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High Definition Golf is the latest technology in golf simulators that combines revolutionary advancements over their traditional predecessors. Players have the opportunity to play a full round of golf or just the front or back 9 of some of the most popular golf courses in the country. In addition players can get an analysis of their swing, go to the driving range, or play some other mini-games to test their skills. The advanced technology eliminates the computer generated models, and instead replaces them with actual photographs taken from the real popular courses (such as Pebble Beach), which provides for the most realistic experience to date. Players simply take their own golf clubs and ball and drive/put/or chip their shot directly into a projection screen where the computer will then replicate the shot on the screen, with almost complete accuracy. Additional benefits include an online feature that allows for users to interact with other players and/or coaches. The only downside is that this system now is very expensive, costing about $40,000 dollars to be installed. However, these systems likely will continue to be installed in many other areas including golf pro shops and vacation resorts making them more accessible for the public.
SkyGolf created the SkyCaddie in the early 2000's and it had quickly become the #1 rangefinder in golf today. SkyGolf has currently worked with over 23,000 golf courses and setup their technology at these golf courses. By the end of 2009 the company plans on establishing its products and services at around 30,000 golf courses. As a division of SkyHawke Technologies, SkyGolf has created a way for the average golfer to receive the same information that professional golfers receive, by walking each course just like an actual tour caddie. SkyCaddie is currently the official rangefinder of the PGA of America, LPGA, PGA of Britain, PGA of Ireland, PGA of Germany, Swedish PGA, and the technology partner of the PGA Learning Center. SkyGolf and its SkyCaddie product have quickly become the most successful and sought after rangefinder in the golf industry today.
The SkyGolf website currently holds a library with maps of all the courses that have been mapped out by the company. Once the device is purchased you can go on SkyGolf and download the courses that you regularly play onto your device and be on your way to a better golf experience. SkyGolf uses GPS when the courses are being mapped and gives you accurate readings for your golf course.
Currently SkyGolf creates 4 different models of its SkyCaddie and have 2 models that are coming soon, with each device is about the size of your cell phone. These models range in price from 200 to 400 dollars, each device gives readings to the front, middle, and back of the green. All devices have the features of mark the ball, distance to hazards and up to 40 different targets per hole. The newest device is the SG5, which
currently sells for $399.95, includes many great features, and features a color screen. The Mark the Ball feature lets you know how far you hit every club in your bag allowing you to better manage your game. The InteliGreen feature rotates the shape of the green to match the angle of the shot you are going to take. Instant Distances to Greens and Hazards removes hazards that behind you and displays the hazards that are still in play, this allows you to better manage your game and elite those high scores. Up to 40 targets on each hole gives you information to distances to bunkers, hazards, and the green so that you have the same information as a professional golfers caddie would attain for their golfer. The SG5 also comes with a USB cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, ac battery charger, heavy-duty belt clip, user guide, and quick start guide.
As a golfer I feel that the SkyCaddie takes away from the game, I am the type of person that likes to figure out how far away the green is and choose a club based on how I feel about the upcoming shot. The only feature about the SkyCaddie that I would like to have the information from is the Mark the Ball feature, it would allow me to more accurately choose the right club on each shot. I also feel that even with the technology and knowing the correct distances you still have to step up to the ball and hit a good shot, knowing the distance of each shot is only half of it. On one hand if given the opportunity I would love to use this device to see how it works, but would much rather play a round of golf without the SkyCaddie any day of the week. The SkyCaddie is up to debate if you want to use it to improve your golf game, but for me I would much rather not use this device and rely on my feelings about the distances of shots and how far I can hit the clubs in my bag.
The LPGA has repeatedly tried to overcome the chauvinistic PGA. more and more we hear about PGA events and not LPGA events. However, pop star Justin Timberlake has agreed to host an LPGA event in 2008. An avid golf fan, Timberlake saw the oppurtunity to bring together some "r and r" and work together. The LPGA realized that if the male-dominanted sports leagues can use women as a prop to gather fans, then why not bring a sexy male superstar like Timberlake to attract female fans to their event.
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Justin Timberlake is known for bringing Sexy Back, but according to ESPN.com, JT will be hosting a LPGA Tour event in Las Vegas in 2008. The singer is supposedly a golf enthusiast and is excited about the chance to work with the LPGA. "I couldn't be more excited," said Timberlake, who plays to a 6-handicap, according to a Golf Digest ranking that was released earlier this year. "We will make sure to make this event unique and memorable."
The Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, part of the tour's Fall Series, will be played Oct. 13-19, 2008, at TPC-Summerlin. As part of his involvement, Timberlake will play in the Wednesday celebrity pro-am and host a concert during tournament week.
Hopefully Justin can bring the LPGA's golf swing back, just as good as he brings Sexy Back!
http://blog.cortland.edu/dmlykos/2007/11/14/bringin-the-golf-swing-back/
