StarCaddy makes its debut at U.S. Open

GPS Technology Meets the Challenges of Bethpage Black

June 18, 2002 (Farmingdale, NY) -- StarCaddy, which uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to give golfers accurate yardages, made its debut at last week’s U.S. Open. For the first time, a caddy for one of the tournament players turned to StarCaddy for help in learning the ins and outs of the notoriously challenging Bethpage Black course. The caddy’s feedback:StarCaddy will soon be in every pro caddy’s hand.

The StarCaddy technology used in the caddy’s handheld computer was developed by LinksPoint of Norwalk, Connecticut, which applied the same GPS technology for the FDNY at “Ground Zero” to support the September 11th rescue and recovery efforts.

During U.S. Open practice rounds, StarCaddy was used to get accurate GPS-based yardages to help familiarize the caddy and his golfer with Bethpage Black’s course features and plot a strategy around the large bunkers and difficult rough. StarCaddy adds a GPS receiver and easy-to-use software to Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), such as Palm and PocketPCs.

StarCaddy displays a digital map of the course on a PDA screen, using GPS to give the exact distance to the green, doglegs, sand traps, water hazards or any other course feature. With just a tap on the PDA's screen StarCaddy analyzes all of the key elements of the course to improve club selection and the golfer's game.

“Sunday was the first time this player had ever set foot in New York, and the first time the caddy saw Bethpage Black,” said Strite Potter, president of LinksPoint. “StarCaddy gave them the extra local knowledge they needed to play Bethpage like it was their home course. StarCaddy did an excellent job of supporting the caddy and his golfer as they were learning the course during practice rounds.”

StarCaddy is available to any golfer at  www.starcaddy.com.

LinksPoint is a mobile data company focused on providing Location Information Systems built around geospatial information and location technologies. The company brings unique experience in the integration of Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile technologies to the creation of software for the collection and delivery of critical enterprise information to and from field workers. LinksPoint also designs and manufactures GPS receivers for mobile computing devices and ruggedized handheld computers. For more information, visit www.linkspoint.com.