The last decade has seen a huge boom in the amount and quality of technology designed to improve a golfer's experience and performance whilst out on the course. From electric trolleys to GPS watches to apps, we've covered them all here at Golfalot and this year, picked out the five best bits of tech we've seen that will really give you a head start on your opponents next time you tee it up.
In no particular order:
What it’s all about…
Last year's Neo Ghost was a quality entry level GPS device and the Phantom has inherited those characteristics but with added "Bite".
As well as coming preloaded with more than 36,000 courses, Bushnell's "Bite Technology" has incorporated a high-powered magnet into the device so it can easily attach to a belt, electric trolley or any metal surface, giving accurate distance information at a glance.
The Tech…
The screen size is the same even though the Phantom is a little larger and deeper. This is due principally to the Bite magnet that is now embedded in the rear of the Phantom, replacing the plastic clip that was on the Ghost.
The Phantom now also comes with Bluetooth so you can pair it with the Bushnell app in order to get software and course updates.
Once you have registered your device you will also get access to full screen GPS maps on your phone, which is good for seeing where hazards are visually as the Phantom only has numbers.
What we say…
Overall the Phantom is a fine evolution of one of the best value for money GPS devices on the market. It's portable, easy to fit in your pocket, has a clear display and the addition of the Bite magnet adds to its versatility of use and placement on your golf kit.
What it’s all about…
TaylorMade has being developing its myRoundPro online scoring service since it was launched in 2015 and for 2018 it has been relaunched as an app only service.
The great thing about the myRoundPro app is that you don't have to buy a shot recording watch device or install tags in order to use it, as you can record the shot data without one for free.
The Tech…
The myRoundPro app is free to download to your Apple or Android phone and acts like a normal GPS app with hole overviews and distances to hazards and the front, middle and back of each green.
The app finds all the local courses quickly and easily when you start it up and then you just select the course you are playing and head to the tee. Once there, you see the yardages for the hole and you can tap the screen for lay-up distances.
TaylorMade uses the Strokes Gained analysis that the PGA Tour uses in order to compare you to all the other golfers on their system in the same handicap range.
What we say…
It is really one of the most comprehensive services and the analysis is in-depth enough to give you a very good overview of your game. The real killer for the rest is that the myRoundPro app is free to download and use.
This is one of the best, well thought-out and useful GPS and scoring apps in the market, so download it and see if it can improve your game.
What it’s all about…
The Shot Scope V2 does everything that the original Shot Scope GPS Performance Tracker did, but now it comes with a screen on it showing distances to the front, middle and back of each green.
The Tech…
This is also a GPS Shot Tracker that tracks where you took your shots and which club you used through plastic tags that you screw into the butt of your grips.
The Shot Scope V2 is charged via a supplied mini-USB cable that plugs a slot behind a slightly fiddly rubber cover on the
back of the watch.
The V2 is slightly thinner than the original Shot Scope, even though it weighs 17g more at 65g, which is not surprising given that it has a screen now.
What we say…
Overall the tracking element of the Shot Scope V2 is one of the best in the market. It requires nothing more than wearing something on your wrist and clicking the flag position after you have holed out, so the interference with your game is minimal.
The looks are quite functional and so is the menu, but that makes it simple to use and the statistical analysis is one of the best out there. Over time, the Shot Scope V2 will give you a valuable insight into your game that will hopefully get you round in fewer shots in the future.
What it’s all about…
Motocaddy were the original creators of a mainstream compact trolley with the 2013 M Series range.
According to Motocaddy, the simple folding system and revolutionary inverting wheels provides the ultimate ‘car boot friendly’ trolley which offers an 11% smaller folded footprint than its nearest competitor.
The Tech…
The frame is completely redesigned and now folds down using two hinges and as that happens the front wheel automatically tucks in underneath.
The more compact 28v lithium battery powers the 230W motor and can be folded down in place.
If you want 'Automatic Downhill Control' then you will need to spend another £50 to get the blue M5 Connect version that also has the display screen on the handle that connects by Bluetooth to the excellent Motocaddy GPS app on your phone.
What we say…
The 2018 M series has benefitted from plenty of thoughtful planning, and is a much more user friendly version of their first compact model. This version is a different shape when folded compared to that model and the others in the market, so it may also offer a better solution for those tight on space.
What it’s all about…
The Sun Mountain H2NO Sunday bag is one of the first of its kind that is made from a fully waterproof material, that is light yet robust enough to do the job.
The Tech…
The Sun Mountain H2NO Sunday bag weighs 1.5kg and comes with a broad padded single strap. There is also a firm plastic carry handle around the top to make it easy to pick up and hold.
Underneath are two retractable stubby legs that are ideal for keeping your clubs off the ground and making the bag easier to pick up and shows that a lot of thought has gone into this bag.
What we say…
It is probably towards the pricey end of the market for this style of bag, but really is worth it. It is strong enough without being too heavy and looks as if it will stand the test of time.
The design features are well thought-out and the storage is amongst the best available in its class. So if you are looking for a pencil bag, then the H2NO Sunday bag would be the choice any day of the week.
Summary
These five picks are an indication of just how much tech there is out there these days. We think that there are two main things to consider if you're thinking of joining this growing trend- it should help to improve your scores or help to improve your enjoyment of the game.
What is your stance on golf technology? Are you a gadget geek or a technophobe? Let us know below.