To say that golf has evolved into high tech endeavor is an understatement. State-of the art golf learning centers use cameras, sensors, and accelerometers to help golfers perfect their technique and match the correct club, grip, and shaft to the golfer’s swing. GPS-base range finders measure yardage. Software keeps track of how well a golfer does. Whether you want to cut your golf handicap or ingrain key golf tips, technology is at your disposal. But you better bring your checkbook. Some are rather expensive.
For statistically minded individuals, there’s performance-tracking software, which you can buy relatively inexpensively. If you’re not into buying software, you can always find a Web site that tracks performance. All you do is log in and enter your round. The Web site does the rest. It provides an accurate record of time on the course, plus the ability to look back and track progress. Some sites also provide performance-based golf instruction sessions to help whittle down your golf handicap. Price: $4.95 per month or $29.95 annually.
Another interesting technological innovation is what the manufacturer describes as a “digital coaching” system. It teaches you concepts like ball flight laws, swing mechanics, and swing dynamics to help you analyze and correct your swing. It’s like taking golf lessons on demand. This system compares your swing side by side to that of a professional to help diagnose swing flaws. Once it isolates the flaws, it then describes drills to eliminate them. The price: about $100.
Teaching Feel
Other technological innovations focus on feel. These help identify the right “feel” of a swing by letting you know when you’ve done it correctly. The goal is to remember the shot’s feel on the course. These devices are rather expensive. One innovation, a swing vest, is really interesting. It helps improve your swing’s kinetic efficiency. The vest’s video and wireless sensors attached to your spine, hips, and clubshaft capture your swing. The vest then sends the data to the swing analysis software on your PC or laptop. The price: about $1600.
Some technological innovations are designed more for professionals giving golf lessons. But serious golfers with deep pockets can buy them, too. Launch systems, for instance, are more popular than ever. One is especially interesting. From a single swing, it calculates spin rate, speed, and vertical launch angle, giving a whole new meaning to the term “club selection.” This system is somewhat exclusive. It’s available only through equipment manufacturers, club retailers, and golf professionals. The price: over $4,000.
Simulating The On-course Experience
Golf simulators are another technological breakthrough growing in popularity. They’re for golfers who want an on-course experience. According to one manufacturer, his simulator is the “next best thing to being on the course.” This simulator uses a projection screen, topographic 3-D maps, and a set of clubs. The simulator lets you play a full round of golf, analyze your swing, or find the right clubs. The price: about $8000
And let’s not forget ball-tracking systems. These are growing in popularity too. One innovation uses a unique 3-D tracking radar system—the same technology used extensively by military to track ballistics and projectiles at distances of 50 kilometers and speeds of 3,000 km/hour. This system measures things like clubhead speed, carry distance, drag, and backspin, giving you all the statistical information needed for club-comparisons and single-club analysis. The price: $15,000.
Whether you’re a professional looking to take your golf instruction sessions high-tech or a weekend golfer looking to lower her golf handicap, you’ll find technological innovations out there to help ingrain most golf tips. But as the innovations get more sophisticated, they get more expensive. So if you’re looking to buy, bring your checkbook. It can cost you.
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
