In many ways, golf is an old-school game. The game itself dates back to the 15th century, maybe before, and many golfers hold the tradition and history of the sport as one of their favorite aspects of golf. However, even golf is catching up with the times, most notably through the use of technology. There are many ways in which technology is impacting our lives on the links, from the use of GPS devices and rangefinders to digital scorecard apps, golf club design, ball design and more. No matter where you are on the course, you are usually within a chip shot of technology in one form or another.
One of the most exciting new technologies that can seriously can impact your game are golf swing analyzer apps. These are exactly what they sound like - apps for your phone that can gather data about your swing. That data can then be relayed to you in a way which will help you work on the weak points in your game. In addition to hiring a professional golf coach to help with your game, you may be able to take big steps forward simply by using one of the many golf swing analyzer apps on the market.
How They Work
Golf swing analyzers work by collecting data about your swing which can then be displayed in a variety of different ways. A high-end launch monitor will collect an immense amount of data regarding the swing you make, but those devices can get expensive really quickly. Fortunately, there are now swing analyzers that cost just a fraction of those launch monitors while still providing many of the same data points.
Once you have gathered information about your technique, there are a number of options you can pursue in an attempt to improve. For one thing, you can use the tips that may come from within the app you are using. Some of these systems have golf instruction built right in, meaning they will provide you with ideas on how you can improve based on your numbers. Or, you could take the data to a golf instructor. A professional instructor will be able to look at your stats and recommend a path toward better play.
Analyzing Your Swing Technique
One of the most popular apps for analyzing your swing technique comes from Zepp Golf. This app works with a device that is placed on the back of your golf glove during the swing. The sensor collects data as you swing, and that data is then transmitted to your phone where it is displayed in the app. You can download the app for free, but of course, you are going to need to purchase the sensor.
For most golfers, the Zepp app is going to provide all of the information necessary to work toward better play in the future. You will be able to see your club head speed, your swing plane, your rhythm, and more. At around $150, this is not necessarily a cheap purchase - but then again, you could easily spend that on just two or three golf lessons. Considering the fact that you can use this device every time you head to the range, it can quickly provide the serious golfer with plenty of value.
If you are looking for a most cost-effective way to review the technical aspects of your swing, you may be interested in the V1 Mobile App. V1 has long been one of the leaders in the golf video instruction world, and their Golf App is a great way to watch your swing back using a number of handy features. The app is only $5, and it is available in both Android and iOS formats. One of the great features of this software is the ability to compare your swing to a Tour pro side by side - this function might be humbling, but it is certainly helpful!
Analyzing Your Entire Game
The two options above, Zepp Golf and the V1 Golf App, are methods of analyzing your swing technique. Those can be very useful, but what if you would like to analyze your entire game? To do so, you may wish to purchase a game performance-tracking system. Two of the most popular products in this category are Game Golf Live and Arccos. At $300 each for the whole system (though there are scaled-back versions available by using their respective apps), these systems are no one’s idea of a bargain. However, if you really want to get to know your game in tremendous detail, these systems are hard to beat.
While there are differences between the two, these systems work largely the same way. A sensor is attached to the butt end of each of your clubs, and you download an app to your phone. As you play, the system collects information in the background as you go along using GPS and Bluetooth. At the end of the round, or even during if not in competition, you can review the data in a number of key areas. You can see your average distance with each of your clubs, the path you have taken around the course, and on and on. No matter how in depth you would like to get with your game, it is likely that these systems will offer the data you desire.
Which Way to Go?
So, should you add a whole game analyzer to your bag, or just pick up one of the swing analyzing options? That is a decision that you need to make for yourself. There is no doubt that the game analyzers have a bit of a ‘cool’ factor, but they also provide more information than most golfers will care to sort through after each round. Also, you may find that game analyzers provide you with information you already had in your head. For example, it will tell you how far you are hitting your seven iron, but don’t you already know that number? In many ways, the game analyzers may be more a cool gadget than an effective tool.
On the other hand, all golfers can benefit from making a better swing. If you are determined to play better golf, the best thing you can do is get to work on improving the fundamentals of your golf swing. Whether that happens through the use of a swing analyzer app or through lessons with a teacher, it is up to you to find the right path to progress.
Dan Wheeler lives in Los Angeles and writes about golf equipment at GrumpyGopher.com.
