HOME > Support > FAQ
 
  A. General  
1. When I use the Golf Buddy is there anything else I need?
2. How does the Golf Buddy advance my game?
3. How long does the battery last on one charge?
4. Does The Golf Buddy consider the slope of fairway?
5. What if my Golf Buddy is damped in water?
 

  B. How to use Golf Buddy  

1. Can I record my own special target point using The Golf Buddy?
2. Can I record my own course using Golf Buddy?
3. Can I use Golf Buddy, to measure the distance of my shots?
4. When The Golf Buddy was turned off in 4th hole in play I turned on again, but Golf Buddy could     not detect the hole. What should I do?
5. The Golf Buddy shows 2nd hole information suddenly while playing in the 1st hole. Should I     change the hole manually?
6. Can I set the distance unit to my preferences?
 
  C. GPS  
1. How accurate is GPS?
2. How long it takes time to Golf Buddy receive signals?
3. What do I have to do when the GPS satellite signal is weak with The Golf Buddy?
4. What is the difference of using The Golf Buddy over a conventional laser rangefinder?
 
  D. Golf Courses  
1. How many golf courses do you have available?
2. How can I download the course data from your website?
3. How many course data can be stored on Golf Buddy?
4. What if my Golf Buddy is out of data memory?
 
  E. Sales  
1. Do you keep record of my credit card information when I buy online?
2. I’m interested in personally selling The Golf Buddy. Do you have any sales positions open?
3. My golf shop would like to offer Golf Buddy to our customers. Who can we contract for more     information?
4. What kind of payment do you accept?
5. What is the warranty period for The Golf Buddy?
6. Do you offer money-back guarantee?
7. I want to order by phone. What number can I call?
 
  F.Ordering  
1. Assistance for new customers
2.Your Account
3.Warranties
4. Sales tax
 
  G. Shipping and Handling  
1. Shipping rates : All packages are shipped via UPS
 

  H. Returns  

1. Return policy
2. Refunds
3. Returns procedure
4. Packing and sending your return
 
 
  A. General  
 
1. When I use the GolfBuddy is there anything else I need?
No, you don't need anything except enjoying the game. Golf Buddy has built in GPS system in it.
2. How does the Golf Buddy advance my game?
The GolfBuddy provides you the distance to targets all throughout the course. Golf Buddy can measure the distance to objects that are not in your line of sight. You will be able to get the distance to carries, bunkers, and other points that come into play using the same information a professional caddie would give you. The Golf Buddy will enable you to play faster and easier.
3. How long does the battery last on one charge?
The Golf Buddy uses rechargeable battery. A full charge of depleted battery only takes 3 to 4 hours and typically lasts for up to 10 hours of continuous use.
4. Does The Golf Buddy consider the slope of fairway?
The distance information provided by The Golf Buddy does not considered the slope of the fairway. However, Golfers can correct the distance difference owed to the slope by continuously training as The Golf Buddy provides the distance information with the same standard as the horizontal condition.
5. What if my Golf Buddy is damped in water?
The Golf Buddy can be used in rainy day play. But in the case that your Golf Buddy shows data by getting fully wet, remove the battery first and drain off in a dry environment. After removal of water in The Golf Buddy, insert the battery again and turn it on. It will be normal as usual. If there is something wrong in Golf Buddy even after you follow the process, please send an e-mail to us so that we can assist you promptly.
 
  B. How to use Golf Buddy  
 
1. Can I record my own special target point using The Golf Buddy?

Yes. Basically course data in The Golf Buddy provides bunker information in fairways, as well as hazards. However, sometimes you need your own target information. In this case, you can add your own target by using "Add Target" menu in advanced function of Golf Buddy after you move to target position that you want. The maximum number of targets in a hole which Golf Buddy can contain is up to 13 targets including the targets we provide.

2. Can I record my own course using Golf Buddy?
Yes. You can record the front, center, and back of each green with your Golf Buddy. After this simple set up, turn on the Golf Buddy and it will automatically provide distance to each green for the entire round without touching a button.
3. Can I use Golf Buddy, to measure the distance of my shots?
Yes. All you need is to press “Mark” button before you hit your shot, and then press “Mark” button again at your ball to see the distance of your shot. You will know the distance every club you shot.
4. When The Golf Buddy was turned off in 4th hole in play I turned on again, but Golf Buddy could not detect the hole. What should I do?
Normally The Golf Buddy is designed for automatic recognition of course and hole. But in case of a power outage, The Golf Buddy may have lost satellite signal information for a moment. After turn on The Golf Buddy, generally it takes 1 or 4 minutes to receive the stable satellite signals in open-wide areas such as a golf club.
5. The Golf Buddy shows 2nd hole information suddenly while playing in the 1st hole. Should I change the hole manually?
In some golf clubs, the distance between 2 holes is very narrow. In that case, Golf Buddy could detect other holes when you are at green. Please do not touch any buttons of Golf Buddy and move to tee box of other hole after hole-in. Golf Buddy will detect correct hole where you are. Golf Buddy always detects the initial hole information at tee box of each hole.
6. Can I set the distance unit to my preferences?
Yes. The Golf Buddy provides configuration of 4 kinds of distance units. You can choose your proper unit setting among Meters, Yards, Miles and Kilometers. As usual, Golf Buddy displays in Meters and Yards unit however when the distance number to target is over 999, Golf Buddy changes proper distance unit as Miles and Kilometers automatically.
 
  C. GPS  
 
1. How accurate is GPS?
Generally GPS error range is announced as 10m radius or over. Actual GPS data has wide spread distribution in a center point with recording GPS data change in fixed point. In normal environments, the error range is within 5m radius and the error range in wide open area such as golf club is in 1∼5m radius more accurate than city area. But in this case, actually sporadic error can be happened over 10m radius. GPS error correction in software programming means clearing of this kind of actual error or filtering of sporadic data change. Actually, the application of well-programmed filtering is very effective for clearing the GPS sporadic error and can provide more accurate coordination. But the principal weakness for application of filtering is a slow process for calculating the coordination. However, this kind of weakness is almost nothing for golfers because this time range is enough for considering golfer's movement in golf club. Actual error range announced by famous GPS companies such as Trimble and Surfer includes errors mentioned above. The important thing is that users consider this kind of error as a normal condition, and it has no effects on playing the game. In conclusion, GPS error ranges can be diminished in normal conditions such as wide-open area and can provide the accurate distance information for enjoying your round.
2. How long it takes time to Golf Buddy receive signals?
Golf Buddy can receive GPS signals from anywhere outside. It takes 1 or 4 minutes for receiving GPS signals but then it takes more time depending on your location in the areas or status of satellite.
3. What do I have to do when the GPS satellite signal is weak with The Golf Buddy?
The Golf Buddy can receive GPS signals from anywhere in the world. The Golf Buddy’s satellites are the same satellites used by U.S Military, and the FAA is now in the process of using the same system as the primary navigation system for aviation. Generally it takes 1 or 4 minutes to receive the stable satellite signals in open-wide areas such as golf clubs. But when roof or tree is in the way, it will take more time to be stable in some cases, it will not be detected where there are so many obstacles. In the case of continuous unstable signal, please turn off The Golf Buddy and turn on again to re-process it in the open area. The Golf Buddy can detect stable signal after 1 or 4 minutes.
4. What is the difference of using The Golf Buddy over a conventional laser rangefinder?
With a laser rangefinder, you cannot determine the distance to objects that are not in your line of sight, and it does not provide you with the distances to areas such as bunkers, dog leg holes, and water hazards that are difficult to get with lasers. The Golf Buddy can measure these distances without overshooting targets.
 
  D. Golf Courses  
 
1. How many golf courses do you have available?
We have around 400 golf courses in Southern California available for use with The Golf Buddy through our website, plus many international courses. We continuously add more new courses to our website daily.
2. How can I download the course data from your website?

Before using a USB Adapter to connect your Golf Buddy, please remember that you need to install the drivers. After installed drivers you can connect The Golf Buddy to your PC, then visit the Golf Buddy website "www.gpsgolfbuddy.com" to log in to our website. Click "The Direct Connect" button to connect The Golf Buddy to PC. Now you are ready to download course data as a member.

3. How many course data can be stored on Golf Buddy?

You can store data for up to 60 courses in your Golf Buddy. But in case the golf club has multiple courses, less than 60 golf club might be supported.

4. What if my Golf Buddy is out of data memory?

You can delete course data using our website or by using the advanced menu in The Golf Buddy.

 
  E. Sales  
 
1. Do you keep record of my credit card information when I buy online?
Your credit card information will be used only to process your order. We use Verisign to authorize the transaction. Credit card security is very important to us at The Golf Buddy, so you can be assured that we use the highest level of encryption if you do choose to have us store your credit card information.
2. I’m interested in personally selling The Golf Buddy. Do you have any sales positions open?

We will be looking forward to discussing with you further regarding the opportunity to represent the Golf Buddy in your respective sales territory. As you are aware, demand within the golf GPS range finder market is expanding at an enormous rate. Golfers are learning that utilizing the latest in technology leads to a marketable improvement in scores and enjoyment on the course. The Golf Buddy has taken the handheld GPS range finder to a new level in terms of technology and ease of use. As we prepare for a full launch, you will see that our company is strongly supportive, and will be working hand-in-hand with you. A full realm of sales material is available, including sales kits, point-of-purchase displays, and retail posters. A tremendous press and television advertising is gearing towards launch. Don’t miss this opportunity to represent the Golf Buddy in your area! We would be happy to provide you answers to your questions about the Golf Buddy, and willingly help you to get started immediately. Please feel free to contact us at 1-877-607-4653.

3. My golf shop would like to offer Golf Buddy to our customers. Who can we contract for more information?
You may contact us at 1-877-607-4653
4. What kind of payment do you accept?
We accept a variety of online payment options. The following forms of payment are accepted :
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
5. What is the warranty period for The Golf Buddy?
The Golf Buddy comes with a 90-day consumer limited warranty.
Commercial use is not under warranty and not allowed under the consumer license agreement.
6. Do you offer money-back guarantee?
Yes. The Golf Buddy comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. I want to order by phone. What number can I call?
You can call us at 1-877-607-4653
 
  F. Ordering  
 
1. Assistance for new customers

1) How do I place an online order?

Shopping and ordering online is a breeze at our online golf store.

 

2) New customers

It's quick and easy to create an account. Begin by clicking on 'My Account' at the top of each page. This will take you to the account 'sign in’ page. Once there, click the link that says 'Click here to create an account.' Next you'll go to the account registration page where you'll be prompted to enter some relevant information to create your Golf Buddy account.

Once completed, our website will recognize your registered e-mail address. For future transactions, all you'll have to do is to enter your registered password.

 

3) Returning customers

If you are an established Golf Buddy customer who has made an online purchase all you will need to sign in is your login ID and password.

 

4) Can I contact you with questions about my order?

If you have questions on a product or service, contact Golf Buddy Customer Service for assistance M-F 09 am- 06 pm at 1-877-607-4653 (US PST)
2. Your Account

1) Acceptable methods of payment
We accept a variety of online payment options. The following forms of payment are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover

2) Golf Buddy Membership
GolfBuddy offers free lifetime membership. That means there are no membership fees nor download fees.

3) How can I know whether my order has been received?
Upon completion of your order, Golf Buddy will send you an order confirmation e-mail specifying the products and quantities ordered, shipping and sales taxes (if applicable), and shipping address to your designated e-mail address. Please note that this can only occur if the email address you submitted upon registration is still active. You can update your existing ship-to address specific to this order once you are in the shopping cart.

4) Can I change my online order?
If you need to make a change to an existing online order after submittal, please contact Golf Buddy Customer Service by phone (toll-free US: 1-877-607-4653; fax:213-380-2125) as soon as possible. Although we will try our best to accommodate your change, Golf Buddy cannot guarantee that the order change can occur once it has submitted. Please include your order number and customer number (if known). There may be a slight delay between your online order submission and the download to our order processing system; therefore, it is vital that you have all the necessary information available for one of our Customer Service Representatives.

3. Warranties

We guarantee that

1) The Golf Buddy unit is free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of original purchase for the normal use. The Golf Buddy will not be responsible for any software, firmware, data, information, or memory data contained in, stored on, or integrated with any products returned to Golf Buddy for repair by the original purchaser. (“Purchaser”)

2) To obtain warranty service, Purchaser must contact The Golf Buddy customer service (toll free US: 1-877-607-4653) for a return the unit shipping postpaid, with proof of the date of original purchase and purchaser return address,

3435 Wilshire Blvd, suite 3060 , LA , CA 90010
4. Sales tax
Domestic sales tax is applied to all California orders. For all shipments sent outside of
the United States, duties and taxes are not covered by shipper.
 

   G. Shipping and Handling   

 
1. Shipping rates : All packages are shipped via UPS
1) Domestic shipping rates***

UPS Ground - $12.95* (1-6 Business Days**)
UPS 2 nd Day Air - $24.95* (2 Business Days*)
UPS Next Day Air - $44.95* (1 Business Day)

* $ 5.00 shipping and handling charge will be applied for each additional item in the shipment.
** Shipping time depends on your location in the U.S. from our warehouse in California.
*** Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico orders shipped by USPS priority mail.

 
  H. Golf Courses  
 
1. Return policy

1) 30 day period is effective upon date of purchase.
2) Guarantee applies to the cost of The Golf Buddy only.
3) Shipping and handling are excluded.
4) Any return must be in original packing, including all components in good condition.
5) Failure to adhere to any of these terms and conditions will void this Guarantee.

2. Refunds
Any reason your Golf Buddy purchase is unsatisfactory, we will issue a refund within 30 days of the original receipt date of your purchase. If the purchase is due to a warranted defect in workmanship or missing components, we will also refund any original

shipping charges.
3. Returns procedure

1) Please call our customer service at 1-877-607-4653 to obtain your Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and details about your return process. RMA numbers are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

2) We will not accept returns without a RMA number. Any items returned to Golf Buddy without a pre-authorized RMA number will be returned, post-paid shipping
4.Packing and sending your return

1) We cannot exchange items unless they are defective or damaged. All items must be in good condition, including the original packing. This means you must return the original box, software, packing, manuals and accessories.

2) All items must be shipped prepaid. Golf Buddy will refund the original shipping charges only for defective/damaged merchandise or due to our error.