Golf is being transformed by the digital age. With the appearance of tools such as GPS-enabled rangefinders, swing analysis apps, and even augmented reality technology for reading greens and planning shots, golf’s traditional, lo-fi image is being rapidly erased.
Technology has flooded into the modern game. Players today have access to a wide range of digital innovations such as launch monitors and virtual coaching. The primary goal of these technologies is, obviously, to improve the player’s in-game performance, but which are the key innovations changing golf today? With golf being one of the most popular sports over on GGBet, we take a look at the tech changing the game.
Essential Golf Technologies Changing the Game
- GPS-enabled rangefinders: This is probably the greatest revolution in golf tech in recent years. GPS golf devices come in myriad formats, such as dedicated watches or phone apps, and can provide yardages to the flag, the location of hazards, and information about other key points on the course. Brands like Garmin and Bushnell offer models that feature color touchscreens and preloaded course maps, but the choice is now enormous. Accuracy is sometimes an issue with these devices, meaning some golfers use laser rangefinders instead, but whichever you choose, the days of pro players exclusively enjoying this type of information via expensive caddies are long gone.
- Swing analysis apps: Mobile apps like V1 Golf App and Swing Profile have transformed how golfers approach technique improvement. These apps provide detailed analysis of metrics such as swing speed and angle of attack, data that can be reviewed instantly, allowing players to make adjustments in real-time. This is all great, but this type of virtual training can come at a price: V1 Golf App, for example, comes with a subscription of a hefty $60 a year.
- Launch monitors: A launch monitor is a digital device, essentially a box with a read-out screen, that provides comprehensive data on every aspect of a golf shot. They give figures for ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and much more. The point is to give players a detailed understanding of the way their swing affects the ball, which is obviously the critical result in improving your game. You should be prepared to do some research if you’re in the market for a launch monitor because the choice is huge. A popular choice is the SkyTrak launch monitor, which uses high-speed photometric cameras, meaning they can be used in small spaces if you’re looking to set up a golf simulator at home. Be warned, though. These things aren’t cheap. You may be able to get deals if you shop around, but a SkyTrak monitor costs in the region of $2,000.
- Virtual reality (VR): VR is only really beginning to make its mark on the golf world. VR simulators are intended to offer an immersive practice environment, allowing players, in theory, to experience virtual versions of famous courses without leaving home. In reality, to use them you’re going to need software such as The Golf Club VR, a VR headset, such as the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, a controller that mimics the club, and a PC powerful enough to run it all. Aside from the cost involved, VR famously comes with nausea issues associated with wearing the headset. You’re probably better off just going outside and playing some golf.
- Augmented reality (AR): As with VR, AR is still in its infancy in terms of golf, but expect it to quickly become more important on the course. AR apps, usually on a mobile phone, differ from VR in that they overlay digital information in the real world. A principal example of AR in golf is the Golfscape AR app, which shows hazards and targets on your phone’s screen in real time. As AR glasses become more mainstream, this type of application will become more advanced, but for now, this is more of an experiment than a mainstay. Absolutely an advancement to watch, however.
The future of golf is tech-based
The integration of digital technology tools into golf has transformed the way the game is played and, probably most importantly, the manner in which players can improve their game with practice. With the help of GPS-enabled rangefinders, swing analysis apps and launch monitors, golfers can now gain a much deeper insight into their performance and how to improve, as well as being able to make better-informed decisions in-game. As these innovations continue to become more advanced and cheaper, you can expect to see golf become ever more digital in the years to come.