October 21, 2005

SureShot GPS - New Golf Specific GPS device hits the market

A new golf specific GPS device has hit the market and soon the links called the Sureshot GPS. It's an Australian unit, so it may not hit your pro shop any time soon, but it's an interesting first step in the field that is sure to expand. The unit can hold data for about 10 courses and is able to download course data over the internet.

The flexible technology also allows golfers to "map out" golf courses themselves - providing them with distance measurements to greens, bunkers and water hazards. "If your course is not on the website, you are able to map it yourself and save it in the unit for your next round. The governing body of world golf - the R&A - recently endorsed GPS technology which paves the way for the sureshotgps to be allowed in club competitions around the world," Tee2Green Technologies Co-Founder Simon Webb said.

"There has been strong overseas interest in the device as well as in Australia, with a number of international orders already placed. Wherever in the world you play golf you can now obtain distances from tee to green."

"The unit displays distances to the front, center and back of the green from anywhere on the course. It also provides distances of up to 15 hazards on each hole. Our aim in six months time is to have mapped the courses in all the major golf regions in Australia and make them available for free downloading via the Internet."

Hey, if I still played golf, this might be cool. It retails for $585 Australian.

Specs:
* Superb backlit 2.2" 65k color screen optimized for outdoor use
* The unit measures just 10cm (W), 7cm (H), 2.5cm (D)
* Features cutting edge GPS technology for highly accurate measurements
* Accuracy is between 1 - 3m in ideal conditions*
* Works in any country or any golf course
* Data for 10 courses can be stored at once
* More course data can be downloaded from the web
* Any golf course, not already available, can be easily mapped by the user
* Measure and compare your drive distances with your friends
* 15 hazards can be stored per hole including bunkers, trees, water and more
* Stores average distance for each golf club & suggests club based on distance
* SureAnalysis software (included) to store your game stats
* Battery life is typically 6 to 7 hours
* Rechargeable via USB cable, AC plug (both included) or optional car adapter
* Supports USB 1 & 2
* Unit enhancements (firmware) is updated via USB and SureAnalysis software
* Software works on Windows XP & 2000 only. No Mac support.
* One year guarantee