Launch Monitors are becoming increasingly popular in golf. Whether it is with your coach helping you improve or getting custom fit for clubs more golfers have had the experience of their golf shots being captured and turned into data they can use to improve their games.
Once bitten a lot of players would like to get this piece of kit for themselves only to find out that the equipment comes with Tour level price tags, of over £15,000.
SkyCaddie's SkyTrak, a joint venture between SkyGolf and digital technonology company SportTrak, is hoping to bridge that gap, a professional level Launch Monitor at a fraction of the cost.
SkyTrak combines the accuracy of a professional-grade golf launch monitor, suitable for golf equipment custom-fitting, with the high definition visuals of top-end golf simulator software, at a fraction of the cost.
For just £1,695, keen golfers or local professionals can have this advanced technology that is easy to use either at home or at the range and it comes with a series of features that makes it a serious tool to help players improve their games.
SkyTrak uses photometric technology to measure actual ball speed, launch angle, back spin, side spin and side angle immediately after impact. It also displays carry distance, offline distance and total distance to simulate practice and play as if you were on the course or practice tee.
SkyTrak creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot to put shot results on your screen within seconds. It accurately projects ball flight over a vivid 3D practice range and virtual golf courses, subject to which software you have chosen.
It offers various game-improvement challenges and mini-games for engaging practice such as Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Targets, along with Shot History Tables, Performance by Club, and other helpful data screens.
SkyTrak really comes to life if owners choose to upgrade to SkyTrak Premium for an annual subscription of £79 which unlocks extra data tables for deep analysis of the swing as well as giving access to all of the in-built challenges and mini games, such as a 9-Shot Closest To The Hole Challenge, played over 9 different holes of the Kiawah Island Ocean Course.
SkyTrak is currently compatiable with a number of iOS products such as the iPad Air and a PC version will be available in 2015. There is also a partnership being developed with the World Golf Tour, the online golf game, that will let players with a subscription to the game play on 20-high definition courses via the SkyTrak system, turning the launch monitor into a true golf simulator. The courses on offer include St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes, Celtic Manor, Pinehurst No.2, Royal St George’s and Chambers Bay.
From March 2016 SkyTrak owners will also have the option of playing up to 92,000 additional courses through the The Golf Club Game. This provides stunning visual presentation and great gameplay on courses that users can generate through the unique Course Creator function. These courses can be played immediately online with friends and other gamers across the world.
Although not yet available on iOS the Golf Club Game is PC-compatiable and golfers with SkyTrak’s yearly Game Improvement Package (£79 per year) can play all of its 92,000-plus golf courses by purchasing an annual Golf Club Game subscription for £399.95. Alternatively, a one-time fee of £849.95 offers lifetime use.