Accessory Review:
GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS Range Finder
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

With GPS now a constant travel companion, why would you look for anything else to help you navigate a golf course? I’m seeing more and more GPS units in the hands of golf partners, and fewer traditional rangefinders. Enter the GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS, which truly puts more than 40,000 courses from around the world in the palm of your hand.

The GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS really does hold up to 40,000 courses from around the world - they’re preloaded and come with no annual fees, of course. This GPS features a full-colour, high-resolution, outdoor visible, full-function touch screen. It boasts more features than John Daly has bad pants, yet is simple to use. Simply switch back and forth from the full layout mode (with zoom in and out capability) showing distance to any point on the course, to the standard numbers mode displaying distance to the front, centre and back of the green, as well as key target points.

In fact, the GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS allows you to customize your own target points. The statistics analysis module allows you to measure all the key components of your game, and features automatic hole and course recognition. And, it locates you wherever you are on the course.

The GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS allows you to measure the distance of each of your shots and move the pin according to its location on the green. With its shock and water-resistant case design, 50-channel satellite reception, multiple language feature, and high capacity lithium ion rechargeable battery, you have both durability and the latest in technology in the palm of your hands.

I liked the GolfBuddy unit as soon as I took it out of the box. Once the battery was fully charged in about 4 hours (which allows for about 10 hours of use on the links), I went to the GolfBuddy Manager program and downloaded the course management feature which allows me to input additional golf courses into this GPS unit. In this case, it was the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club in Union, which is hosting the 2010 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. It was a cinch; before I knew it, the course was literally in the palm of my hand.

This is one heck of a GPS unit. The display is crystal clear, and it’s user friendly. No more guessing from tee to green. The GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS now gives me accurate readings to the yard - no more excuses for over- or under-clubbing on the course.

The GolfBuddy retails in the neighbourhood of $450. Lightweight and durable, the GolfBuddy World Platinum GPS will provide you with years of enjoyment on the course.

Visit www.golfbuddy.ca to learn more about this tiny but mighty golf GPS.