Golf GPS | SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS Review

SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS Review

SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS is a very portable handheld device, roughly about the size of a cell phone. It has the only color screen in the SkyCaddie SG range and the highest resolution (220 x 176 pixels) of all the SkyCaddie range which also includes the SG2.5, SG3 and SG4. For good readability in both bright and dull conditions the display has an automatic backlight.

The SkyCaddie SG5 has battery storage for 14 hours of continuous use which covers the daylight hours one might commonly encounter. The unit will survive some rough treatment around the course with its rugged, water-resistant case.

SkyGolf’s IntelliGreen Technology

Unlike many Golf GPS devices, the SkyCaddie GPS is able to display the full shape of the green, from any approach angle, using SkyGolf’s patented IntelliGreen technology. In IntelliGreen view, the green has an arrow drawn through it representing a direct line-of-play from where you are on the course. The view of the IntelliGreen will rotate on the screen to show the green from the direction of your approach (i.e. the closest part of the green
will always display at the bottom). The three numbers along the left side of the display are distances to the front, a point on the green (represented by a crosshair), and back of the green along the line drawn. If you don’t want a direct approach you can use the Scroll Pad to reposition the line-of-play (crosshair) following which the distances will automatically recalculated.

SkyCaddie GPS Target Views

Your SkyCaddie can display four different target views depending on your preference. Targets include safe landing zones and hazards. It’s like getting expert advice from a knowledgeable caddie. The four views are:

Standard: A listing of all targets
Graphical: display targets as intuitive, graphical icons and text
Expanded: Displays an expanded version of the target descriptor and gives
you the distance to the center (crosshair on IntelliGreen view) from that target
Big Number Target: Displays the selected target distance as a very large number for optimum readability

Determining Shot Distance with the SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS

Keeping a record of your shot distances with different clubs is an excellent way to improve your course tactical decisions. To determine your shot distance is simply a matter of pressing the Mark button when taking the shot and again when you get to the location of the ball after the shot has been taken. Accuracy is less than 2.5 yards.

Golf Course GPS Maps for SkyCaddie

Download access to up to 16,000 course maps covering 45 countries is available if you subscribe to one of three SkyCourse memberships (not included). Membership levels are based on how many courses you want to store and play. Up to 10 courses can be stored on the SkyCaddie at one time.

It’s possible to plot a course yourself with the SkyCaddie allowing you to record three green targets (Front, Center, and Back) for up to five personal courses stored on your SkyCaddie. A membership account allows you to backup and store courses online.

The SkyCaddie SG5 Golf GPS comes pre-approved for use, conforming to USGA/R&A ruling. The course map downloading and update software, SkyCaddie Desktop, requires a PC with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista, a USB port and Internet access. In the box with the SkyCaddie SG5 comes an AC charger, USB cable, belt clip, user guide and software installation CD.

Comparison of SkyCaddie SG Model Features

Common Features

Green Targets
Fairway Targets
IntelliGreen
Water Resistance
Course Memory 10 Courses
Belt Clip
Course Library 17,000+

Feature Differences between Models

Size SG2.5 4.5” x 2.2” x 0.8”, SG3, SG4 4.7” x 2.2” x 1.3”, SG5 5.4″ x 2.2″ x 1.0″
Display SG2.5 120×80, SG3, SG4 160×120, SG5 220 x 176 color
Batteries SG2.5, SG4, SG5 Rechargeable, SG3 2 AA Batteries
Battery Life SG2.5, SG5 14 hours SG3, SG4 14 hours