The problem with playing different courses all the time is the “unknown” factor that typically adds 5-7 strokes to my game.  Those “unknowns” that can be the difference between an 82 and a 90.  Well, I have found the perfect gadget for guys like me, the SkyCaddie^® SG5 and the GolfLogix GPS powered by Garmin.  These two products take the guessing game out of golf.  They are truly like having your own caddie with a yardage book for every course you play.

The SkyCaddie SG5 is the more advanced golf GPS device.  The 200 x 176 pixel color display gives you all the information you need in the palm of your hand.   Like most GPS devices, you need to sign up for a package to download courses.  The SkyCaddie product gives you different packages for your playing style.  For someone like myself who travels to various parts of the country to play, I would sign up for the “Eagle” plan which would allow me to download courses all over the US.  Once you sign up, it is very easy to download courses and you are ready to go.

As you walk onto a tee with the SkyCaddie device, you instantly see key yardage points to carry hazards or ideal landing areas.  What sets the SkyCaddie apart from other golf GPS devices is SkyCaddie does not rely on typical GPS data.  Instead, certified SkyCaddie specialist actually walk the course and input vital course information.  That information is priceless when you come up to a blind fairway shot and instantly know the best distance for a lay-up or the exact distance you need to carry the trap. 

What truly sets apart the SkyCaddie GPS product is their patented “IntelliGreen^®” feature.  Most GPS units will give you the distance to the center of the green.  IntelliGreen automatically displays front/center/back distances based on line of site to the green. The IntelliGreen feature allows you to move a curser to an estimated pin location or target landing area, thereby giving you more accurate data from your ball position.  By moving the curser, you now know the exact distance to the front of the green, the estimated pin location or target landing area, and how much room you have to the back of the green.  I actually found myself switching clubs on several occasions so I wouldn’t fly the pin and hit the bunker in the back of the green.

The SkyCaddie SG5 carries an MSRP of $429.95 but I found the extras are worth the extra.  SkyCaddie also offers several other models for different price ranges.  Visit SkyCaddie online at www.skycaddie.com.