Equipment by SCOTT KRAMER
Embrace Tech to Improve Your Game
YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AT HOW FAR GOLF TECHNOLOGY HAS COME , even in the past two years . Yes , golf clubs have made big advancements in weight , materials , and physics . But we ’ re talking about other technology , such as launch monitors , swing analyzers , distance finders , game trackers , and other devices that can help your game . And the great thing about most of it is just how portable and relatively affordable it all is . Imagine playing golf and having a virtual caddie tell you which club to hit next and where to aim . This is current tech available to you . Take advantage of it .
RAPSODO // MLM2 PRO MOBILE LAUNCH MONITOR AND GOLF SIMULATOR
Perhaps the best such device on the market . It uses two cameras plus radar processing for precision accuracy reading and measuring your shots . Set it up behind you at a range or on the course , sync it with the Rapsodo app on your Apple or Android smartphone , and start swinging . The feedback you get back is mesmerizing . To start with , for every shot you ’ ll see your carry distance , launch direction , total distance , descent angle , spin rate , trajectory apex , spin axis , shot type , ball speed , side carry , club speed , smash factor and launch angle . And just as on golf telecasts , you ’ ll see shot and impact vision swing replays . $ 700 , rapsodo . com
BATCADDY // X9R CARBON
During the pandemic , did you realize you like walking the course rather than riding in a cart ? A lot of golfers did . But still , negotiating five or six miles of a hilly course on foot can get difficult if you ’ re lugging a heavy bag full of clubs on your shoulder or with a push cart . Which is where an electric push cart is worth every penny . Batcaddy ’ s X9R Carbon weighs less than 25 pounds — that ’ s up to 30 percent lighter than rivals . It ’ s slim , quiet , and has an inset battery tray , “ Forever Tread ” wheels , and advanced stability geometry . It operates by a handheld remote , is super easy to navigate , nimble and sports quick-release wheels for easy storage . $ 1,900 , batcaddy . com
38 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M AY / J UNE 2023 vsga . org