When Arnold Palmer spoke about golf being “…deceptively simple and endlessly complicated…” he was articulating the game’s somewhat inscrutable character that, “… satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect…” Wise words, which, ironically, have done nothing to dim golfers’ relentless pursuit to analyse, study golf swing technique, and think their way into being better players. With all kinds of tech-powered tools and apps at our disposal, that incurable itch has been amplified to a degree of complexity that the late Mr Palmer couldn’t have fathomed.
While most golfers embrace technology as a tool for improvement, others worry about its potential to diminish the traditional aspects of the game.On professional golf tours, data is the new currency. Every swing, putt, and chip is tracked, analysed, and optimised. Players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler aren’t just blessed with talent; they’re armed with insights gleaned from advanced analytics. Every aspect of their game, from clubhead speed to launch angle, is quantified and optimised. This data revolution isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s about
understanding the nuances of a golf course, predicting wind patterns, and tailoring strategies to specific conditions.During the 2023 Masters Tournament, Bryson DeChambeau — dubbed the ‘mad scientist’ — for his tech-focused approach to playing the game, used advanced analytics to gain a significant edge. By meticulously analysing course data and his own swing metrics, DeChambeau was able to identify optimal club selection and shot shaping strategies. This data-driven approach helped him overpower Augusta National—a course that has traditionally favoured finesse over brute force.
While pros may have access to cutting-edge technology, amateurs aren’t far behind. Golf apps offer detailed course maps, real-time shot tracking, and performance analytics. These tools help golfers understand their strengths and weaknesses, leading to improved decision-making and lower scores. Other apps connect golfers, book tee times, and track stats. Once unaffordable, rangefinders have become our trusty sidekicks for yardages while wearable tech monitors our swings, heart rates, and even our mood swings!
Technology isn’t just impacting the golfers; it’s also transforming golf course maintenance and tournament operations. Ground crews use GPS-guided mowers and advanced irrigation systems to maintain course conditions. On top professional tours, ShotLink technology tracks every shot, providing real-time scoring and statistical analysis. This data is then used to enhance the broadcast experience, offering viewers in-depth insights and graphics.
Whether you like it or not, golf has ceased to be a simple game. From the gentle thud of a persimmon club hitting a ball a few decades back, today you’ll hear the beeping of rangefinders, the whirring of drone cameras, and chatter of golfers glued to their smartphones on the golf course. Last week I happened to be paired with someone who was more concerned with his smartwatch than his actual swing. He’d pause after each practice swing to check the swing-monitor app on his smartwatch and then resume as if nothing had happened. It was both—infuriating and comical.
By no means am I dissing the advent of modern technology. To play devil’s advocate I’d proffer that if we were still playing with balata balls and hickory-shafted clubs then it would still be a level-playing field and we wouldn’t have had this constant imperative to make golf courses longer to keep up with the ever-increasing distances golfers now hit the ball. That, in turn, would make golf more environmentally sustainable. On a personal note I’m reasonably sure that I would have been a much better golfer had I not tinkered with my swing to make it look better or hit the golf ball further. Virtual reality is taking practice and instruction to the next level allowing golfers to experience realistic course conditions and shot scenarios. Advanced club fitting technologies, powered by artificial intelligence, are tailoring equipment to individual swing characteristics. And golf lessons apps are quickly gaining popularity much to the chagrin of leading instructors who have been quick to offer remote tutorials. But even enthusiasts admit that while simulators may be great for practicing in inclement weather, they can’t replicate the feel of a real golf course. The wind, the humidity, the subtle nuances of each green — these are things that technology can’t
fully capture.In Japan, most golf carts are already driverless. AI-powered GPS not only takes the cart to the golf ball but offers caddy advice in club and shot selection. Next thing you know we’ll have smart clubs that adjust to our imperfect golf swings and varying course conditions to produce near-perfect results every time. The future of golf looks exciting and the possibilities are endless! Pretty dystopian, if you ask me.But enough with the tech bashing: even traditionalists like this writer have come to accept that technology has a place in the game and it is entirely possible to find a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the soul of the game. Technology can offer keen insights and enhance the quality of your game. But the danger is that it’s possible to get so enamoured with devices and stats that you miss the beauty of a golf course, deprive your competition of gamesmanship and dilute the potential for camaraderie between playing partners. All of these suffer when golfers become hooked to their devices at the cost of interaction and banter. And that, takes away from the golfing experience. Golf is an individual sport but where’s the fun in that? Let’s leave that to the pros.
A golfer, Meraj Shah also writes about the game
