Garmin's Approach G5
Garmin's Approach G5 has taken the market by storm. It contains information on over 5,000 courses, and you can download more from the company's website free of charge. Garmin is the first company to introduce this feature. The Approach G5 shows the distances on a full-color touchscreen. The unit also has a state-of-the-art system for keeping scores and it is waterproof. $499.
uPro Golf GPS
UPro Golf GPS stands out because of its advanced technology. For instance, as you go to a hole, it will play a video of it along with yardage lines. In addition, it shows distances as well as the target from the air, so it can give you the yardage from your location to any other point on the golf course. UPro provides basic information on courses free of charge, but you must pay about $10 for each course if you want an aerial view. $399.
GolfLogic GPS-8, powered by Garmin
This unit is pre-loaded with information about over 22,000 courses, and it senses which course you are on. The GolfLogic GPS-8 shows how far you must go to the front, middle and back of the greens, as well as the distance to six hazards on each hole and distances if you decide to lay-up. It will also show you how far your last shot traveled. It is waterproof and will last about 17 hours on two AA batteries. $299.
Sonocaddie XV2
Sonocaddie XV2 has only a black and white screen, but it gives all pertinent information about each hole, including the distance to both the front and the rear of each green. On another screen, it will show the green and distances from the front, middle and back with yardage shown in a large display. You can download information about 18,000 courses for no charge. It will run for about 10 hours on three AAA batteries, and it has a place where you can record your score on each hole. $249.
Neo by iGolf
Neo is the lowest price GPS unit on the market. It provides no mapping of each hole, but it does provide you the yardage to the front, middle and rear of the greens as well as the distance of your last shot. The company charges $34.99 per year for access to its database, which includes over 33,500 courses around the world. Neo holds 10 files of courses, and it uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. $149.
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
