The Newest Gadgets For Golfers

By Richard Hart

May 2 - Remote control, RFID microchips, digital compass, GPS. Of course, we're talking golf gear, and we're in search of the perfect digital caddie.

Most technology these days goes into the driver--exotic alloys in the head, and moveable weights are popular now, but there's a saying in golf: Drive for show, then hunt for your ball.

There are thousands of patents purporting to solve the oldest problem in golf. Now you can find your find your ball without even looking.

Yup, radar for golf balls. The ball contains RFID chips -- the same Radio Frequency ID tags in retail clothing, and your passport. The detector sends out a radio signal, the ball absorbs it and sends it back. Bingo!

How far is the pin? Special binoculars, monocles, even lasers, have been thrown at this for years. But, hey, this is the GPS generation. The SkyCaddie uses a database of golf courses, so it knows where every pin is. Once it learns where you are, the readout is a snap. Of course, knowing the distance to the inch isn't going to help your swing.

OK, you're finally on the green. Time to lay down the digital green reader. Some pros use the BreakMaster, just not during competition. This is an uphill break to the right.

Oops. Just a little short, no problem. Just for fun, a radio control ball. And this is the Navigator cart from Bag Boy. It's been staying close all day, because in here is a digital compass. It goes exactly where you point it.

It's not a stretch that manufacturers are working to combine all of this the RFID, GPS, digital compass, remote control -- into the ultimate digital caddie. In a couple of years, it will do everything for you, except maybe handle the money.