IZZO, the same company that licenses the Callaway name for GPS, sunglasses and golf accessories continues to put out feature rich and affordable golf GPS units. Their newest model, the Swami 5000 GPS, has many features found on more expensive competitors, yet it is simple to use, fast and accurate. And inexpensive.
To get started with the Swami, simply select Play from the start menu and press Enter. The Swami automatically searches through over 30,000 courses and finds the ones closest to you. You simply toggle up and down to select the right one. Now you’re in Play Mode and the Swami 5000 will give you the front, center and back distances to the green. Got a sand trap or lake in your way? Press the Page (-) button and you have instant access to the hazard screen. Once you figure out which club to hit, press the Page button again to return to the Play Mode screen. Is that simple or what? GPS units don’t get any easier to use!
Remember I said this unit is loaded with features. How about a scorecard that is one of the easiest to use of any that I have ever seen? While on the hazard screen, simply press the Page button and use the up and down arrows to input your score. Hit the Page button again and head to the next tee. Your aggregate score is kept in the lower left hand corner of the screen.
In the words of the late, great Billy Mays – But wait, there’s more. Want to know how far you just smacked that drive down the fairway? Just touch the Enter/Power button from the tee and you’re automatically in Shot Distance mode. Travel to your shot, press the button again and voila, your longest drive (so far) is displayed. Press Enter again and you’re back in Play Mode.
The top of the display has a battery strength indicator, satellite strength indicator and the current time. From the Settings Menu, you can adjust the time, select 12 or 24-hour format, DST and Yards or Meters. Just like the Popeil Showtime Grill. Just set it and forget it. The unit comes with a belt clip that screws into the back and a proprietary charging cord.
The Swami 5000 GPS unit is small and compact, yet the screen is very easy to read. It’s easy to use and gives you all the data you will ever need on the course. And, with an MSRP of $149.95, I’m sure you’ll start seeing a lot of Swami 5000 GPS units at the course.
For more information on this or any other fine IZZO golf product, visit www.swamigps.com.
