Can golf technology actually improve your game?

Golf is a game for the great outdoors – the simple proposition of firing a small ball across lush countryside and into a hole using just your club, wits and technique. But as the game has evolved over the centuries, technology has come with it. From metal heads and graphite shafts to spiked shoes - every part of the game has been infiltrated by advances in science. Recently, though, things have moved into the realm of sci-fi.

But can these new inventions actually help you improve your game?

Recording your swing

When learning, you’re told you need to perfect your swing, but it’s one of the few areas of the game you can’t actually see. Instructors can tell you to straighten your arms or bend your back, but if you can’t see what you’re doing wrong it’s hard to know how to fix it.

There are now a number of new ways to get over this hurdle. First up are portable cameras. Long-used in sports like snowboarding and cycling, these mini-HD cameras can be attached to a nearby pole or even golf bag and used to record your swing. The HD video gives you a crystal clear look at all your flaws, while slow-motion options allow you to analyse each step of your swing in agonising detail.

For similar results, try the V1 Golf app. Use your phone to record your swing and the app will overlay your attempts with that of one of 50 professional golfers. Who doesn’t like being compared to a pro?

Finally, why not go all out and invest in a drone. Drones - small, portable aircrafts - can be fixed with cameras to give you a 360° view of your swing. They can even be programmed to hover over head and follow you around.

Do they work? Slow-mo and HD mean you get a better view of your swing - but an old camcorder or your mobile can do the same job for less money.

Drones are becoming more popular in sports

Getting a sense of your game

Taking it to the next level are wearables - sensors that can be attached to various body parts. When they’re paired with your mobile they not only record data like hand position and swing speed, but some will also analyse this data to let you know where you’re going wrong.

There are a number of sensors available for golfers that can be attached to any of the following:

Shaft – shows you the angle of your club, speed of swing and more
Handle – track the performance of each club you use and get suggestions on the best ones for certain holes
Hands – special gloves measure the pressure of your grip and position of your hands
Wrists – measures your pulse, distance walked and your swing
Golf balls – find out how fast and how far your drives actually go
Back – top golfers use a system of sensors attached to the top and bottom of the spine to track the separation between shoulders and hips on the backswing

And if you don’t fancy covering your body in sensors, then there are special training clubs. These are sensor-covered devices with a weighted head to give the feel of a real swing but without using a club.

Do they work? If you’re willing to plough through the vast amount of data, you could find out some useful facts that could improve your game.

Sensors can measure everything from club rotation to grip pressure

Taking a stance

A golfer’s stance is like a finger print – no two are the same. And while there are ‘preferred’ ways to stand, as our bodies are different we develop into our own style over time.

So how can technology improve this unique aspect of our game? Apparently in a number of ways. From shoes with differently designed spikes for each foot to those offering ‘super grip’ so your feet stay rooted to the spot for longer periods.

Do they work? Possibly. Lots of pros use specifically designed shoes to help perfect their stance.

How far is it?

Finally, this is one to end those endless debates on the fairway between you and your playing companion or caddy. How far is it to the hole?

GPS-enabled devices can give you hugely accurate data on how far the pin is from your current position – no matter how far into the rough you get.

Do they work? They can be accurate and help build up your knowledge of courses and club selection. But it won’t matter if you can stop slicing your drives.

The verdict: do they work?

If you’re starting out and have fundamental issues with various aspects of your game, these technologies won’t be able to fix them.

But if you’re looking to fine tune an already good game or iron out certain flaws, then technology could offer some interesting insights.