True Distance (Plays-Like Yardage): What it is & how to turn it on/offUpdated 28 minutes ago
Overview
True Distance (sometimes called “plays-like yardage”) adjusts the raw GPS distance to reflect how a shot will actually play under current conditions. When enabled, the number you see on the target/card is an adjusted recommendation rather than a flat line-of-sight yardage.
Good to know: In tournaments that prohibit slope/plays-like features, you must turn True Distance off. Check your event’s rules.
What True Distance does
When turned on, the app calculates a plays-like yardage by considering factors such as:
Elevation change between you and the target (uphill vs. downhill)
Ambient conditions your phone can access (e.g., temperature, pressure, wind—when available/allowed)
Your current location (to anchor accurate GPS)
You’ll see a single adjusted yardage on screen. In places where both numbers are shown, Raw Distance (straight-line GPS) may appear alongside True Distance for context.
If you use voice yardages or a connected Blue Tees speaker, the announced number will match what’s shown in the app when True Distance is enabled.
Turn True Distance ON or OFF
During a round
On the yardage screen, swipe up to see the True Distance yardage highlighted in BLUE.
Tap the Yardage Number to turn True Distance ON or OFF.
Close the panel to continue play.
Tip: If you don’t see the toggle, update to the latest version of the app via the App Store/Google Play.
Requirements & permissions
Location Services: Set to Allow While Using (and Precise on iOS) for accurate GPS/elevation.
Network Access: Helps fetch local conditions if used by your device.
Device Sensors: Allow motion/compass prompts so the map and heading behave correctly.
Tournament mode & legality
Most casual play allows True Distance. Many competitive events (USGA/R&A rules of golf) do not. If your event prohibits “plays-like” or slope-based adjustments, turn True Distance OFF before starting the round.
Troubleshooting
Yardages look off.
Confirm True Distance is in the desired state (ON for plays-like, OFF for raw).
Re-enable Location Services with Precise location.
Make sure your phone has a clear view of the sky; avoid pockets or carts with metal roofs.
If using a Blue Tees speaker for voice yardages, ensure it’s connected in the app’s Devices section.
Numbers aren’t updating.
Force-quit and reopen the app, then re-start the round. If the issue persists, toggle True Distance OFF/ON once.
FAQ
Does True Distance change club recommendations?
True Distance gives you an adjusted yardage to help you choose a club as if you were hitting to a flat, neutral target.
Will it show both raw and adjusted yardages?
In some views you may see both; where a single number is shown, it reflects your current setting (True Distance ON = adjusted; OFF = raw GPS).
Is wind included?
When device data is available and allowed, conditions may inform the plays-like calculation. If not available, you’ll still get elevation-based adjustments.