Garmin uses GPS to help duffers play a better round of golf, but for a price
When I first read about the Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS, I thought they had invented a new golf ball with a GPS transmitter built in so you would never loose your ball on the links again. Then I realized they would cost about $100 each, which would be a royal drag if you hit into a water hazard. Nope.
The Approach G5 Golf GPS is essentially a hi-tech digital range finder which uses GPS to ascertain your position (after you’ve found your ball) and gives you range data to the pin based on preloaded maps of thousands of golf holes from all around the world. In addition to range data to the pin, it has a green view for up close putting data (again, a range finder) as well as being able to keep track of your score digitally. Duffers can then download and track their scores onto their PCs. The thing is though, even if the GPS range data gives golfers more accurate positioning in which to choose their irons, etc. For $500, it amounts to a sophisticated scorekeeping system. Sorry, but unless it can find my golf ball for me, it’s not really worth the price, I can add just fine.
Hat Tip – Travelizmo
Join 5 reviews or comments
hawaii vacations Says: November 15, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I didn’t think that GPS were really all that practical until I was fortunate enough to take a trip to Los Angeles in an Escalade that had voice instruction GPS… got down town in the cluster of spaghetti loops and it was amazing how helpful it was to have the voice telling me which direction to turn and which exits to take and how far to each.
Now they have gone and taken the technology and applied it to golf… which I am not very good at… if only the device would take my handicap and suggest the right club to use!
Medicus Driver Says: March 5, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I think these products are great when you are trying to navigate the course. However, at $500 a pop, I feel they are a little overpriced. I have a friend who loves his Garmin GPS Golf Buddy.
If they would come down in price, it would open up a new market (just like computers).
Medicus Driver Says: August 2, 2010 at 8:50 am
Just a quick price update: Garmin Approach G5 Golf GPS only costs $358.12
Still a bit too expensive for my taste, but definitely a much better deal I think.
Great post btw. – and great site in general.
Keep it coming James 
Golf Range Finder Reviews Says: June 6, 2011 at 3:04 am
How likely is it to have your local golf course in the database? Can this be checked prior to purchase? I can see it would be a mammoth task to cover every golf course, but if yours is included I can see the benefits of owning one.
Geek News Weekly – Episode 001 – 04-01-2009 Says: April 1, 2009 at 4:14 pm
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