolley then you can't see it anyway, and if you're using Remote then it should be 10 - 15 yards ahead for the best experience, so again you can't see it. What a screen does do is provide another potential failure and maintenance point, and drains battery power. Power is for motors as far as we are concerned. To be frank, we go to the golf course to get away from screens and you should too!
In summary, we don't offer integrated GPS because honestly, we don't see the point. The beauty of our trolleys is that they offer the best walking golf experience you'll ever have, so that's what we focus on giving you. For our money, the best place for traditional GPS is on your wrist, and the best way to get an accurate yardage is with a laser rangefinder.
WATCH: Q FOLLOW FEATURES
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Hi Mel,
Thanks for the link, however, having been in Marketing and business development, it’s well written as a bit of a cop out.
Having sold my X9 follow which was great, and now solely use my Powercaddy with GPS its really handy.
I dont have to remember to take a range finder or check my watch is charged, the GPS power usage is so small you will never notice it on the trolley battery. My PK also has a USB port to charge items
It’s conveniently there, even more so on a remote trolley as you can bring it over and not walk to it.
I know its personal choice, but I think you are missing the customer viewpoint and focusing on the manufacturing difficulty of making a high quality GPS or partnering with a Quality GPS supplier.
Stewart trolleys also miss out a stop function on the trolley, which could be handy if you drop the remote, take a few seconds to find it and stop the trolley and a stop button on the trolley could be hit while you sort that out
Hope you find this useful
Can you supply a gps sky caddie holder for the follow machine
Instead of making one, why not partner with someone who does GPS for a living, such as Garmin ?
Robert Hardie – Good article for justifying why there’s no GPS! Totally agree however the proprietor nature of the battery make it a big downer 😢very good machine.
Shame the rationale doesn’t seem to incorporate what the consumer wants which being an owner and knowing others is something we do want the option to add on. I’d also be reconsidering as your USP for the follow is that it’s as close to a caddie as you’ll get. You’re next generation should be looking to innovate and include a GPS and also shot tracing technology so that you can truly base the trolley on a caddie that in time will recommend what club to use – that needs to be the future of your trolley or you’ll be left behind in 5-10yrs and risk what Netflix did to Blockbuster – Mottocady will do that to Stewart Golf if you’re not careful.