6 Gadgets A Golfer Might Need | Golf Monthly
Joel Tadman and Kit Alexander look at gadgets golfers might find useful
Transcript
00:00 (upbeat music)
00:02 - Hello everybody and welcome to this video
00:06 where we're looking at the six gadgets
00:08 every golfer needs.
00:09 Now Kit, a gadget is a mechanical
00:11 or electronic device or tool.
00:14 So what sorts of things are we gonna be talking about
00:16 in this video?
00:17 - First of all, well done for doing your homework Joel.
00:19 Second of all, that definition is gonna be stretched
00:22 just a tiny bit for this.
00:24 But what we're looking for essentially
00:26 is something other than your run of the mill clubs,
00:29 balls, gloves, clothing,
00:31 that's gonna really enhance your experience of the game
00:34 and help you get better.
00:35 And I think we've found six really good ones.
00:37 - Oh, without further ado, let's get started.
00:39 Six gadgets every golfer needs.
00:41 - My number one favorite golfing gadget
00:50 is a distance measuring device or a DMD
00:52 if you do see it written down.
00:54 Now I personally really like to use a range finder.
00:57 It's simple, it's easy.
00:58 You pick it up, bang, you've got a yardage.
01:01 Not only can you get the pin,
01:03 but also hazards, trees at the back of a green,
01:06 dog legs as well if there's something sticking up.
01:08 So it's really useful.
01:09 It genuinely saves me four or five shots a round.
01:13 If you're looking for something
01:14 a little bit more advanced though,
01:15 there are GPSs on the market as well.
01:18 Joel, you've tested all of them.
01:20 What are the pros and cons of a range finder versus a GPS?
01:23 - Yeah, so GPS I feel like gives you
01:25 a bit more information Kit.
01:26 So one like this Skycaddy SX400
01:30 will provide you with color whole maps of what lies ahead.
01:33 So you've got a greater idea
01:35 about where you want to be hitting your shots to.
01:37 It's got a movable pointer
01:38 so you can touch points of interest.
01:40 It'll come up with hazard list view
01:42 so you can see how far it is to reach and carry hazards.
01:45 You've got layout parks.
01:46 So it just gives you a bit more information.
01:47 It's great if you play a lot of new courses
01:50 that you're unfamiliar with.
01:52 Really gives you a good idea about what lies ahead
01:54 and also gives you more information on blind shots
01:56 where lasers fall down.
01:58 So a really, really useful bit of Kit.
02:01 They do come in different forms as well.
02:02 So you've got GPS watches
02:04 which are becoming increasingly popular.
02:07 They come with a lot of features.
02:09 They double as fitness watches
02:10 and they can also do shot tracking
02:12 which we'll come on to a bit later in this video.
02:15 But yeah, you've got a lot of options in the DMD market
02:17 but GPS is definitely really useful
02:19 if you're playing lots of new courses.
02:20 - Absolutely Joel.
02:21 The DMD market's so vibrant at the moment.
02:23 There's so much out there.
02:25 Whatever price point you're looking at,
02:27 whatever of those features you need,
02:29 whether you prefer a range finder, the detail of a GPS,
02:32 there will be something that suits you perfectly
02:34 and it will help save you shots.
02:36 I urge you, get yourself a DMD.
02:39 Now for something a little bit humbler.
02:46 Yeah, it's the little Pitchmark Repairer.
02:49 It's simple, but it's vital.
02:52 We all want to play great condition courses.
02:54 We all get annoyed when we see depressions
02:56 and dimples and pitch marks
02:57 and we've got a putt for birdie and it's in our way.
03:00 So we should all be carrying one of these
03:02 and repairing our pitch marks as we go.
03:05 It's easier than a tee.
03:06 And I got this one from Carnoustie.
03:08 So they're great as a bit of memorabilia as well.
03:10 Joel, I know you've got a special one to you there also.
03:13 - Yeah, Le Golfe Nationale my one's from.
03:15 So it's a constant reminder of playing very badly
03:17 on a very difficult golf course.
03:19 But yeah, no, I think it is a crucial bit of kit.
03:20 And while you can make sacrifices
03:22 and try and use tees to repair your pitch mark,
03:24 it doesn't do as good a job as a Pitchmark Repairer.
03:28 And they do come in different designs and forms.
03:30 So you can get ones that are magnetic
03:31 and you can put a ball marker on them.
03:33 So you kind of got both those two items in one place.
03:36 So yeah, you know, while it might be one of those things
03:38 that you overlook, a Pitchmark Repairer
03:40 is a really important gadget to have.
03:42 - 100%.
03:43 So every time you go to a nice new golf course,
03:45 buy a memorabilia Pitchmark Repairer,
03:48 stick it in your bag,
03:49 and then you've always got them there ready to go
03:52 and keep the course pristine.
03:53 - Right, so the next gadget on our list is a golf trolley.
04:02 Now, whether that be a push trolley or an electric trolley,
04:05 which is the one I would always prefer,
04:07 I won't really step onto the golf course
04:09 without my electric trolley, to be honest.
04:11 I don't know if it's 'cause I'm lazy, Kit,
04:12 but for me, absolutely crucial bit of kit.
04:14 And they do come in many different forms
04:16 with different levels of features as well.
04:18 I like an electric trolley because I just like the fact
04:21 that it takes the strain away from my body.
04:22 If you've got a lot of shoulder or back problems,
04:25 carrying a golf bag can really weigh you down
04:27 and cause a lot of health issues.
04:29 So I think a trolley, if you haven't used a trolley,
04:32 I think once you do, you will be absolutely 100% converted.
04:35 So for me, I prefer an electric trolley.
04:38 Kit, you prefer a push trolley.
04:40 Why would you prefer that?
04:41 - Yeah, I'm not quite as flash as you, Joel,
04:43 so I'm happy to just have something simple
04:45 that I can stick in the boot of the car,
04:47 whack it out when I need it.
04:48 It's lightweight.
04:49 It was a bit cheaper to buy in the first place,
04:52 and you still get those health benefits
04:53 that you mentioned there.
04:55 It doesn't take a lot of effort to push, really,
04:57 especially if you're on a relatively flat golf course
04:59 and you still take the strain away from your body.
05:02 And I really notice at the end of 18 holes,
05:04 the difference between carrying and pushing.
05:07 When I've got my trolley, even a push one,
05:09 I'm so much fresher at the end of the round.
05:11 - Definitely, and trolleys these days
05:12 fold down an awful lot more compactly
05:14 than they did in years gone by.
05:15 So you're going to be saving a lot of space in your boot
05:17 for all your other bits and bobs.
05:19 And the features, as we've touched on there,
05:20 really are cutting edge these days.
05:22 The trolley I use has GPS technology built into the handle.
05:26 So if you're looking for a gadget
05:28 that's really going to change your game,
05:30 a golf trolley is definitely going to do that.
05:32 Right, so the next gadget on our list
05:38 revolves around shot tracking.
05:40 So any kind of technology that will give you insights
05:43 into how your clubs are performing, how far they're going,
05:46 and where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
05:48 Now, we've got a couple of different options
05:50 here on the market.
05:51 You've got the ShotScope V3 kit.
05:53 I've got the Arcos Caddy.
05:55 So these are basically sensors,
05:57 if I can open it up and show you here.
05:59 So the sensors that screw into the tops of your grips.
06:01 And they're basically little mini GPS locators,
06:04 so they'll automatically detect your shots for you.
06:07 And then after, they pair with a smartphone app,
06:10 you can get to the clubhouse after your round
06:11 and have a look at how far you hit your clubs,
06:14 all sorts of insights into where you're losing shots
06:16 around the course.
06:17 And it's really helpful in terms of understanding
06:20 your strengths and weaknesses
06:20 and knowing where you can save shots.
06:22 So Kit, what are the benefits of the one
06:24 that you've got here?
06:25 - Well, the technology is absolutely incredible on these.
06:28 And we're seeing it get better and better every year,
06:31 not only in terms of how it's built into your clubs
06:33 or how you can wear it yourself.
06:35 This is just a lovely little watch
06:37 that doesn't get in the way at all, the ShotScope.
06:40 But the level and accuracy of the data that you're getting.
06:43 You want to know the average distance you've hit a seven on
06:45 in your last 20 rounds, it's there.
06:47 You want to know what your greening regulation are,
06:49 it's there.
06:50 Are you missing the fairways right or left?
06:51 It's all there.
06:52 There's now no excuse not to have the same level
06:55 of understanding and analysis of your game
06:58 that your favorite tour pro has.
07:00 And once you've got that at your disposable,
07:01 you and your coach can use it to improve.
07:04 You can use it to buy better clubs that will suit you better
07:07 to improve your technique and understand
07:09 where you're dropping shots
07:10 and where you're picking them up.
07:12 It's an incredible bit of kit.
07:13 And I'm so happy that we as amateur golfers
07:16 are now able to get stuck into the stats like the pros do.
07:18 - Definitely, and they're very passive these days as well.
07:21 Before they were a bit clunky and a bit more inconvenient,
07:24 but now you don't really notice the fact that they're there.
07:26 You're just coming after you around.
07:28 And all that information is there on your phone,
07:30 at your fingertips, and it's incredibly useful.
07:32 So if you haven't benefited from shot tracking systems
07:37 before, give them a try.
07:38 We all think you'll be really blown away by the data,
07:41 especially if you're into your stats.
07:44 (upbeat music)
07:46 - Next up, we have got putting mats.
07:50 Absolutely great bits of kit.
07:52 You can fold them away when you're not using them
07:54 and get them out when you are.
07:56 And I've got to say my putting mat at home
07:58 has been out over the course of 2020, far more than ever.
08:02 We've been stuck at home and what better thing to do
08:05 than to practice and improve your golf.
08:07 And it's one thing that you can properly replicate.
08:09 I always find hitting golf shots into a net,
08:12 trying to do your full games a bit different,
08:13 doesn't feel right, but the putting,
08:16 it's absolutely spot on.
08:18 I'm so confident over six footers now
08:20 that I would take you on for money any day, Joel,
08:22 even though I know you've got a couple at home.
08:25 How much has it helped you improve, Joel?
08:27 - Yeah, I'd say it's definitely helped me improve
08:29 from short range.
08:30 You know, obviously it gives you an opportunity to practice
08:32 from the comfort of your own home,
08:34 when it's cold outside or if it's nighttime.
08:36 So you've got, you know, extra time
08:37 you can put into your game,
08:38 and that should translate into results out in the course.
08:41 They come in all different kind of versions and sizes.
08:44 You can get ones with little slope ramps
08:46 that replicate breaking putts.
08:48 I've got the Putt Out Home Putting Studio Kit,
08:51 which is fantastic 'cause it comes with
08:52 that really frustrating little trainer
08:54 where you have to get the ball into the hole.
08:56 Also comes with a mirror and some gates
08:58 so you can work on your strike,
08:59 as well as your posture, your eye position.
09:01 So it's reinforcing those fundamentals.
09:04 And most importantly, they come with kind of alignment lights
09:07 so you can really get your alignment correct
09:09 and grooved every time.
09:11 That's really important in terms of holing putts,
09:13 especially from short range.
09:14 So while we're pushing the definition of gadgets
09:17 with a home putting mat,
09:18 it's definitely a crucial bit of kit
09:19 that every golfer needs.
09:20 - Yeah, well worth pushing the definition for a putting mat.
09:23 It will really help you.
09:24 Get one in the living room,
09:25 do your practice while you're watching the golf on TV
09:28 or it's raining outside,
09:29 and you'll never miss a six-footer again, probably.
09:32 (upbeat music)
09:35 - Right, so the next gadget on our list is a launch monitor.
09:40 And not just specifically a launch monitor,
09:42 but any gadget or tool that will provide you
09:45 with feedback on your play.
09:47 So that can be really important
09:48 in terms of understanding your tendencies,
09:50 your strengths and weaknesses, what they are,
09:52 but also having fun kit.
09:53 You've spent a lot of time on a launch monitor recently.
09:56 It's not just about hitting endless shots
09:59 and working on your yardages.
10:00 You can have a lot of fun with launch monitors as well,
10:02 can't you?
10:03 - You really can.
10:04 You can download courses and go and play them
10:05 if the weather isn't great outside
10:07 or you've just got half an hour
10:08 to rattle round a quick nine holes.
10:10 There's loads of games on them as well.
10:11 So we've been doing little challenges with the short game,
10:15 and you're not thinking about the technique.
10:16 You're just trying to hit a target
10:18 or get a higher score, beat your mate.
10:20 But then the next time you get out on the course,
10:21 you go, "Oh, I've been hitting these shots for fun.
10:23 I know this, I know how this will work."
10:25 So I think as a game enjoyment tool,
10:28 especially through the winter
10:29 when it's not so nice out on the course
10:30 or courses are even closed,
10:33 as well as just to have a bit of fun,
10:35 I think it's a brilliant tool.
10:36 And even if you can't buy one yourself,
10:38 because they are expensive, even the cheaper ones,
10:40 you can go and rent a studio.
10:42 Your local pro might have one.
10:44 As well, work it in an hour or two in there
10:46 and see what you can do.
10:47 - Yeah, launch bonuses come in at different price points,
10:50 from 250 pounds all the way up
10:52 to the tens of thousands of pounds.
10:54 It's up to you, obviously, whatever suits your budget.
10:56 But there's a few that have really impressed me recently.
10:59 The Garmin G80 is actually a GPS device,
11:01 but it doubles as a launch monitor.
11:03 That's given me some really useful numbers.
11:05 You're working your way up
11:06 onto the Rapsodo mobile launch monitor
11:09 paired with your mobile phone.
11:10 That's around 550 pounds.
11:12 And that's a really good option as well.
11:13 Obviously, you've got your Skytrak launch monitor,
11:15 which comes in at around about that 2,000 pound mark.
11:18 And then you're moving into the Foresight GC2
11:20 and Foresight GC Quad, which are an awful lot more money,
11:23 but they do give you a lot more information.
11:24 So, yeah, lots of different options out there
11:26 in the launch monitor as well.
11:27 But any kind of tool that will give you feedback
11:30 on your swing, maybe even the Zep swing analyzer
11:32 that attaches to the back of your glove,
11:34 that's a really good option as well.
11:35 Anything that can give you feedback on your game,
11:37 it's really going to help you golf.
11:39 - So there we have our six favorite types of golf gadget.
11:44 Definitely something in there
11:46 to enhance your enjoyment of the game
11:47 and help you play a bit better
11:49 if you use them right as well.
11:51 I hope that's given you some real inspiration.
11:54 - We'll put some links in the description below
11:56 if you're interested in buying any of the gadgets
11:58 that we've talked about.
11:59 And obviously, if you do like the video,
12:00 do click the like button and comment down below.
12:03 We'd love to hear your thoughts
12:04 on which is the gadget that appeals to you the most.
12:07 And Kit, it's good to have you on board
12:08 in our Golf Monthly videos.
12:10 This is your first one.
12:11 You might recognize Kit
12:12 from various different Sky Sports television programs,
12:16 Challenge Tour, Euro Pro Tour,
12:17 maybe even the podcast as well.
12:19 So your first video, did you enjoy it?
12:21 - I really enjoyed it.
12:21 A little bit chilly,
12:22 but we got to try out some cool gadgets
12:24 and hopefully pass on some great information to people.
12:26 - Fantastic.
12:27 So that's all from us here from Burley Park Golf Club.
12:29 We'll see you next time.
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