How Modern Technology Has Changed the Game of Golf

If you asked a golfer what equipment they used 25 years ago, you would probably get the answer of a wood (an actual wooden wood), irons, wooden golf tees and a resin cored golf ball. Switch to modern day however and you will find that the technology boom has hit golf in a drastic way, not only in terms of golfing hardware, but also in the methods of learning to golf.
Learning to golf was primarily undertaken by regular practice and the constructive criticism of other golfers, nowadays however, there is a myriad of technology used to achieve that perfect technique. Golf simulators are but one of these methods, where (using the wonders of modern technology) the golfer is immersed into a “digital” golf course in which they are able to perfect their swing. This process is achieved through the use of 3D cameras that gather information regarding ball and golf club movement and provide helpful information on how to improve your technique. A far cry away from what golf once was.
Modern technology has also seen a sharp rise in use on the golf course itself. With the advent of ‘smart phones’ (which are inclusive of internet, GPS and free app downloads) golfers can experience a personal caddy guiding them around the course, hole by hole. One such app that I have had the personal pleasure of using (and recommend) is called “Free Golf GPS & Scorecard” (imaginatively named) by creators ‘Swing by Swing’. Using a mixture of Google maps and club information, this app can effectively display an aerial view of the course with individual yardage and par scores for each hole. These GPS based golf aids have also been found in watches such as the Easy Green golf watch and other dedicated golf GPS devices.
Golfing hardware has also received a welcome revamp in recent years as a result of the demand from golfers for increased distance and ball precision. Woods for example, traditionally made from hardwood and steel, have since been constructed from composite metals and carbon fibre. Carbon fibre clubs often demand a premium, however they benefit from being lighter than the traditional steel construction of old ,and provide (arguably) better performance.
Golf balls have also benefitted from increased research into optimising distance. Although when looking at a golf ball they all tend to look rather similar in regards to both size and weight. Beneath the skin however, modern golf balls hold a hive of technology with single, dual and even tri core technology. Dimple design has also been enhanced to ensure optimum aerodynamic flight, thus improving ball distance. Combined, these properties ensure the finest performance on the golf course.
Although only a small insight into how recent technological advancements have effected the game of golf, it is still interesting to witness, even in this relatively small article, how fast technology is moving. Not only is this limited to golf, but with the application of goal line technology in the Premier League and Hawk eye technology in tennis it is clear that there are greater things to come. It will definitely be interesting to see what else the future holds in regards to how technology influences sports.