Gizmodo: golfing

Argon Laser Putter Delivers Birdies With Predator-Like Efficiency

Jack Loftus — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST

If the Predator were a golfer, he'd hunt his prey—the pin, in this case—with this tri-laser equipped putter.

As you can see from the images, this putter takes the idea of a laser putter (been done before), and marries it with not one, but TWO additional lasers. Two of the lasers flank the ball at address, and the top one sits above the ball so it isn't blocked like weaker, less Predator-like laser putters.

Hooked on Golf lays out why, exactly, this is a good thing:

1. Like I said, the three laser configuration gives much more information to the player. Seeing the width of the line via the two lower lasers while the ball is positioned in front of the putter is great.

2. The lasers on the Argon are very bright and much easier to see than other laser putters. This is due to the fact that they’re powered by a 9-volt battery, rather than a tiny watch battery. Having a 9-volt is also better because they’re easily found anywhere when the battery dies. Having to remove and install a tiny watch battery is almost as inconvenient as trying to find a store that sells them.

3. The grip of the Argon putter has the buttons to turn the laser on. You can turn it on as long as you want. Other systems’ lasers are turned on by tapping the club on the ground and the laser is only active for a fixed amount of time.

Note: The Argon Laser Putter does not double as a shoulder-mounted cannon. [Hooked on Golf - Thanks, Tony!]

Electronic Golf Caddy Carries Your Clubs Sans Judgment Or Teen Angst

Elaine Chow — Sun, 18 May 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Yet another job for pimply 16-year-olds has been rendered obsolete with technology, now that golfers can use the Shadow Caddy—a fully autonomous golf club carrying cart that trails behind you automatically. The three-wheeled cart works by following a signal from a transmitter worn on the golfer's body. Switching the caddy's setting from "Follow-Me" to "Park" makes sure it never accidentally follows you into a bunker or onto the green.

The Shadow Caddy can function in all weather conditions and moves at a speedy enough clip to keep up with a fast walk. Right now, it's only available as a rental model rather than a full retail product. Trials are being conducted at four golf courses in Melbourne, Australia.

Not only is the cart cheaper than renting a real person to carry your clubs for you, it'll never make snide remarks under its breath about how any idiot would've known to use a nine iron for that shot. [Gizmag]

NeverMore Putter Grip Retrieves Golf Balls By Sucking More Than You Do

Jack Loftus — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EDT

There are very few gadgets out there today where saying "sucks balls" in the description is a compliment, but these putter grip replacements from NeverMore are one such example. The rubber grips replace your putter's normal grip, and allow you to retrieve a golf ball from the cup without bending over. They come in a variety of colors, which, if you're anything like this writer, will go nicely with the torrent of blue language that occurs regularly on the golf course. Mid-size or oversize grips go for $17 apiece. [Herrington via Book of Joe]

Golf Swing Analysis Watch

Travis Hudson — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:20:36 EDT

Can you sense it? Yes, that is the smell of the freshly clipped grass and the sound of the birds chirping. Oh, and there is Tiger Woods approaching on a par 5. He may not need this Golf Swing Analyzing Watch, but you sure do. This watch uses a series of complex algorithms that will analyze and display the temp, rhythm, backswing length and club head speed, which are four stats crucial to creating the perfect swing. It also has score keeping and handicap modes along with a stopwatch calendar and alarm clock. Oh, and because it is a watch, it includes a time mode. Becoming a pro golfer comes with a price, $400 in this case. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via OhGizmo!]