This past week’s outing was to check out new technology being offered by the Links at Outlook Farm. This season the South Berwick club has GolfLogix GPS system for golfers wishing to avoid some of the problems that come with not knowing the course. Think about the times you have stood on the first tee and wondered how far the water hazard is off the tee, or whether the group ahead is out of range. This cell phone sized device mounted on the dash of the golf cart answers those questions.

On the first hole it told us the water was 348 yards away and the traps on the left 352. We didn’t have to worry about the water or driving into any group that had reached the traps. As we moved along the yardage changed, and when we reached our balls, all we had to do was punch the button and we were given the yardage to the center of the green. When playing cart path only, the device detaches and can be carried to the ball for exact yardage.

Push the button on the opposite side of the device and find a tip on how to play the hole. Number five is good example. The tip reads: “This hole can be trouble, check yardage to position A. Leave the driver in the bag, aim for the house.” The yardage to position A was 199 and a three iron left a wedge to the green on the sharp dog leg. Big hitters with the courage could check the yardage to the green and take a crack at going over the deep grass.

The system is also valuable on No. 17, a 484-yard, par-five that can play like 400 with a good drive. The read out states: “Blind Peak. Grip it and rip it. Favor right side. Yardage is deceiving straight downhill. You are 100 feet above the green. Second shot will decide score. Eagles are possible, doubles, too.”

For 18 holes, we knew our yardage without hunting for sprinkler heads. We knew how far to any hazards off the tee or from wherever we were in the fairway or even in an adjacent fairway. We had the kind of information that usually comes only from an experienced caddy.

Cost of the system for 18 holes is $6, $4 for nine. That’s $3 per person for two golfers sharing a cart or $1.50 each for a foursome. It can also be used by walkers, unlike some GPS systems which are strictly cart based. Some of the benefits can be found in a range finder, but the configuration of many holes can make rangefinders difficult to use. They operate strictly on line of sight so if you don’t have a clear line to the target they don’t work. We found the GoflLogix system a big help and well worth an addition $6 for two sharing a cart. Those clubs looking to speed play should take a long look at this system. At some future date we can discuss why these along with range finders should be legal for tournament play.

On the subject of tournaments, it’s time to register for one of our favorites, the Ninth Annual Camp Sunshine Benefit at Point Sebago, scheduled for June 16. Last year’s event raised $20,000 for the camp which was made possible by the resort.

Owners Larry and Anna Gould donated the resort facilities each year to Camp Sunshine from 1984 to 2000 for a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. In 2001 they gave 15 acres of lakefront land at Point Sebago for a permanent home for the camp, and each summer they run a series of events to raise funds for the camp.

The event begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., followed at 2 p.m. with a social hour including a raffle, lunch and awards. The tournament will be a scramble with scoring on both gross and net under the Modified Oldsmobile Scramble Handicap System. There will also be par-three contests, hole-in-one prizes and a putting contest. A hole in one could win cash, trip or car, and other prizes include golf at some of the region’s finest courses. One major prize will be a four-day, three-night trip for two, with air, to Myrtle Beach.

There are several ways to get involved. Teams can enter as corporate sponsors for $800 or $1,000 and individuals may put together four player teams at $150 each including one professional. Social passes are $30. Those interested should call Michael Smith at Camp Sunshine 207-655-3800.

Count Sugarloaf among the courses now open for the season. Director of golf Scott Hoisington reports the course came through the winter well accounting for this earlier than ever opening. Golfers can take advantage of the Tin Mountain Roundup for discount golf the last weekend of the month, May 30 to June 1. Donate three canned food items and play for $25 including a cart.

This started last year after 17 years of running the promotion for lift tickets in the fall.

The resort works with Sugarloaf Area Ministries with the food distributed by food banks in Franklin County. Call 207-237-6806 for details.

Finally, the Maine Golf Hall of Fame has announced this year’s inductee. Sanford native and CBS golf analyst Peter Kostis will be on hand to be inducted at the annual banquet Sept. 12. Kostis started his golf career as an assistant at Cape Arundel and worked with many of the PGA’s top pros. Induction day starts with a golf tournament at Sable Oaks with the evening ceremonies at the nearby Marriot. For information, call 207-799-0893.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.