Golf Professional - making the most of todays technology

Another day ahead out on the driving range, short game areas and golf course with clients looking to take their games forward is here and it has just got me thinking about how much technology has advanced over the last few decades. Golf lessons of the past were carried out solely with the coach using the naked eye to observe ball flight and swing to diagnose any faults a player may have. The coaches word was having to be taken as correct by the player and this was just how things were done. However today all that has changed. In a golfing world which includes technology such as Trackman, Flightscope and SAM Lab it leads to a much more in depth, detailed and precise analysis of a players game.

Despite this advance in technology I personally find it very important to my own development and for my players benefit to not become over reliant on this kind of technology. I use it more as a confirmation of what has been said through my observations with the naked eye. For me some time away from the camera ensures I stay sharp, that I am still seeing the things I need to see. For the player it allows me to work more on the feel of the swing and understanding appropriate ball flight and strike conditions.

However there is no doubt that the majority of pupils learn best through visual feedback. It is easy to just stand there and be like 'oh well sir, you are just coming over the top to hit that pull, just do this instead.... blah blah blah'. However the fact is that many golfers will never grasp exactly what you mean or understand the extent that they need to change. This is where video etc will help, 5 minutes viewing here and there to assist in the diagnosis and to view the size of the change is enough to help pupils move forwards with their swings. 

So today I will be heading up the range and on the course armed with my Casio EX-FH25 and iPad 2 to assist me in developing my players' games. Filming swings, drills  that can then be sent to them straight away for further viewing at home just to help cement it into the memory.

Looking forward to getting out there again.

Dan Gale
PGA Professional/TPI Certified

Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & a certified TPI Instructor

Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com