LIFE IS getting easier for golfers. The VistaTronics EAGLE has landed on these shores - from America, where else? - and, if the good members of Augusta National and Oakland Hills can be believed, it is a device that looks set to change forever the way players' view the game.
Quite simply, the Eagle is a hand-held laser range-finding system designed to eliminate the yardage problem faced by golfers. It is the official measuring device on the US PGA Tour and has recently been approved for use by the European Golf Association.
Indeed, two of the more prominent caddies on the European Tour - Alastair McLean and Phil Morbey, who carry the bags for Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam - use it to source yardages on the circuit.
The beauty of this latest piece of technology is that it can be used by all standards of players . . . and it is legal. It enables players to know the distance from their ball to the flag instantly; learn how far they hit each club in the bag; lower their scores (hopefully) through improved club selection and increased confidence; and also measure improvements from lessons and using different clubs or balls.
Apparently, the device is accurate from 30 to 300-plus yards (to within a yard) and features an easy-to-read LCD display unit.
The Eagle is likely to prove particularly attractive to golf courses, especially as it is potentially an additional source of revenue. VMA Golf Enterprise, who are the exclusive distributors in Ireland and the UK, are offering a Pro Kit (which consists of one Eagle Laser, one carrycase, one belt/bag clip, one portable reflector and one high powered deflector) at a special introductory price of £249 plus VAT.
It is believed that the device will prove especially tempting to course managers, and a Master Kit is available at £299. It gives course managers quick accurate measurements, including self certification for courses and scorecards.
VMA claim that a course can be set up (with pinflag reflectors) to use the system for just over £600 - but points out that profitable return (the product is suitable for both rental and retail) is "almost as fast as the laser itself."
Their idea is that courses can rent out Eagles to players. An example (they use) is: Eagles rented per day (4) x rental price (£3) = Income per Month (£365) or an annual income of £4,380.
Another incentive for courses, especially pay-to-play, is that the USGA estimate that use of the Eagle can speed up play by between 20 and 30 minutes a round.
VMA are in the process of finalising Irish distributors for the device. In the meantime, sales - and inquiries - are being handled from England. Contact Wendy Newman on 0044-1252-341366 (telephone) or 0044-1252-343104 (fax).
LEET-HANDERS who may have felt left out can relax a little . . . the new King Cobra 11 irons with the Integrated Quad system will shortly be available to all ciotog golfers.
The irons which combine four engineered elements to create straighter and more powerful shots are due to arrive at selected Cobra stockists later this month and will be available in both steel and graphite. The IQ system incorporates heel side weighting, a unique dual-purpose sole, a shaped shaft and an optimised oversize cavity back, all designed to work together to help the golfer hit the sweet-spot more often.
IN YOUR stores now . . . the video of Tiger Woods' first Major win - in the US Masters at Augusta - has hit the shelves, ahead of schedule. The Official Film of the Masters 1997 - Tiger Woods has a running time of 52 minutes and is on sale from PolyGram Video, retailing at £14.99.
