Fore! Taking a swing at using GPS for golf

Jun 18, 2010 4:46 PM

It wasn't until seeing another player use a golf GPS device that I realized how one could really improve my game. So, being an avid golfer, I have tried several GPS-enabled golf aids, each has enhanced and improved my game. I started with a SkyCaddie SG4 bought for under $200 on eBay. I then purchased a one-year subscription with SkyGolf.com for $50, which gives the device access to maps of courses across the country. (See our handheld hiking GPS advice and ratings.)

I've used the unit for a few of months now and I believe it has helped my game in a number of ways. Once my SkyCaddie acquires a signal from satellites above, it appears to be accurate to within five yards. Because of its accuracy I've been able to really learn the effective distances for all of the clubs in my bag. It's been especially helpful for my long game from 100 yards on, as well as on the green.

GolfLogix
Photo: Apple iTunes Store

Sold on the merits of GPS-enabled assistance, I brought the SkyCaddie with me recently to Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the Bronx. Before the round, I turned on the SkyCaddie and discovered that I hadn't downloaded the course! Plan B had me searching the Apple iTunes store on my iPhone 3G S for a suitable alternative. Scanning the available applications, I choose GolfLogix Golf GPS. This app has a free full-featured 24-hour trial. A one-year subscription is $40, with access to more than 25,000 mapped courses. A small app, it took about 30 seconds to download, then another minute to get this specific course. (GolfLogix also offers versions for BlackBerry and Android.)

This iPhone app seems as accurate as my Skycaddie GPS, providing convenient assistance, with aerial views, distances, score tracking, and various statistics. Given the free trial, this is a good way for a smartphone users to try using a digital caddy before committing to a purchase.

Golfshot
Photo: Apple iTunes Store

I have just downloaded the Golfshot app for my iPhone. Again, this is available with a free version that can give you a feel for the product. I am pleased with how it works and have since upgraded to the full $30 version. I like the way it keeps score and emails scorecards at the end of each round, plus keeps statistics of my progress. Best part, it doesn't require a subscription.

We have had many readers inquire about GPS devices for golfing. And while we haven't truly tested any, my casual experience has shown that these handheld helpers can be very useful. And they can be extremely distracting.

The more expensive devices give you the ability to keep score for a foursome and track statistics, just as the GolfLogix and Golfshot apps can. And then at the end of the round you can email the results to everyone in the group. Using this new technology could truly lower your scores by keeping track of where you're making improvements and what you need to work on.

A dedicated device might be the right solution for many players, though if you have a smartphone, try a free app before committing or see if your local course has device rentals. Sometimes they are included with a golf-cart rental

—Brian Goldstein