GPS Golfing

Those of you who read our columns know that I was in Texas last weekend on a golfing excursion with a couple of my college buddies. On two of the five courses we played, carts were required and were equipped with GPS caddies. Sitting in our golf carts we knew exactly how far it was to the pin on the green, to the rock on the other side of the bunker in the fairway and even how far ahead the other group was in front of us. Amazing information displayed brightly and in color right from the monitor mounted to the cart roof.

At first, I was taken back by the ultra-accurate information we were receiving. One of my friends, Mike, pointed out that the information we were receiving was no different than the info golfers who buy yardage books or use human caddies are privy to. After some thought, I conceded that he made a good point. It did seem to keep the flow of play moving a little faster because golfers weren't standing around trying to estimate how far they were from targets. I still enjoy walking courses more than riding and like the challenge of figuring out the course for myself, but overall the GPS caddy made the rounds interesting and fun.