NEED TO KNOW / NEWS STYLE TIPS TRENDS : A golf toy

When a golf caddie is not an option, the fairways may seem friendlier to your favorite duffer with a SkyCaddie SG5 rangefinder in hand. The specialized GPS device has a bright 2.2-inch color screen that maps more than 24,000 pre-programmed courses in 45 countries. The monitor also shows distances from holes, hazards and targets, and has a zoom function, a digital scorecard and a digital clock. The 5.4-by-2.2-by-1-inch-deep SkyCaddie weighs about 6 ounces. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, automatic backlight and water-resistant casing. The device, whose software works with PC or Mac, comes with an AC wall adapter, car charger, USB cable, belt clip and travel case. Skill not included. SkyCaddie SG5 rangefinder is $399.99 at www.skygolf.com, (866) 759-4653. Additional $30 to $60 annual programming fee.

-- Judi Dash