Is using a GPS distance device allowed under USGA regulations?
The USGA and R&A both recently sanctioned the use of satellite-based yardage measuring devices during competition. Specifically, decision 14-3/0.5 allows a committee to permit the use of distance measuring devices by Local Rule. Golfers should check with their golf professional prior to use in a USGA sanctioned event. GPS devices (golf gps systems) have always been permitted in handicap scoring in recreational rounds.
Hi all,
It’s my Dad’s birthday coming up and I want to get him a new golf GPS thing-a-ma-bob.
He has hinted at the Skycaddie SGX (found one at tomorrowsgolfer.co.uk)
Can anyone advise, is this the best GPS? is it a good price? – better ideas?
Thanks
I have a Skycaddie SG5 and I love it. It is incredibly accurate and provides a lot of valuable information about the golf hole you’re playing. Honestly it probably knocked four strokes off my game. Keep in mind that if you gift it to your dad you might also want to buy him the first year’s subscription. In the US that costs about $50/year. If your dad is an avid golfer this would be a killer gift!
I am looking for feedback on the GPS systems out there for Golf..
SkyCaddie
uPro
Garmin
and info on others that you may have experience with…
The good bad and ugly of them! :0
Thanks for your help
Would be more than happy to…
Golf GPS systems fall into two categories; dedicated units and downloadable SW. The former require purchase of a hardware unit and some kind of maintenance program and/or cost per course downloaded. Prices range from ~150 – >450 for the units and per course costs can be up to 20, while annual subscriptions can be from 20 – 100 depending on how many courses you want, if you travel regionally, or internationally.
Accuracy, availability of courses and reliability are all over the board, and may even vary depending on what unit you get from the company.
SW only solutions run on a smart phone that has either a built in GPS chipset or are bluetooth synched to a gps puck or fob. While not requiring the cost of a piece of hardware, SW solutions may require initial purchase costs and/or annual agreements, OR even neither (EG free.)
Pros of dedicated units is that they are generally allowed at most private clubs.
SW only solutions may require you to ’sneak it by’ the marshal and or show that you have turned off the phone’s speaker/ringer.
Accuracy wise, both are pretty darn good for the vast majority of golfers. Low single digit golfers don’t need GPS as they spend most of their time in the fairway. BUT, having GPS is good for them as kirby markers and sprinkler heads don’t tell you the yardage to reach or carry lakes, stream, etc.
As a member of a SW only company, we see the market moving to the second type of unit. Since the phones have the capability, why would a consumer purchase a second piece of hardware that requires charging, requires downloading more SW to a PC, requires synchronizing, etc. A phone only version allows the golfer to be ready to go at a moments notice, allows OTA (over the air) adding of courses, is charged as long as you have your phone, and doesn’t require you to deal with the less than decent customer support several manufacturers in this sector provide.
I hope that helped.
Feb
17
17
What do you keep in your "emergency, end of the world" supplies, are you prepared "just in case"?
Posted by admin
I put this hear because an implosion of government is the only thing I can think of that would force one to be completely self reliant for a year, natural disaster would only leave people cut off for a few hours or days at the most
This is a real question so don’t put, "an ounce of P91 and a case of Coors"
What do you have as your emergency back up as in the way of food, water, self defence, shelter…
I live in a gated community on a golf course in So Cal, everyone I know keeps an "Earth quake kit" with food, water, communication, hygiene….
I keep on hand at all times enough food for 4 people for 1 year at 1800-2200 calories a day, every year I donate my food supply to a homeless shelter and restock so nothing I have is more than a year old
I also keep 100 gallons of water, water purification systems, bleach, first aid including all the basic meds, also keep 100+ gallons of gasoline which the gardener uses for the lawn mower then I replace with new fuel so I always have a fresh supply, a few grand in cash a few ounces of gold and silver, CB and AM/FM radios with batteries, flashlights, I have a generator that I run for an hour or so every month, dog food for my English Bulldog and most any type of medication he might need, I shoot for recreation and collect every type of weapon so I have 30+ firearms with a few set aside for self defence purposes each with 1K+ rounds of ammo, survival and medical books, rope, GPS’s signaling devices, fire starting sticks matches….and just about everything else I could every think anyone would need if society fell apart and everyone where left to their own means without any outside help and people became desperate…like to the point that they will kill you for your food
So I am just curious how well supplied those outside of my neighborhood paradise are, I know that in my area most people have taken the time to be prepared, we had massive fires in our area a few years back and the local Churches and schools were literally overflowing with donated supplies that people had on hand but I also know that there are people who don’t plan ahead and/or think the government should take care all their needs "Katrina-New Orleans" is a great example of the dangers of ignorance and lack of planning ahead
its not like all this stuff just sits around, I use some of it for camping, power outages etc.
total I doubt I have more than $25K invested, heck I have $75K in tools just to fill up my tool chest and work shop
I really doubt the implosion of government will cause 90%+ of people to die
guess no one can give an answer so I guess I will be defending myself and family against you folks when your starving…don’t worry I am a competitive shooter so it will be a clean shot as long as you hold still
If I had your money I’d burn mine.
I just have an iPod Touch so a GPS app in need of a internet connection is no good. And I play on a course that most likely wont be recognized by a GPS system. All I need is an app where I can save scores that include GIR’s, Putts, Up & Downs, Fairways, Sand Saves, ect. Thanks.
STFU
Original details:
As you know, Christmas is approaching. My mother is constantly asking me for ideas on what to get for my dad for christmas. He not only doesn’t tell us what he might want, but he doesn’t even show any interest for gifts. If he likes something, he’ll try to buy it himself.
I was wondering what kind of gifts there are to give to fathers this 2009 Christmas.
He already owns an iPhone, which broke. So, he is either going to spend his money to fix it or upgrade to 3gs.
He also just bought a new widescreen t.v to replace an old rear-projection t.v that recently broke.
So, he pretty much likes to pick out his own electronics, at least the more expensive ones…
Added details:
We own a ps3, so we have games and blue-ray. He’s not much of a sports player (has his own golf set), but is an intense UGA (University of Georgia Football) fan. We own a GPS system, but only one for two cars, so that is an option. And lastly, he usually ends up getting some clothes because we don’t know what to get him.
Just fwi, he is getting a special notepad because I was making notepads in my Graphic Arts Class.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Men seem to be the hardest to buy for. I always get my dad chocolate covered cherries since that is his favorite treat. I also make sure that I take all kind of nuts to the house for Christmas. My mom does not buy these things. But for my husband we always agreed to get our own gifts, I usually get him a robe and new slippers to go under the tree. But when it comes to electronics i am at a lost anyway. How much does he use the gps that you have now? I have talked to a lot of men and they said they would not use one and since the new 3g phones come with them they don’t need one.
saw the on friday but need to know what will happen to my shares..it seems to me they roll into the new company but i would like a second opinion for GPSNQ ……………….
Falconhead Capital Forms GPSI Holdings, World’s Leading Provider of Cart-Mounted Gps Services to Golf Courses
Three-Way Merger Creates Market Leader With Systems Deployed on Nearly 1,000 Courses; Extensive Synergies Position New Company for Long-Term Success
NEW YORK, Oct 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — –Partners With Greg Norman
Falconhead Capital, LLC, a private equity firm specializing in consumer-focused businesses in the leisure, lifestyle, sport and media categories, today announced the formation of GPSI Holdings, LLC ("GPSI"), the world’s leading provider of cart-mounted GPS services to golf courses. GPSI was created through the acquisition of and subsequent three-way merger of GPS Industries, Inc., ProLink Systems, Inc., and a series of assets previously owned by David Chessler, who has been named CEO of GPSI. GPS Industries was acquired through a sale process conducted under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
Falconhead has immediately established GPSI as the leading player in the golf cart-mounted GPS industry globally, with systems deployed on nearly 1,000 courses predominantly in North America and Europe. Falconhead expects that the acquisition of these businesses at very attractive valuations, and their combination, will result in significant cost, revenue and technological synergies that will position GPSI for significant profitable growth. In particular, GPSI will implement extensive product and service improvements that will benefit customers and enhance the playing experience for players around the world.
Falconhead’s partner in GPSI is Greg Norman, the professional golfer and head of Great White Shark Enterprises, a corporation primarily focused on golf. Mr. Norman, a long-time member of Falconhead’s advisory board, was involved in conceiving and executing the transactions. He will own a significant equity stake in GPSI and has entered into an agreement to promote the company’s business.
As part of GPSI’s long-term growth strategy, the Company has established an exclusive partnership with Club Car to leverage its sales force of more than 120 representatives and its extensive global distribution network. Club Car, a member of the Industrial Technologies sector of Ingersoll-Rand plc (NYSE: IR), is a leading manufacturer of golf cars, utility vehicles and a wide range of task-oriented vehicles serving multiple markets.
David S. Moross, chairman and chief executive officer of Falconhead Capital, said: "We are proud to create the leading provider of cart-mounted GPS services to golf courses. The transactions that led to the formation of GPSI Holdings further demonstrate our ability to pursue and complete complex investment opportunities, and the new company is highly complementary to our investment strategy given our long ties to golf, and our expertise in leisure and lifestyle. By bringing together these three businesses, we have created a new company with the financial strength, operational efficiency, technology expertise, business model and geographic reach necessary to succeed over the long term.
"We are fortunate that our friend Greg Norman is our partner in GPSI, given his immense stature in the golf world as a player and businessman. We look forward to working together to further build this powerful platform," Mr. Moross concluded.
Mr. Norman said, "This transaction further promotes the consolidation of the industry which started with GPS Industries’ acquisition of UpLink in late 2008 and now includes the merger with ProLink and ProView. This consolidation, together with other strategies, several of which specifically capitalize on the current economic landscape, will position GPSI to realize its full potential. It has been a pleasure to work closely with David and the Falconhead team, and we look forward to a very successful venture."
About Falconhead Capital
Falconhead Capital, LLC (www.falconheadcapital.com), with $500 million of assets under management, is a private equity firm established in 1998 to provide investors with significant long-term capital appreciation by investing globally in consumer-focused businesses in the sport, leisure, lifestyle, and media categories. In addition to NYDJ, Falconhead Capital’s current portfolio investments include Competitor Group, Inc., Extreme Fitness, Inc., Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Our365 (f/k/a Growing Family), Escort, Inc., and Premier, Inc. Past Falconhead portfolio investments include, among others, National Powersport Auctions, Maritime Telecommunications Network, The Golf Warehouse, and ESPN Classic Europe, LLC.
About Great White Shark Enterprises
Great White Shark Enterprises is a multi-national corporation headed by Greg Norman with offices in West Palm
Isn’t GPSNQ in bankruptcy?? Any monies, from the acquisition, will first be used to pay off creditors. Next to pay off bond holders. Anything that is left, will go to stockholders. You as a stockholder are last on the list.
Your shares will be canceled & you will get nothing. Once GPSNQ entered bankruptcy that was a near certainty.
This simple-to-use and extremely accurate IZZO Swami 1500 GPS unit provides all the information you need to play your best on 12,000 U.S. courses.
The Swami features Insta-Lok Technology, which instantly displays the exact yardage to the front, center and back of the green.
The unit stores up to 10 courses at a time and automatically recognizes the course youre on.
Includes an internal rechargeable battery and USB cable for downloads and charging from your PC. With belt clip, charger and set-up software.
An activation fee is required to download course maps to the unit. (This fee lets you download unlimited course maps for one year.) Courses not currently available will be mapped within 48 hours.
Features:
- 2 1/2″ H x 4″ W x 1″ D
- Weighs 3 oz.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Wall charger included
Golf is a game of precision, so why depend on ballpark guesses when estimating the distance to the green? Enter the Izzo Swami 1500, a fully featured golf GPS system unit that offers everything you need to approach the pin with confidence.
Powered by the latest SIRFStar III chip and equipped with Insta-Lok technology, the Swami instantly calculates the distance to the front, center, and back of the green on more than 12,000 courses across the U.S., turning your golf game from piffling to precise.
The Swami is easier to use and more accurate than a laser rangefinder. Thats because the Swami measures distances without requiring a direct line of sight to the target, while a laser rangefinder can only measure to the flagstick or other defined objects within its sight. Plus, a rangefinders accuracy is highly dependent on how far you are from the target, whereas the Swami’s golf GPS technology is accurate to within a few feet.
Most importantly, the Swami simply helps you play better golf. When you know the exact distance to the flag and the borders of the green, you can pick the right club for the distance and do it faster. No more wasting time searching for yardstick markers or sprinkler heads.
Just upload the course from the online Swami Map Manager (subscription required) before your round, stand under an open sky, and the Swamis Insta-Lok technology does the rest, locking in the correct yardage to a target with minimal lag time. Even when riding in a cart, the yardage changes instantly.
Apple iPhone 3GS – golf GPS system apps for the avid golfers!
Load web pages, launch apps, open attachments, and take pictures faster than ever before. iPhone 3GS makes your entire iPhone experience more responsive.
Ideal for golfers who want top-of-the-line GPS assistance on the links, the SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS is integrated with the very best Swiss engineering to provide unmatched reliability. It is a handheld gps system and features, a large color display with automatic backlighting to ensure easy readability indoors and outdoors, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery (with up to 14 hours of continuous use). It’s also equipped with the patented IntelliGreen technology, enabling golfers to measure the full depth and shape of the green from any angle of approach, both on or off the fairway. Part of SkyCaddie’s exclusive, professional 4-Star SkyCourses, IntelliGreen graphics provide an eagle’s eye view of the green with an indicator representing a direct line-of-play from wherever you are on the course. This Golf GPS system is ideal for avid golfers who prefer a large COLOR display.
