Is this playing golf ‘Old Scool’?
Long before electronic measuring devices were introduced, may golfers, including myself, would pace the course for distances. Courses would meticulously measure ranges from sprinkler heads or as a minimum from the 200, 150, and 100 yard markers. They are used by experience players to estimate distance and I have to say that I was pretty accurate. This method of playing would be now be considered ‘Old School’. Continue reading
Taking care of your golf clubs is very important. Most of us invest thousands of dollars in our equipment; without proper care, they could prematurely wear out or break. In the northern climes, we have an extended off-season that forces us to store our clubs until needed in the spring.
Each year, I have a routine to ensure my sticks are ready for next spring. The process is nothing special but, in addition to my equipment, it helps provide closure to the sadness of the end of golf season. Of course, this is a bit dramatic, however storing my clubs properly protects my equipment and allows me to take stock on anything needing replacement. Continue reading
My last article on Slow Play sparked some interesting conversation. This is a real issue for most avid players and the solution, as I found out, cannot be found in one specific area. For this, I think we can all agree that continuous reminders and education are part of the solution to reduce slow play. I purposely used the word ‘reduce’ because I am not sure slow play will ever be eliminated.
I would like to thank MM Golf Studio for asking such a great question!
What is ‘ready golf’?
I know I talk about it all the time, I have touched on the topic from time to time, but I have never really provided a complete answer. Continue reading
Type ‘golf app’ into Google. In 0.34 seconds, 231,000,000 results will show up. The vast number of results is quite amazing, but not unexpected. There are golf apps for just about anything. A quick search will find apps relating to playing golf, tracking golf, gaming, or keeping your score. Some apps help analyze your swing, provide tips, act as a range finder and help locate all the golf courses within a certain radius of your location!
Think back 10 years, none of this technology was available and we all managed to do all that “app stuff” the old-fashioned way. However, now that the technology is here, I think we should embrace it.
I know nothing about golf apps. I know what I would like to see on an app, but my narrow view is not something anyone could build an empire around. As I stated in a earlier post, I purchased a Garmin Approach 6 and although it is technically a device, it is in fact an app. I love this app and will continue to use it until it no longer works.
Back to my original question:
Golf apps are here to stay. I am trying to embrace them, use them, and will eventually recommend my favorites. But for now, I am interested in what you have to say!
First Golf App – Scorecard 1.0
On a side note, the first golf app for keeping score was called scorecard 1.0 – it featured a pencil and paper. The first update to scorecard 1.1 was a pencil with an eraser. We have come a long way!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Golfplan International Golf Insurance asks a very interesting question: “What has been the best technology advancement, and what has been the worst in the game in the last 10 years?” They want to know what drives the golf industry and what slows it down. After some considerable thought, discussion, and research, here is what I believe are the best and worst advancements in golf over the past 10 years.
Best Technology Advancement: Distance Finding Devices
The introduction of GPS distance finding devices to golf are shaping its future!
Not really new to golf, distance finding devices have grown in popularity in the past 10 years. The use of a distance finding device was adopted by the USGA in 2006. Since that time, popularity has grown exponentially. The most popular are the laser range finders because they provide exact line-of-sight measurement. In the past 5 years, the GPS devices such as the GARMIN Approach 6 have started to be “must have” equipment. As technology continues to grow in this area, smart phones, watches, and devices that voice the distance are becoming even more common place. As long as the device does not provide course conditions such as wind and elevation changes, it is legal for use in a tournament.
Distance finding devices are good for golf. They help all golfers, regardless of skill level, with course management, speed of play, and club selection. Of the two categories of devices, the GPS gets my vote as the better of the two. It provides accurate distances on blind shots, significantly helps when playing a course for the first time, and can measure the distance from one point to another. Overall, GPS devices are the way of the future.
Worst Technology Advancement: Innovation
Innovation is an overly used word. It is defined as the act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods. There is no question that golf paradigm shifts have occurred due to innovation. The innovation of steel (then graphite) shafts, metal heads, golf ball design, etc. are innovative changes that have actually shaped the golfing industry. Today, innovation is the most overused word in golf.
When a major manufacturer makes a minor change (which they try to pass off as a technological change) to their club – it is called innovative. New innovative ways to swing a club, lower your score, or fix your golfing woes pop up everyday and disappear just as quick. Even if someone wanted to keep up with all the “so called innovative changes” they could not….unless they were extremely rich and had unlimited time.
It is perfectly understandable that manufacturers continue to try and develop the best equipment for the average golfer, however it is unlikely that new innovative equipment can be developed every six months that will dramatically change the face of golf. The cost of buying new innovative equipment, in my opinion, is hurting the golf industry! There is a point where feeling the need to purchase new equipment will scare off new players, due to the costs involved; the difficulty is determining what that cost is!
What is considered the best and worst advancements in golf in the past 10 years, varies from person to person. It is challenging to pinpoint which are the best and the worst. For me, the best is distance finding devices; the worst is innovation.
What do you think are best and worst golf advancements in the past 10 years?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 