Golf Cart GPS Tracker
Best Golf Cart GPS Trackers – Buying Guide 2023
Golf course managers face a critical challenge with golf cart thefts rising, leaving many to turn to trackers for golf carts. GPS tracking devices for golf carts are an immediate solution to boost theft protection and assist in theft recovery scenarios. The reality is when a GPS device is mounted on a golf cart it will allow golf course managers the ability to review the location data of every cart in the barn. This not only gives them the ability to know when a cart is missing but the same technology can be used to gather data on pace-of-play!
Both 9 and 18-hole golf courses can take up a vast area of land and therefore locating available carts returning from play or that are missing from the barn can be a challenge. Real-time GPS trackers can assist in vehicle tracking by showcasing the exact location of any golf carts on the course. This data can give golf course managers real-time data on how fast players are playing, but also alert them when carts arrive, depart, or go missing. In fact, Geo-fencing is another tracking system component that will send golf cart owners alerts as soon the cart leaves or enters the geo-fenced area!
Several types of golf cart GPS trackers have a wide range of functionalities and features. This article is a buyer’s guide for anyone who wants to compare the different golf cart tracking systems on the market today!
1. GPS GL300 By?SpyTec
Technical Specifications
SpyTec GL300 Installation And Setting Up
After installing and setting up the GPS tracking software on the SpyTec GL300, it is very easy to manage fleet tracking features. The blinking lights will show the device has acquired GPS signals and you can then find the real-time location of any golf carts on the golf course. Please know that a monthly subscription is required for SpyTec battery-powered GPS units.
SpyTec GPS car tracker is a motion-activated GPS tracker, and therefore, the battery life will depend on the movement of the golf carts each day.
ProsConsEasy installation and setup methodCostly monthly subscriptionAlerts (Texts and Emails)Not WaterproofUnlimited location data storage3-year warranty10-12 days battery lifeBuilt-in SIM card
SpyTec GL300 Performance Evaluation
The SpyTec is a dynamic GPS solution that will allow you to track your golf cart 24/7. SpyTec, which can also operate as a fully functional car GPS tracker, updates real time location every 15 minutes. Previously, the reporting period was one hour when used only for anti-theft. The benefits of golf cart tracking at a faster rate allows course managers to better observe the pace of play in more detail.
The alerts are integrated into this golf cart GPS tracking device using the geo-fencing feature. The geofencing feature will provide SMS and Email alerts whenever the geo-fenced area is violated. Furthermore, you will also get a communication lost alert when the internet connection drops.
The tracking for golf carts becomes seamless with this asset tracking device. Furthermore, one can also recover stolen golf carts.
Tested Features
2. LandAirSea GPS Asset Tracker
LandAirSea Technical Specifications
LandAirSea GPS 54 Installation And Setting Up
The setting up process of LAS GPS tracking for golf carts is very easy, but even if you do need help there is free tech support available for this waterproof GPS. The LandAirSea GPS asset tracker utilizes bar code scanning for swift activation. When choosing a data plan, the GPS locater provides update options as fast as every 3 seconds! That is the fastest on the market when it comes to providing golf cart location updates.
ProsConsQuick Setup using barcode scanningHigh monthly subscriptionAccurate GPS tracking solution and waterproofNo direction on the map14 days battery lifeUnlimited data storageIn-App alerts
Performance Evaluation
LAS 54 works seamlessly and provides carts’ location every minute by default. Furthermore, the course managers will also get notifications when any golf cart is moved without authorization. The location data is accurate within 6 feet, and the mini GPS is one of the smallest on the market. That makes it very easy to hide the waterproof GPS within any golf cart. The end result? Cart theft incidents are reduced significantly.
Tested Features
3. Trakkit App for Android And iOS
Technical Specifications
Installation And Setting Up
A cellphone can function as a reliable and accurate GPS asset tracker and that is exactly what the Trakkit app can do with anyone’s smartphone. Trakkit app is a dynamic tracking app that can be downloaded on iPhone or Android devices. You can not only protect your mobile phone from theft but can also use the Trakkit device to get the real-time GPS location of golf carts.
One thing we like is that this tracking app has a very low monthly subscription of $7.99. The installation process is very simple. You are only required to download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play store. After that, you can set up the phone on the golf cart to start the GPS tracking.
ProsConsLow monthly subscription packageHardware Kit RequiredIn-App alertsUnlimited data storageEasy to useAccurate GPS tracking
Performance Evaluation
The Trakkit app is one of the best tracking options for avoiding golf cart thefts, but honestly, it does not come close to a stand-alone GPS tracker such as the LandAirSea 54 or SpyTec GL300. Sure, the Trakkit app notifies the golf cart owner whenever it goes out of the geofenced area, but that means you have to leave your cell phone in the golf cart, which is not very functional. This is not a GPS for golf carts, but only an app.
Tested Features
How To Install A?GPS Tracking Device In A Golf Cart
The installation process of GPS tracking devices is straightforward. Some devices are battery-powered, while others are directly integrated with the golf cart’s battery. The golf cart tracker is installed so that it remains hidden, resulting in a better anti-theft strategy. The most viable installation option is to install the cart GPS tracker directly with the cart’s battery.
Installing The Voltage Reducer On Golf Cart
A voltage reducer is a prerequisite before installing golf carts’ tracking device. This is because the tracking technology operates at 12 volts or lower. On the other hand, electric golf carts operate with battery capacities of 24, 36, or 48 volts. Therefore, the GPS tracking system will be damaged if directly connected to the cart’s battery.
Thereby, it is necessary to use a voltage reducer when connecting the fleet GPS tracker with the golf cart’s battery. The converter will bring down the voltage to 12 volts which will ensure the operational efficiency of the golf cart GPS system.
How To Mount GPS Tracker On Golf Cart
You have to use a mounting device if you use a cell phone as a tracker, such as in the case of the Trakkit app. Therefore, you will have to use a waterproof case with a magnetic material attached to the back. After placing the phone inside the case, you can place it anywhere.
The catch of using a phone as a tracking device is that it will track the locations even if it is inside the metal boxes. So a small hole is drilled inside the case so that the USB cable connected to the golf cart’s battery system does not get damaged.
FAQs
How Does GPS Work in Golf Cart?
You can install the GPS tracker in a golf cart like you install one for a car or a motorcycle GPS tracker. You may require to use a voltage converter as GPS trackers require 12 volts for operation and will get damaged if you connect them directly to the golf cart’s battery system. You can install the tracker and hide it anywhere within the golf cart.
How Can I Lower My Golf Handicap Fast?
GPS tracking systems have become more popular than ever before, but many people may be shocked to know that GPS has become a common word on the golf course. Now, in between cigar breaks and talks about how the wife is crazy, men discuss golf GPS units as much as they do putting lines and the right iron for a particular shot. How GPS plays a significant role in lowering a golfer’s score by accurately acquiring the proper distance from the fairway/tee box to the hole. Before the creation of handheld GPS units, golfers had to make estimates on how far the yardage was from a particular spot to the flag on the green. Golf GPS units eliminate the guessing game, providing golfers with the exact distance from point A to point B, making it easy for a golfer to discover the appropriate club selection.
Imagine you are on a Par 5 and you just hit a drive that went 230 yards, 200 of which went right down the fairway and 30 that hooked off into the 70’s porn bush as my friend likes to call the rough. The blue stake is easily 100 yards away, but it is difficult to judge the distance from your spot to the flag because of your crappy lie. Looking to simply hit it far, you grab a 3 wood, take a good whack, and now are 180 yards closer, but on the rough on the other side. Your third shot is now a really tough one because you are somewhere between 130-150 yards to the pin, but with no white marker in sight, it is a complete guessing game. You decide to go with a 9 iron and come up short of the green.
Although stories like this are common among weekend hackers, by knowing the exact distance you are to the flag you give yourself an incredible edge. In the above story, if the golfer on his third shot knew he was 141 yards from where he stood to the flag he likely would have gone with an 8 iron over a 9 iron, landing on the green instead of a little short. Golf GPS units provide the solution to this common problem and can easily shave 3-4 strokes off any person’s game.
GPS tracking and navigation technology have given us the ability to find our way if we are lost, see if our teenagers are speeding, and more. Satellite technology continues to progress to the point where GPS devices are now able to help us locate our cars, recover our vehicles if they are stolen, and now improve our golf game. With GPS tracking systems now becoming more prevalent on the golf course, many people are wondering if technology is taking the fun out of the game.
Is Using A Golf GPS Cheating Or Make The Game Less Fun?
Personally, this golf enthusiast?loves to spend any free time swinging the clubs. I usually get together with a few friends and we will either play teams or a dollar hole for skins competition. We try to play the game close to the rules, but at the same time, we don’t take the game too seriously because the point of golf is to have fun, and realistically nobody in the group will be joining the PGA anytime ever. We don’t count penalty strokes for practice shots in the sand, if the ball is sitting on a root we may give it a little kick in the right direction, and if the ball is within a foot of the cup we don’t force the person to putt. We also allow one mulligan per nine holes; giving each person essentially two redo shots. We do these things because we want to have a good time while on the course. We want to have a couple of beers, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors, not pay attention to every little detail. This is why I understand so many people are opposed to the use of personal GPS trackers and GPS systems that help give golfers a competitive edge.
GPS systems designed for golfing allow players to use precise satellite technology to gauge the distance from where the golfer is standing on the fairway to the exact pin location. This can help a golfer better figure out what is the best club choice for his or her particular shot. However, suggesting it is cheating seems a bit out of bounds.
Author - Ryan Horban