It was only a matter of time before golf and technology merged,
and that time is now. From computer gadgets to software, you'll
find that there are some very interesting technological advances
aimed at golfers.
Scorekeeping is one place where software has really come into
play. Keeping score on a single game of golf isn't that
difficult, but tracking a series of games and establishing a
handicap for tournament play has traditionally been serious
business. There are several types of scorekeeping software for
golf players and some are even recognized by certain tournament
officials to establish eligibility to play.
The options include online sites that are very simple to use.
The golfer enters his or her information online and the program
does all the calculations. Some golf organizations include the
use of this type of program as a benefit of membership.
Evaluating a player's swing has always been the bane of golf
professionals and instructors. Where exactly is the player going
wrong? And how can it be corrected? There are a couple of major
programs for swing analysis available. Typically, a movie is
taken of the golfer while he executes a typical swing. Then the
computer software overlays an image of a perfect swing, giving
the golfer and the instructor a frame-by-frame analysis. Not
only is the golf swing slowed down for a critical look, but it's
easy to pinpoint any problems.
Practice is another area improved by technology. Those who want
to practice their golf games often have very limited options.
They can go to a driving range or golf course to get in real
practice, or they can practice putting in limited space. But the
golfer who lives in a crowded neighborhood can now use one of
several golf aids to practice swings right in the backyard.
In this case, the answer doesn't have to be high-tech, though
there are some really great technical options. Some golfers use
a net to catch the ball a few feet past the swing, though this
does at least slightly limit the benefits of practice because
there's no way for the golfer to tell whether it would have been
an excellent shot. Some of the high-tech golf aids allow you to
see how far the ball would have traveled and the exact path it
would have taken.
There will probably never be a time when computerized golf takes
the place of 18 holes on your favorite golf course, but there's
no doubt that technology has an important role in golf today.
About the author:
Bob Benson is the founder of Golf Tips online. We
provide information on Golf Lessons
|
|
