Are you a frustrated golfer, unable to estimate distance with reasonable accuracy? Perhaps you’re cursed with an incorrigible slice or would be content to swap your golf and bowling scores? Fret not, for what you lack in skill or aptitude can in part be acquired through technology.

The public’s growing obsession with golf has driven an equally intense feeding frenzy among equipment manufacturers. The good news for novices is that carbon fiber and computer-aided design are reducing their terms of apprenticeship. The new clubs are more “forgiving,” providing a larger sweet spot, better weight and balance, and more controlled shaft flex. Ball design has become equally sophisticated. Select from liquid or solid centers and a range of compressions designed to accommodate your swing.

Not quite sure if that bunker is 230 or 250 yards? Consult your global positioning system (GPS). What is GPS? In this case it’s a fixed-position caddie hovering 23,500 miles over your shoulder. It can display a map of the hole on a computer screen and provide ranges to the pin and hazards. It will even validate your choice of a 3-iron. Some courses offer carts equipped with the GPS feature.

Track your cart’s position on the computer monitor as you travel the course. Move the cursor to any location on the screen to measure the distance between your current and your desired positions. The system is accurate to within two yards. Use the computer to order up dinner as you leave the 17th green and your food will be waiting at the clubhouse as you walk off 18.

What if you enjoy the exercise that golf offers but aren’t interested in schlepping your clubs. Remote controlled caddies are available to relieve you of the chore. Options include Kangaroo Corporation’s Hillcrest model. It is a remote controlled caddy equipped with an enclosed transaxle drivetrain, adjustable speed control, and 4 gears to provide motor drag downhill. It can be controlled from up to a distance of 50 yards. Prices for the remote controlled model are $1995, $1495 for the non-remote controlled model.

For golf clubs, design trends are in the direction of lowering the center of gravity of the club head. It includes the use of exotic metals such as titanium and tungsten in the club head. The goal is to place the weight as low as possible in the long irons to better facilitate loft and directional accuracy.

Enjoy better golfing through technology.