Golf GPS, anyone?

Mastery of the golf course is already half the battle.You could put in the handicaps but still, knowing where the water hazard, sand bunker and other traps lies are advantages you would prefer over any other handicap.

More and more people are seeing the benefits and advantage of a golf GPS. It offers intuitive strategy and careful planning that is not possible with estimates and other tools like a laser rangefinder. A good plan certainly works since golf is a precision sport and it takes a subtle amount of cunning planning and cleverness to rule the sport.

You probably came here to see what particular Golf GPS is the best. I am not recommending any brand right now, all of these Golf GPS units are good and has its strength and weaknesses but what I would offer is a general tip when buying a Golf GPS.

With that said, I'm going to arrange the GPS into price categories. At the end of this article, you would have a fair amount of knowledge to choose which Golf GPS unit's right for you.

The Cost Conscious Golfer ($200 below)

These units comprises the low end of the Golf GPS but that does not mean low quality. In fact with just a few basic functions that only displays in text, these technologies are quite mature that it can be more sturdy than those units in the more expensive golf GPS categories. With a trim down functionality, these GPS are also great for back-ups in case bad weather comes up in the middle of the game and don't want to compromise your more expensive GPS.

Many beginning golfers or those transitioning from their laser rangefinders to GPS might want to opt for this types of GPS. It is cheap, far easier to use, and is quite reliable.

The current contenders are:

GolfLogix Garmin GPS ($200). This little GPS offers large LCD screen for a quick look. It offers 6 hazard information per hole. No nonsense info layout design looks great even on a bright sunny day. It can store 20 courses at one time and download is free on a annual $ 29.95 membership fee.
IZZO Swami 1500 ($80). From the makers of golf bags and accessories, the Izzo Swami is the cheapest among the lot. It can store up to 10 courses, no annual fee, except $ 9.99 to register, and looks more of a toy than a golf GPS. But don't let that fool you. It is fast and accurate. and has long battery life for those long golf games.
Skycaddie family of Golf GPS. the SGX, SG5, and the SG3.5. The SG5 sells for $280 and the SG3.5 for $200. The skycaddie has been the recent favorite of golfers basically because they are priced competitively, and has lots of models to choose from. If you own an older SG2, they also offered a trade in program but is only currently available in the United States.

The Trailblazers. Mid Range Golf GPS for the Expert.($200 - $400)

Up a ladder in the category is the Mid range levels which has a colored and 3D display of courses that is constant in the 200-400 dollar range. Among the greats in this category is the Callaway Golf uPro, Garmin Approach G5, and the new Skycaddie SGX.

These models normally have built in game analyzer, more hazard info per hole, and can store up to 300,000 courses. The courses on these models have often been ground verified and is more accurate to the yardage than the more cheaper GPS in the market.

The Socialite Golf GPS. ($400)

Still up one notch are the touch screens golf GPS that is still in its infancy. It's capabilities and functionality far outweighs all the models in the lower range combined.These models primarily offers Touch targeting to virtually see all the distances from any point in the course with just a one fingertip. The accuracy is the same as with the mid-range, but as with all tools that have a lot of buttons, there is a bit of learning curve towards these models. Your game might not improve or interest anyone, but you sure have the bragging rights that came with these models.

Sonocaddie Golf GPS V500

This house of famer golf GPS has pinpoint touch screen positioning, has an awesome 3D flyover that literally divot the whole course for you to analyze and a preloaded golf course complete with yardage guide.

Garmin Approach G5 ($499)

Garmin's G5 boasts of no annual membership fees and a rugged waterproofed touchscreen. Its transreflective screen is readable even in a bright sunny day. It is USGA and R&A rules compliant and has a carry in warranty of 2 years.

There you have it, the full range of Golf GPS that is categorized according to their price range. I would have done it the other way categorizing based on functionality or features, but that is for another article. I hope you enjoy reading this article and hopefully you can decide on which unit's right for you.