Best gizmo so far at the PGA Merchandise Show: a hat full of GPS

Best gizmo so far at the PGA Merchandise Show: a hat full of GPS

The 2007 PGA Show is full of worthless stuff, old and new, and most of it is expensive. Here’s a little invention I think could catch on.

GPS in a hat. You ask your hat a question – how far is it to that bunker on the left? – and your hat says, “187 yards.”

It’s called Advisor, a “hands-free, voice-activated microcomputer GPS system,” that is fully contained in the brim of a normal golf cap.

It was invented by Gail Garratt of Naples, FL., with help from her engineer husband and software expert son.

Now, I would have to test the hat under course conditions to see if it really works. I’m guessing, with my experience with technology, quite a few tweaks would be needed.

But, it’s a great idea. The hat is only slightly heavier than a normal hat, and you would never know there’s a computer in it.

No more fumbling with hand-helds, and it’s easy for walkers to use.

The cost is around $400.