GolfHos

...to Whiskey's request of more golf talk  [sm_devil]. And to technology.

Picked up one of these last week:  (http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c189/FuzzyPhotos/SkyGolf_sg3_l.jpg)

I played a few rounds with a guy who has one and I was intrigued. After my first round with mine I am very impressed.

Pros: 

Yardage available instantly (o.k. within 2-3 seconds after stopping). I can see where something like this does save a little time especially if you're playing a course without a lot of yardage markers.
"Intelligreen" shows distance to front, center and back of green from whatever angle you are coming in from. This is nice if you happen to miss a fairway once in a while.  8)
Multiple targets for most holes. This is very nice - how far to the bunker, creek, etc. Plus it gives you the lay-up yardage to 105 on the par 5's.
Mark Ball option. Not reeeaally needed but fun. Hit the "mark ball" after you hit, walk to ball and hit the button again and it will tell you the distance you hit your shot.
Accuracy. Seemed to be right on the money.

Cons:

After the first few holes having the other 3 in my group always asking me for their yardage.  ;)
Seriously, the one con may be no distance to the pin but the 3 distances (front, center, back) from your angle to the green is more than enough for anyone who isn't pro or high level amateur.

Like I said I was very impressed. I've downloaded a couple of courses and had no issues with that either. I really haven't had a chance to play with it so I'll be looking at doing some of that. Apparently you can add different targets on the course and I have a few in mind.

And the best part.....I shot a great round with a career best on the front 9. I'm SURE it was due to this purchase. And that's exactly what I told Susan.

Nice!

Testimonials of career best scores make it hard to resist.  ;D

Does it argue with the carts at Bushwood?  [sm_devil]


 ;D ;)

Thanks for the review.  I've been seriously considering a skycaddie, and you've nudged me closer to making the purchase.

No, and it's quite complimentary to my putter.............    ;D

They are Devices of Angst...

Really want a rangefinder for practice work. 

Really want a rangefinder or GPS system for distances from fixed points to fixed points.  Tee to hazard, etc.

Really scored well the one time I used one of these things over the past couple of years (GPS in cart at The Ledges in St. George).

Really feel like the shade of Ben Hogan would haunt my dreams forever if I bought one.   ;)

That happened to me.

Seriously.

But then he also saw my 460cc titanium driver, Callaway HX Tour ball, two hybrid long irons and 4 wedges with soon to be illegal u-shaped grooves and then he surrendered.

 :)

[sm_laughatyou]

Touché.   ;)

albeit I'm new here, I would like to offer my "x" cents worth on the subject.

Handheld GPS are good-but limited. Accuracy varies from several yards to ten's of yards. If you're under canopy, you may not even acquire a signal. To have accurate, complete information on any course, a) the course needs to subscribe in some form; b) you have to download the course regularly because of changes to the course (and in many cases pay a monthly or annual fee) and c) you need to do this for every course you play or plan to play.

On the other hand, a Laser Rangefinder measures from where you are, to where you want to know the distance, and with a 1 yard accuracy (obviously product and company dependent). Several models are available from several manufacturers that "select" the flag better than ever. No "a)", "b)" or "c)".

Just thought you would like to know.

Thanks for the education on Laser rangefinders. Here's my answer to your concerns with my Skycaddie:

Accuracy does NOT vary from several yards to ten's of yards. It is spot on or I wouldn't still be using it. I have experienced it with mine and a friends SG2. IMO, the accuracy debate is a myth that is driven by laser rangefinder users.

a) The list of courses are available for anyone to look at on their website. I haven't played a course that skycaddie didn't have available.
b) ? Most courses don't "change" regularly. Not sure what you mean with this one.
I pay an annual fee of $30.00. Unlimited course downloads in my region. I think it's $50 for the whole U.S. but it's clearly spelled out on the website if you are look.
c) Once you download a course it's yours. You don't need to download next year if you don't want. And it's been my experience that courses rarely move greens every year.  ;) 

The beautiful thing is that everyone has an opinion. You like range finders. Guess what? I do too! They are great at what they do and I have used them. But I bought a skycaddie for a number of reasons and couldn't be happier.

Had a Bushnell 1500 TE and sold it.  Too hard to steady and would sometimes target trees behind the green and highlight the pinseeker signifying it got the flag.  So I'd airmail the green by 30 yards. 

I want a SkyCaddie though.  The ones I've seen seem to be very accurate and easier to carry and use. 

Speaking of skycaddies, well...................
Russell & I brought a second hand golf buggy a few weeks ago, and Russell had a GPS unit (sitting in the cupboard, from his fishing days), so he has hooked up the GPS unit to the golf buggy.  We are not allowed to use it in comp, but it is great fun, it also tells us how many "knots" the golf buggy is travelling!!! ;D ;D

Welcome to GolfHo, mycamel!



lol

So I gather you guys are using the cart all the time now instead of when it's too hot?? ;)

(http://www.wirelady.com/wiretool1.jpg)

and

(http://www.rpconline.com/catalog/content/images/tape_duct.jpg)



?

 ;D  Sounds like fun!    What does this mean?  "not allowed to use it in comp"

[edit] I get it now.  :P :bricks: I thought you were refering to not using the buggy.

(http://rhapody2000.free.fr/images/wallpapers/Forest%20Gump.jpg)

Stroh, you make me laugh!!! ;D ;D

Russell is really proud of his handiwork!!!!
He did a really good job. ;D