Reading a colleague’s post (shoutout to: Jackson Pearce) has inspired me to write about technology in golf. I grew up with loved ones who play the sport and I find it fascinating how the sport has evolved through the years. Since time immemorial, the sport of golf has been depicted as a sport for gentlemen of high stature or older gentlemen in country clubs. However, it seems as time has progressed, and possibly due to numerous influencers such as Tiger Woods, Rory Mcllroy, Phil Mickelson and Michelle Wie, the sport has made strides in the athletics and technology scenes. It is no longer perceived as simply a leisurely game but is now revered by many as exciting, climactic and even nerve wracking. Men and women, young and old, have worked hard and dedicated their lives to becoming professional golfers.
Something that may seem new and even a tad peculiar with this slow-paced sport is the technology behind it. However easy it may look to hit the golf ball, it has been proven that discipline, dedication, a special skill set and now even advanced technology are needed to have a powerful and consistent game.
The most basic and yet most integral part of a golf game is the golf swing, which determines where the ball is going to go and land. With the help of today’s advances in technology i.e., cameras, radars, and sensors, e.g., “Flight Scope” and “Trackman” a golfer is able to see and observe every aspect of his or her golf swing down to the degree. These machines capture the swing, the speed, the direction, the angle, the projection, and the distance of the ball. The radars, cameras, and sensors are connected to your smartphones or smart gadgets and it relays all of the information. Now, the golfer can see where errors are being made with their golf swing. Research and data show that the average scoring of golfing professionals have improved by 4.2 shots since using this type of technology.
Such gadgetry has also made instructing and teaching much easier. Coaches and instructors alike are now able to distinguish exactly where their players and students are lacking and how they can improve.
Quadrascopic high-speed camera system in action
Another crucial component in having a proficient golf game is mastery of the golf course. Technology has also afforded a more precise and convenient way to plot and understand the terrain of golf courses. Now, with the use of radars with the click of a button, a player can know the exact distance of an object or of the entire hole. This has helped professionals and amateurs take their games to a higher level by understanding golf courses that they frequent and ones that are new and unfamiliar.
These are only two examples of how technology has evolved the beloved game of golf. There seems to be buzz on how technological advances have revolutionized the equipment used by golfers; including but not limited to clubs, shoes and balls.
Although that is talk for another time.
ℙumpkin ℙatch 
Wow, Gaby! I am not into golf but seeing this amazes me. I think this is the most advanced use of technology I’ve seen so far in sports. I’ve never used anything like this but I do wonder if they’ve also developed this in other sports I’m into like volleyball, figure skating and track and field. This will be a great tool to see how we can improve throws, jumps and sprits by seeing really the movement and the angles of our body or of an object used in the sport. I think what makes it different than just video-taping is that it can analyze it for you, and that it makes it a more organized way of documentation of your development. Wow, just really amazed with tech advancement in sports. I know one day, even without a coach, devices can help us better know how we can improve our skills as athletes.
Love, Hana
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Gaby I am so glad to see you are taking an interest in the game of kings!
I agree with you that technology has helped in the improvement of the golf swing and the motor performance of the sport. However, the biggest deciding factor in golf is the mental game. Standing on the first tee with a gallery watching you is a real knee knocker and no amount of technology is going to help you there. Being mentally tough takes practice and experience. Until you can upload Tigers mental game to your brain, technology won’t make you a champion.
Fore!!
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Gaby,
Oh the game of golf. I have always wanted to play and have lived in many places with what people say are “amazing” golf courses, but like you have said it has always been revered as a prestigious man’s sport and for those that are experienced. Last year, while living in the states, I took a few lessons in hopes of being able to learn the game well enough to play on the course. This piece hasn’t happened yet. What I actually find interesting is that most players who have been playing for awhile will not play with someone that is not experienced. However, it is hard to get experience in the game of golf as those you play with want you to know what your doing or you are not someone they want to waste their time with.
I guess I find all of this intriguing and a bit of a challenge to feel confident enough with the game to enter in a round with people and be able to experience a true round of golf. So right now I am taking more lessons, which are really intense, in the hopes that before school ends that I will actually be on the course playing with those that seem to only play with the best!
My big question is why golfers will only play with people “who can play” instead of helping others learn the game and be life long learners? Everyone has to start somewhere. It really seems to me that golfers themselves make the game really exclusive. What do you think? Has this been your experience?
Do you play golf and enjoy it?
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