By Greg Bartlett

Would you believe that one of the latest fads in GPS tracking is devices designed for golf? GPS-aided golf equipment comes in many forms, from range finding units on their hole flags to GPS yardage finders in golf carts. You can also purchase a personal yardage finder unit that is handheld.

GPS & Golf - A Great Match!

These GPS tracking units allow golfers to focus on making a precise hit and not about measuring the exact distance that he needs for the shot. Starting around $100, the more simple rangefinders show the distance to the hole as well as the distance to the green. The more expensive GPS tracking rangefinders contain thousands of golf course layouts. The course can be viewed as an animation or a satellite image, giving golfers exact distances of the entire course, including the hazard areas. The touch screen systems will even give an aerial view of the course, much like what you would see when watching golf tournaments on television.

In addition to its yardage finding capabilities, these GPS tracking golf systems also work as scorecards. Some can even suggest different golf clubs to use for shots. Some of the more sophisticated systems can even give commands with an automated voice, which allows the golfer to focus on his game instead of constantly stopping to consult his rangefinding system.

With the addition of new technological aspects of golf, people are wondering if this is fair. While some people may feel that golf will not be as enjoyable if you have a GPS tracking unit that tells you how far of a shot to make, others appreciate the help that these systems give them. But even those who believe that using a GPS tracking device is cheating must admit that the system cannot actually give you a huge advantage. Golfers still have to make all of their own shots. The system only improves your game.

Professional golfers have made GPS tracking rangefinders a necessary part of their game. But now as devices become more sophisticated and prices continue to drop, golfers of all skill levels can improve their game with GPS technology.

Rangefinding units are just the beginning for GPS tracking golf systems. In the next few years, golf developments will likely include smart golf balls. These golf balls will contain a microchip that can be tracked using the GPS tracking capabilities of a cell phone or laptop.