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5 Ways Technology is Changing the Golf Industry

Every single aspect of our daily lives has come to be affected by technological advancement. From the way we perform everyday tasks such as shopping, to how we communicate with other people, we depend on a number of gadgets to automate and enhance our experiences.

And the same goes for sports. In the past decade alone, we have seen huge progress being made regarding the way we collect, analyze, and utilize data in professional competitions. Furthermore, gear is now more advanced than we ever could have imagined, with safety and coaching features we could only dream about just two decades ago. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that golf had been affected as well.

This stress-releasing pastime has not just become immensely popular among growingly wide audiences, in part thanks to televised tours and video games, but it has also become a hobby that absolutely anyone can enjoy – without even having to go outside!

The following 5 are the most significant ways technology has come to influence the golf industry.

Popularity

The idea of a televised championship is nothing new. After all, the first time a competition had live coverage was in 1947 at the U.S. Open. But, since the Golf Channel was founded in 1991, it’s been steadily growing in terms of following among young audiences between the ages of 18 and 29.

This medium allows anyone with a subscription direct access to events, news, and analytics, as well as a variety of instructional shows. In 2018, the channel saw a 7% growth in viewership compared to the year before, reaching over 100,000 viewers on a daily basis.

Similarly, an increasing number of video games for both mobile devices and consoles are being released every year. By introducing younger generations to the sport, they’re significantly contributing to the sport’s popularity.

Equipment

With each year, we are witness to a growing number of smart pieces of equipment being released for a wide range of activities. Some of these aim to increase player safety, while others focus on improving their performance.

In golf, like all other sports, we’ve seen a huge increase in available accessories – from clubs that can help overcome your flaws, to footwear that allows you to stay comfortable regardless of playing conditions. Not only are these becoming more affordable, but they’re easy to use, and ultimately, they contribute to pushing athletes and enthusiasts alike to improve their game.

Coaching

Typically, golf lessons can cost anywhere between $25 dollars for a 30-minute session, to thousands of dollars for a couple of hours with a famous pro.

If you’re ready to pay the price, then being tutored by a professional is definitely the way to go. But improving your swing isn’t limited to paid lessons anymore. Nowadays, you can invest in a swing analyzer that attaches to your glove, or a specialized smartwatch. Similarly, you can get statistics about your shots by using a launch monitor, allowing you to enhance your performance and play (or practice) whenever you feel like it.

Playing Indoors

Ten years ago, setting up a simulator inside your house would have set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Today, you can practice from the comfort of your home for a fraction of the cost.

Setting up a simulator can be as easy as finding the right space and determining your budget, and you can play with friends and family whenever you feel like it. The price of the setups greatly depends on the type of tech you decide to go for, but you can make do with something as simple as a net, a mat, and a monitor to give you feedback on your shots.

Time Efficiency

Having to pause your game in order to look for lost balls, or worse, because you need to check regulations, is one of the easiest ways to disrupt your flow and get out of “the zone.” Luckily, gadgets have come a long way to make even these setbacks less time-consuming.

You can now download an app on your smartphone that will give you all the relevant information you may require. Not only that, but you can also invest in balls with a microchip inside them, and track them through an app or radar device. Amazing, isn’t it?

Final Thoughts

The golf industry is a prime example of the positive change brought on by technological advancement. Science has found its way into everything, from equipment to coaching methods, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.

In addition to ensuring safer, more comfortable, and increasingly efficient practices, tech has played a significant role in bringing this pastime closer to people from all over the world. And with the influx of new talent, the sport can only progress – a development all true fans are ready to witness.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.

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