Like nearly all other sports, the golfing world has significantly transformed thanks to developments in tech and new gadgets that can help improve everyone's game, from Master's Champions to your average weekend golfer. Whether it's golf tripods for your phone or swing analyzers, these tools not only improve performance but also make the experience of golfing much more enjoyable for everyone. Let's take a look at some must-have golfing gadgets that might make the sport a bit more fun and get you a better score.
1. Swing Analyzers
Photo: Arccos Caddie
If you're trying to refine your technique, swing analyzers are an essential tool. They provide you with detailed feedback on technical aspects of your swing, and can give you insight that will help improve your shot.
Top Brands:
- TrackMan: Known for its precision, TrackMan provides extensive data on your entire shot, everything from the swing to the ball flight is captured. It's a device made up of radars and cameras that's used by pros and serious golfers for the level of insight it provides. So, if you're a beginner or intermediate player you might want to check out some other options first.
- Arccos Caddie: This system is a bit more simplified and uses sensors attached to your clubs to provide real-time data and feedback. It also offers an AI-powered caddie to help you make better decisions on the course.
Integrating a swing analyzer into your golf routine can be super simple. Get started by using them during practice sessions so the systems can gather data and learn about your swings. The data can then be analyzed to find patterns and key areas of improvement. Once the systems understand your game well, the targeted feedback can you give you suggestions on what adjustments to make in order to improve your overall game.
2. Rangefinders and GPS Devices
Photo: Garmin Z82
When you're out on the course, rangefinders and GPS devices are instrumental for understanding the layout of the course and for making decisions on club selection and shot strategy.
Top Products:
- Bushnell Pro X3: This high-end rangefinder is praised for its accuracy and advanced features, including slope measurement and adjusting for environmental factors.
- Garmin Approach Z82: Touted as the only tool you'll need on the golf course. The Z82 combines GPS and launch monitor capabilities to give you any data you might need from distances, to wind direction to hazards on the greens.
There are a few things to consider when selecting a rangefinder or GPS device. The accuracy and ease of use are the main things you want to look out for. If it can't measure accurately - it's not even worth considering. Some other more uncommon features such as slope measurement or integration with other golf technologies will also help you narrow down your options. But at the end of the day what good is a feature heavy device if you don't use all the features so choose a device that best fits your needs and playing style.
3. Wearable Technology
Photo: Garmin Approach S62
If you're a minimalist, you might want to look into wearable tech for the golf course. Wearable tools tend to be more user friendly while still providing useful data for your game. Most importantly, they're always with you so you don't need to lug around any extra devices if you don't want to.
Top Products:
- Garmin Approach S62: This golf watch does it all from full-color course maps, to fitness tracking features and a virtual caddie. On top of all that, it boasts a 20 hour battery life so you'll have more than enough juice for 18 holes.
- Shot Scope V5: This watch is a more budget friendly option but is still jam packed with features. Including GPS distances, course mapping with hazards, and performance tracking. It also has no subscription fees so it's a great option for the "once-in-a-while" golfer that still wants to improve their game.
The best part about wearables is they provide instant access to information like yardage, tracking etc. so you can take a quick glance if you need to and carry on enjoying the game without worrying. They also keep track of your fitness activity levels to help you improve your overall health at the same time.
4. Portable Phone Holders
Photo: Pocket Tripod
One of the simplest ways to analyze your game is through video. Record your swings, and rewatch them to see how your form is, what aspects you need to work on and what you're doing right. You don't need an entire setup and a camera crew to film yourself on the course! We already have cameras on our phones, all you need is a reliable phone stand that's easy to use, and compact enough to travel with you around the course.
Top Products:
- Geometrical Pocket Tripod: The Pocket Tripod is a compact, lightweight and highly portable phone holder that folds down to the thickness of two credit cards and easily fits in your wallet or pocket. Although it can be used in many ways it makes an excellent golf tripod for iPhone and Android devices. It's adjustable, allowing you to set your phone at various angles or surfaces to capture the perfect shot hands-free making it a great golf tripod you can always keep in toss in your bag.
Not only do good phone stands allow you to record and analyze your performance, but at those times when you make an unbelievable drive or putt you'll always have video proof to show your friends.
5. Apps and Software
Photo: V1 Golf
Another way to minimize the tools you carry around, is to use golf apps and software on your phone. There are great apps that offer everything from GPS yardages to score tracking, shot analysis and community engagement.
Top Apps:
- Golfshot: This app provides detailed GPS yardages, scoring, and statistics tracking. It also offers instructional content and connects with your wearable devices.
- TheGrint: This one is more of a community-driven app that offers score tracking, GPS, as well as a social platform to find and connect with other golfers in your area.
- V1Golf: This app serves as a swing analyzer. Just put your phone on a tripod to record your shots and break them down with the in app drawing tools. It also has hundreds of pre-loaded videos on the platform that you can compare your own shots to.
Golf apps can make managing your game a bit easier by tracking scores, booking tee times, and meeting or connecting with other golfers. For those times when you don't want to bring extra devices with you, your phone could be just enough.
Tech has totally changed the game of golf, making it more fun and helping golfers at all levels play better, from swing analyzers and rangefinders to simulators and wearable tech. These gadgets give you awesome insights and data like the Trackman or just allow you to watch how you play and share the fun with others like the golf tripod by Geometrical.
Give these devices a try to boost your game. Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, these gadgets can give you that extra edge. Share your favorite golf gadgets in the comments below and tell us how they’ve helped your game!
