Technology in Golf

 

In this article, we will be looking into how the game we all love got influenced by technology and the latest golf technology products which have entered the market are helping a golfer to analyze and improve his game in real-time.

How Technology changed the Game of Golf

Golf which dates back to 1497 has come a long way today, completing over 520 years today. Like every other Sport, even Golf has adapted the best of changes which answered to the need of the hour, from handicap rules, shafts, clubs, golf etiquette, rules, balls and everything has seen the changes and for the good of the game.

As we all grew up watching the game as lucky we are as a generation to see Tiger roar in majors and how? The image is still fresh from all of his wins, via Television, of course, many do fancy the idea of being present at the venue but it’s not possible for everyone to be there. Yes, TV was present before the Tiger’s arrival but the number of broadcasters was limited. It is kind of undeniable fact that technology has always done more good than any bad it could possibly to the game of golf.

Golf Balls over the years

 

Taking the case of golf ball, golfers in earlier days had to use rounded wooden balls until the Featherie, a leather pouch stuffed ball, comparatively it was easier to hit than a wooden ball but it had issues with the shape being consistent after hitting the ball or if it came in contact with water it warped. The tech was difficult and costly too, to produce five balls a day was a heavy task back then. In 1800’s the Gutty ball, changed the balls for a very good long time After all these years of development and tech we have now balls come which suit your game, your golf swing, for an ideal ball flight. Its cost of manufacture was less compared to earlier balls allowing people of lower income to join the game too after all a game should be a game to be enjoyed by all.

Golf Clubs over the years

Now if you look at how the clubs have come a long way starting from being made of Hickory Wood Shafts, to Steel and now Graphite giving golfers more distance combined with the improved feel an option of having them custom fitted after testing your swing analysis and stance on a simulator gets you more done out of your clubs.

They have so evolved that you can see drives like 400+ yards by Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy on a regular basis, and Long Distance Championships seldom have anyone hitting below that mark. In 65 years Ben Hogan was the longest hitter, hitting his 9-iron roughly 115 yards and now you have McIlroy who chooses 9 Iron for a shot at 175 yards on a routine basis. So it cannot be denied that players are training themselves to as the clubs are getting advanced but the margin of improvement is so vast that you cannot miss it.

Wearables and Golf Training Systems

As the Game got popular more and more young kids have started taking interest in the game, joke you not earlier it was thought that this is only for rich people doing businesses and was not taken this seriously by parents, and kids as compared to now, as they have their idols to watch now, academies have opened their gates and a large of number of kids have joined them in the hope of playing in the competitive world on the PGA Tour, Asian Tour, European Tour, Challenge Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and other Tours you can remember, its a fascinating world out there.

As the training regime has developed so does the measuring the same via recording or simulators has seen an increase in demand too. Few of these are even wearables which you can wear and analyse yourself on your smartphones or send the recordings to your coach and get the best advice, see where you even have an option of having an online coach too if they are not available on a daily basis or the fees are too high, technology always finds ways to reduce time and the cost.

Let’s look into some of the Best Wearables to help you get your game going.

1. Smart Shoe – Samsung iOFIT

In the era of smartwatches and bands, Samsung introduced IOFIT to provide swing analysis based on balance during the process. The Information gathered via pressure sensors fitted into the soles and transmitted to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

When the analysis is complete this even lets you compare your swing to pros and you can send the data to your coach for better perspective on the same.

Priced at $189 for all the benefits attached to it

2. Biomech Golf App and Putting Sensor

 

Now BioMech’s sensor and Putting App combo is something one needs to analyze their putting, it captures everything your body and putter do during the stroke. This even comes with subscription option which provides you interactive drills and instruction from PGA Teaching Pros.

Price ranges from $49.99 for the sensor, $99 per year for the app, and $199 per year for instructor version.

3. SwingLync

Now the best and the latest entrant in this category is a brand new technology named SwingLync. This is a first of its kind wearable swing training technology. This comes with an app using this with three wireless sensors, teaches Golfers how to position their body for a powerful and consistent swing.

The easy to use technology three wireless sensors, that fasten to golfers waist, wrist and back. Data collected during the swing is sent instantly to the app and reports show the most important moments of the swing – setup, top, impact and finish.

This is a Kick Starter and available at an unbelievable price of only $179 for early backers and prices are expected to go up to $299 in retail stores.

This tech has surely fascinated many and has a lot of potential for use by pro-coaches, kids, golfers and anyone who is just getting into this game of golf and is serious about learning it with the best help it can get.

We will be covering more on this piece of technical art in detail in our next post to let you all know how you can support it and buy it before the prices rise.

One thing is clear technology in Golf is a must for improvement of the game and the players alike and with these wearables available in the market these surely are the best times.