A company called Air Force Golf is marketing a golf ball launcher. Ostensibly designed for the handicapped, it retails for $795. You also need a compressor to make it work.

Air Force Golf says that it can launch a ball up to 300 yards. Presumably, you can adjust the pressure for shorter distances.

I can’t say that I think this is a particularly good idea. While I sympathize with individuals—such as the inventor’s father—who would like to enjoy the game but no longer can swing a club, I fear that this will simply end up in the hands of immature yahoos. The same destructive morons who watch “Jackass” and think it’s funny to blow airhorns while people are starting their downswing will no doubt find this device enticing.

I can see it now: “Dood. Watch me shoot those old guys up there. Heh. Heh. Heh.”

One of their marketing photos (shown below) reinforces this fear. It doesn’t exactly show an older gentleman enjoying the game of his youth ...

Bushnell Tour V2

If you make one purchase this spring, I recommend that you get a laser range finder. I bought one last spring and have been using it constantly. I am sure that it has improved my scoring by helping me to pick the right club for every shot.

The principal advantage of a laser rangefinder over a GPS system is that you can use it on any course. The GPS units, while likely more accurate and more handy, won’t work unless someone has previously mapped the course. While the various GPS companies are improving their offering, they still don’t have them all—including some of my favorites.

This appears to be the updated version of the model I bought last year. The Tour V2 weighs just 6.6 ounces and fits into the palm of your hand. It’s even smaller than the one I have, and mine fits easily into my stand bag. It can target a flag from 275 yards (I don’t have any problem targeting a flagstick) and trees from 700 yards.

There’s no need for targeting anything further out, but Bushnell swears it can target a reflective target at 1000 yards.

The PinSeeker mode makes it easier to target the flags, while the scan mode helps you switch from target to target.

The Never Search for Golf DVD looks really useful for those who love to love to mix golf with travel. It’s a computerized reference and map to all of the 18,000+ golf courses across the United States, and includes detailed information on each. The DVD also includes driving ranges, golf stores and information on 9,000 golf instructors. According to the website, if you have a GPS attachment for your computer, it also can give you directions to the courses.

This is one I’d love to have.

Here’s a video of a pneumatic golf ball shooter at work. The inventor claims that it can shoot 400 yards, and after seeing it punch holes in plywood, I believe it. You can find building instructions here.

Golf Laptop Skin

Ridiculous Golf Item of The Week