Cool golf gear alert! I’ve been testing out the new Bushnell Phantom 2 Golf GPS for a few weeks. Thrilled to have it, as my original Bushnell Phantom was lost/stolen. I’ll cover that more in a minute. First. let’s take a look at the Phantom 2.
Features
The Phantom 2 provides GPS data for over 38,000 golf courses around the globe. I haven’t visited a course yet with either my original Phantom or the Phantom 2 that didn’t pop right up on the courses list (below).
The data includes front, center and back yardages. Knowing something other than center is strategically beneficial so one can choose the appropriate shot in terms of risk, carry, and optimal distance.
The yardages (pictured below) are shown in very large, easy-to-read numbers. Even if the unit is on your bag or golf cart several feet away the yardages are easy to read.
The unit automatically detects when the golfer moves to the next hole and advances the data to that hole. Of course, the user can manually control which hole he is on in the event of some…. “errant” shots.
The unit is pocket sized, small and light. It’s easy to carry in a pocket, but also comes with a clip for clipping it onto a bag or a belt. The clip features a loop so the unit can be attached to a golf bag with a carabiner. The back features a strong magnet to stick it to the supports of a golf cart. Pay close attention to where you put it.*
Each golf hole can have up to six hazard/layup distances per hole. This is extremely useful information, especially for that first time on a course when the player is unsure what to hit and how far the hazards and carries are.
The green-view screen is very informative and useful. It shows the shape of the green and allows the user to cycle through the different pin placements, showing the yardage for each pin placement. This is vital information which will help the player choose the right club and avoid missing greens and/or three-putts.
The player can track each shot, including putts. Below I’ve 2-putted the 17th.
The unit doesn’t just count up shots, it also tracks shot direction and distance so the user can analyze the round later and use that recon for improvement. Knowing what to work on is fantastic. Missing a bunch of fairways to the left? AIM RIGHT! LOL.
The internal battery lasts up to 18 hours, perfect for those summer solstice day-long marathons! The battery is charged via USB-C. Nice that it isn’t an odd and hard to find proprietary cable.
Lastly, the unit features a cool gray camo look.
Final Thoughts
The features packed into an affordable $129.00 retail price for the Phantom 2 are many. Yardages are quick and convenient, as is shot tracking. Play with confidence in your choices, knowing the proper distances, hazards, and pin placements.
*Beware of attaching the unit to a golf cart! I used my original Phantom this way until the day I forgot to take it off the cart. Despite the fact that I’d played the fanciest private club in town, by the time I realized I’d left the unit on the card and ran back to the clubhouse, the Phantom was gone.
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