Review: Golf Buddy Voice +

By Mike Wheeler

I love sports, but have never been a huge fan of golf. I go for the odd hit with the kids, and I must admit there is something sweet about timing a good drive off the tee or fairway but is a rare feat for me. As a result I realise that any assistance you can get to improve your game is a welcome one.

By Mike Wheeler

I love sports, but have never been a huge fan of golf. I go for the odd hit with the kids, and I must admit there is something sweet about timing a good drive off the tee or fairway but is a rare feat for me. As a result I realise that any assistance you can get to improve your game is a welcome one.

Garmin has been at the forefront of devices that can assist avid golfers, such as its Approach range, so it was interesting to find found a new player in the field Golfbuddy Voice +.

Out of the box it looks like a watch, but bulky. You can either clip it to your belt, hat, trousers, shirt or golf bag, or you can put on a white rubber strap provided and wear it like a timepiece on your wrist.

Functionality-wise it’s straightforward with the main button for controlling the device, an on/off switch, volume up and down that doubles as a navigation tool, plus a position mark button that you push when you want to measure the distance from the hole.

At its most basic, the Golf Buddy is a GPS that has access to more than 36,000 golf courses around the world. When you switch it on, it asks you what language you want to speak, and once set it will find satellites. Once this is done you then put in the course you are playing on, which comes up quick smart. When you tee off the display gives you the hole number, its par, a view of the green and whether you are to the left or right of it. Measuring distance is done by pushing down the position mark button then the main button for three seconds after you’ve hit the ball. Once you get to where the ball is hit, you push the position mark button again and it will tell you the distance you’ve travelled and how far to the middle of the green.

Overall, the functionality and ease of use for this device is top class, but we’re wondering who will want to use one. Those of us at the bottom end of the spectrum – weekend hackers – and those at the top end – hitting off scratch – won’t have a use for the Golf Buddy. However, die-hard golfers who want to improve their game, or want a slight advantage and take it a bit more seriously than most, will find this a useful device. And while it won't turn you into the next Tiger Woods, it will certainly help with club selection on those approach shots.

Pros: Provides accurate information; clear, concise instruction; good accuracy
Cons: Bulky on the wrist; pricey

4 Shacks Out of 5

RRP
$220