The SkyCaddie SG5 golf GPS caddie provides accurate details of the distance to and any hazards between the green and the user’s location. The courses are downloaded via the internet and the software is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. A free option is available; however, the user will not have access to the professional maps. The player will need to map their own courses with many of the hazards and other details not included in the free course download without a paid membership. Many other features of the GPS are limited to only certain types of membership levels. Membership does not increase the warranty or memory capacity of the unit.

A digital scoreboard assists the player with tracking their game and can be adjusted to a particular handicap. While the electronic caddy is keeping score, the GPS can calculate drive distance. A player can even specify the club used for a drive to track distance for future reference.
This version of the SkyCaddie SG5 golf GPS can also display the ‘safest’ route to the hole from the tee. It demonstrates possible ways to avoid bunkers and other hazards. This is possible due to ground GPS being utilized in addition to satellite. However, this option is only available on holes greater than a par 3.

Sky Golf utilizes many original techniques to provide most of the features available on the SkyCaddie. Therefore, these features are not available in the same formats elsewhere. Some courses are not yet available using their patented IntelliGreenTM mapping.

The rechargeable battery has an approximately 14 hour battery life when fully charged. Other specifications of the SkyCaddie include a waterproof case and 2.2” color LCD screen. This caddie can be considered compact with a weight of 5.5 oz and measurements of 5.4 x 2.2 x 1.0 inches. The SkyCaddie SG5 golf GPS is a great gift for both advanced and beginning golfers – and is sure to be well-received.

The uPro Golf GPS by Callaway Golf is an accurate way for golfers to measure distances to exact locations within every hole they play. Courses are downloaded without any software via a mini USB that is included with purchase.

This electronic golf gps caddie does not require a membership fee to use any of its default features. There are two types of downloads available for most courses. The basic download includes the yardage and hazards. Many courses are available for the second download option or ProModeTM. There is a one time, per course, fee for this upgraded download. With this added feature, the user can view an aerial video of the entire hole prior to playing the hole. This allows the user to see the entire hole, including hazards and obstacles. The GPS display includes aerial and satellite views of the course. While it calculates distance, it also considers hazards (both immediate and anticipated) to chart the safest path. With each change in location, it automatically updates the best way to avoid hazards. The points suggested by the uPro are user adjustable. This also includes aerial pictures with superimposed distances and paths. As some courses may not be available yet, a potential customer can search for course availability on the uPro website prior to purchasing.

This device does not have a scoreboard or drive measurement feature as is typical with other GPS/electronic caddies. It is very compact as it weighs only 3.1 oz and its overall dimensions are 4 x 2 x 0.65 inches. The rechargeable battery, when fully charged, can last approximately 10-12 hours. The LCD screen is 2.2 inches and in color. Another feature of the display screen is the use of trans-reflective technology to assist with viewing the screen in direct, bright sunlight.

The uPro Golf GPS by Callaway Golf is sure to make a must-have for any golfer’s bag – whether you’re looking for a unique gift for someone who “has everything” or have decided to pick this golfer’s helper up for yourself.

Golfer’s can use the Sonocaddie V300 GPS to determine the distance and overall view to the green from any point on a golf course even when the user’s field of vision is not clear. The actual course map will need to be downloaded to the unit via a PC (does not support Mac OS) with an included mini USB cable and software. As courses can change, the player can edit and delete aspects of the course as needed (including some landscaping such as trees). The built-in memory has the capability of storing up to 30 courses.

With this electronic golf gps caddie, a golfer can also utilize GPS technology to measure shot distance (in units of yards, meters, kilos meters, or miles). The user pushes a button prior to taking their shot and walks to the ball’s placement all the while the GPS measures the shot. The measurements are threaded together and can be retrieved at a later time at the user’s own discretion.

Another feature of the Sonocaddie V300 is a digital scorecard. After game completion the electric caddie can conduct a statistical analysis of the player’s game. One hundred scorecards can be store for review later. This recorded information also includes the way-lay of each hole for future use.

A membership is required to utilize some special features, but not for overall use and access to the GPS signal itself. Utilizing paid memberships also extends the warranty of the product. Some membership perks can also be purchased ala carte.

Overall specifications include rechargeable battery with approximately 15 hours of use when fully charged. The unit is waterproof and the GPS signal is received via a built-in antennae. Altogether the Sonocaddie V300 weighs 5 oz and measuring 4.3″ x 2.3″ x 1.1″. The LCD screen is 1.1” and displays in color with backlight.

Golf – it is no longer your father’s game; on the contrary, a golf GPS caddie is the “wave of the future”, available right now at your favorite golf store.  A golf GPS or global positioning system provides players with an edge over the competition when it comes to determining yardage – and provides golfers with course maps that can be used for that purpose.  (Now we know what the guys at NASA have been working on all these years).

Golf GPS Caddie Options

The golf GPS caddie works in a revolutionary way through the use of satellite positioning to determine how far you need to hit the ball with which club in order to get the ball to the hole. Although there are tons of options (and the list seems to be growing bigger every day) here are some top-rated choices:

-          Sky Caddie SG5 GPS.  This is a handheld digital model that lists for $349.99-399.99, but can be found for a significantly lower price from time to time.  The Sky Caddie has a programmable GPS range finder, USB cable to connect the unit to your laptop or desktop computer, an AC battery charger, software, belt clip, and quick start operational manual to help you get your golf game up to “par” even faster.

-          For those golf enthusiasts who have a pocket PC, the GPS Golf Pro with BlueTooth GPS Receiver is a great option.  Listing for around $350, the Golf Pro has an electronic scorecard, club recommendations, shot-by-shot tracking, scorecard email and GPS distances.  Great stocking stuffer.

-          Callaway uPro Golf GPS has it own “Smartview” technology featuring aerial video flyovers of the holes.

Shopping for Your Golf GPS Caddie

Shopping around for the best golf GPS caddie for your needs or for that dream gift will be the best way to find a real bargain. There are many different models at various price points depending on the features you need.  You can read reviews of many of the models, right here. The golf GPS caddie is one of the best ever golf bag accessories – and makes an ideal gift for any avid golfer, even if that golfer is…you!

Benefits of Golf GPS Caddie

The most obvious benefit that you’ll realize if you use a golf GPS caddie is improvement in your golf game.  A golf GPS caddie can allow you to stop “guess-timating” how far you need to hit the ball and validates your club choice, which allows you to avoid distraction from your stroke.  The golf GPS caddie can determine the number of yards you need to hit the ball to get it to where it needs to be – which allows you to simply enjoy the game.  When compared to the costly price of lessons or other products that don’t work as well , the golf caddie GPS is a wise investment.

Golf enthusiasts looking to improve their game are often drawn to tech gadgets that can help them achieve a better game of golf – and with the new golf GPS caddie systems that are out there on the market, many golfers are wondering if the golf GPS is optimal to the laser range finders that have been around for a while.  Let’s look at which will have you “up to par” with your golf game soonest – and keep in mind that both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Golf GPS for Accurate Yardage

A golf GPS unit uses a satellite based global mapping device that communicates with satellites above the earth’s atmosphere to determine your exact location – and is pre-programmed with golf course maps that enable the device to determine with pinpoint accuracy the number of yards that you need to hit the ball in order to score.  The GPS golf caddie can also tell you the distance to important landmarks around the course; as an example, the front of the green for the hole you are playing at the moment.  With a golf GPS caddie, you do not have to aim the unit at a specific target in order to obtain an accurate reading for yardage – which can be very advantageous to you if your target is not in your direct line of sight, or in an elevated area, or if your vision is hindered by an obstacle, like a tree or a bush.   Additionally, unlike a range finder, you do not need a steady hand or a keen eye in order to line up the GPS unit because you’re not aiming for anything in particular – just getting specific directions on how far you need to make the ball go.

Laser Range Finder

The laser range finder is quite a different machine than the golf GPS caddie.  The range finder is actually an optical device that is a cross between a laser gun (like those used by law enforcement to detect speed) and a pair of high tech binoculars.  Operating much like the scope on a hunting rifle, the laser range finder allows you to select an object, lock onto it, and then measure the distance to that object with a fair degree of accuracy.

Choosing Between the Two

For the serious golfer, the golf GPS caddie is the best investment because it doesn’t require that you aim at a specific target; in fact, most targets for most courses are already in its database – which means that it knows even your old familiar course better than you do.  And the golf GPS caddie is much simpler to use, requiring less guesswork than the laser range finder.