WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Golfers can now have a caddy in their smartphone with GreenFinder software. GreenFinder provides rangefinder capabilities by leveraging the always connected nature and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in select BlackBerr) smartphones from Research In Motion.

GreenFinder automatically calculates the distance from the golfer to the front, center and back of the green, as well as to hazards along the fairway for every hole at hundreds of the best golf courses across North America. GreenFinder offers many advantages to seasoned and beginner golfers alike. By always knowing the distance to the green, golfers improve their club selection and save time by not having to seek out distance markers or pace off the yardage.

For golfers who prefer to keep their BlackBerry smartphone in its holster, GreenFinder has a voice option that will 'speak the distance'. From drives to putts, the technology also has the capability to display the length of any shot. The innovative software, created by Itinerant Software of London Ontario, is available online at www.greenfinderGPS.com for just $35 per year. GreenFinder is launching the new product by offering a trial that includes five free rounds for the 2008 season.

"I can't guarantee that using GreenFinder will improve your handicap," says Brian Semkowski, GreenFinder President and an avid golfer. "But I can assure you that you'll know how far you are to the green and that will make it easier to choose your club and swing with confidence."

GreenFinder is always available as long as the golfer has their GPS-enabled BlackBerry smartphone, eliminating the need for expensive rangefinder devices that can cost up to $500, have to be charged and require advance planning. "Other rangefinders require you to download and setup the courses you wish to play ahead of time, but GreenFinder on a BlackBerry smartphone lets you do it in real time, on the course," explains Richard Baker, Vice President of Technology.

For the traveler, GreenFinder can help golfers find a local course by providing a list of golf courses within a 30-kilometer radius. Once a golf course is chosen, GreenFinder will even provide driving directions to the course.

If you are an iPhone user cehck out our article on GolFlyOver.