Technology (too far)

FixdePitchmark

Ok lads - I know I'm an odd ball on this. And had to give in on gps eventually
Was almost crying that I didn't have it for a golf event recently. Haven't had one for 5 weeks now. No difference to my game - I know the courses I play.
Away from home - maybe ?

But is anybody else (no) - getting a bit sick of the ever more impact technology is having. I've seen lads that are now actually incapable of judgement. Funny one recently - lad said to me "you are 247 yards out" - wrong hole - I was about 160 - I said couldn't be - he said it is - couldn't be, "sorry wrong hole"

Some lads - have a laser - then will ask for a distance from a lad with a gps - I'm hatting that I'm looking for a distance now

Some lads - forget to charge it - then just go out and play a great round.

Then - apps on phone.

I'd imagine most lads are all for it.

I'd be honest - I wish the ruling bodies had held out, but industry is industry.

Hurling today, step up hit the ball. In play Technology should not be part of real sport.

On for lashing here

Russman

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Ok lads - I know I'm an odd ball on this. And had to give in on gps eventually
Was almost crying that I didn't have it for a golf event recently. Haven't had one for 5 weeks now. No difference to my game - I know the courses I play.
Away from home - maybe ?

But is anybody else (no) - getting a bit sick of the ever more impact technology is having. I've seen lads that are now actually incapable of judgement. Funny one recently - lad said to me "you are 247 yards out" - wrong hole - I was about 160 - I said couldn't be - he said it is - couldn't be, "sorry wrong hole"

Some lads - have a laser - then will ask for a distance from a lad with a gps - I'm hatting that I'm looking for a distance now

Some lads - forget to charge it - then just go out and play a great round.

Then - apps on phone.

I'd imagine most lads are all for it.

I'd be honest - I wish the ruling bodies had held out, but industry is industry.

Hurling today step up hit the ball. In play Technology should not be part of real sport.

On for lashing here

Couldn't agree more. It's got to the stage where guys can't play a shot at all without having an exact yardage now. No using your eyes & feel. As if it matters to your average club golfer whether he's 158 or 163 from the flag, considering he only hits the centre of the club on rare occasions. We've a par 3 that yesterday was a hard 6 iron and today was a wedge - what good was yardage to me ? Sweet FA.
I played a few weeks ago with a young kid off 4, seriously impressive in fairness, but when I saw him lasering 30/40 yard pitch shots I really thought golf is gone fuc-ing mad.
Most clubs have distance markers at 100, 150, 200 etc., I genuinely can't understand how using a laser/gps makes a material difference to looking at the marker, judging you're 15 yards back, so 165 to the middle when the gps says you're 167.........2yds out, so what !

I have both a laser and a gps, rarely use them except on an away course.

SaveOurLyric

Couldn't agree with you more old bean. Game just isnt what it used to be.
The rot set in a long time ago with chaps teeing it up without a caddy to carry their bag. A lot of cats using these modified perambulator contraptions to wheel their clubs around. And what more, they dont even have a caddy to do that. But pull it after them, or guide a self motorised version like a motorcar driver!
I ask you. Progress my **** !

PARlance

Russman wrote: »

Couldn't agree more. It's got to the stage where guys can't play a shot at all without having an exact yardage now. No using your eyes & feel. As if it matters to your average club golfer whether he's 158 or 163 from the flag, considering he only hits the centre of the club on rare occasions. We've a par 3 that yesterday was a hard 6 iron and today was a wedge - what good was yardage to me ? Sweet FA.
I played a few weeks ago with a young kid off 4, seriously impressive in fairness, but when I saw him lasering 30/40 yard pitch shots I really thought golf is gone fuc-ing mad.
Most clubs have distance markers at 100, 150, 200 etc., I genuinely can't understand how using a laser/gps makes a material difference to looking at the marker, judging you're 15 yards back, so 165 to the middle when the gps says you're 167.........2yds out, so what !

I have both a laser and a gps, rarely use them except on an away course.

Oh (Russ)man, that's brilliant.

Bloody technology.
Bloody technology.
I've a Gps AND a Laser.
Bloody technology.

dar_cool

Maybe if they standardised distance markers but at the moment some clubs yards to front, yards to middle etc, difference between front of green and back of green can be 40 yards, thats 3/4 clubs. You can always guess but knowing the exact yardage helps me commit to shots, if im just guessing at yardages i hit bad shots. The laser easily took 2/3 shots off my game and i would be lost without it playing on away courses. home course I dont need it that much.

FixdePitchmark

dar_cool wrote: »

Maybe if they standardised distance markers but at the moment some clubs yards to front, yards to middle etc, difference between front of green and back of green can be 40 yards, thats 3/4 clubs. You can always guess but knowing the exact yardage helps me commit to shots, if im just guessing at yardages i hit bad shots. The laser easily took 2/3 shots off my game and i would be lost without it playing on away courses. home course I dont need it that much.

Before the year is out - I'll have a laser, watch

Senna

I Love Technology, I Love Gadgets, hell if there was more gadgets available for golfers I'd be all over it like a fat kid with a cake.
I just discovered NFC technology on my phone; a €1 sticker on each club combined with a free app could mean keeping compressive stats for a round just by touching the shaft off my phone after each shot.

Russman

SaveOurLyric wrote: »

Couldn't agree with you more old bean. Game just isnt what it used to be.
The rot set in a long time ago with chaps teeing it up without a caddy to carry their bag. A lot of cats using these modified perambulator contraptions to wheel their clubs around. And what more, they dont even have a caddy to do that. But pull it after them, or guide a self motorised version like a motorcar driver!
I ask you. Progress my **** !

Bloody captain last year was only a Wing Commander, hadn't even ever been up in a Spitfire, let alone seen off the Hun in one, what's the world coming to ?


On a serious note though, IMHO anyone over about 2 or 3 handicap who says they hit their irons consistent distances to within a few yards all the time is exaggerating, certainly to within the margin of error that fixed markers give versus gps anyway. Take one more club than you were going to hit and you'll be surprised how often you're right. Bah humbug.:D

Arsenium

I have a laser device. Wouldn't be without it now. Before I bought it though I spent a lot of time on wedge practice getting a feel for distance. I have found that from less than 100 yards in its all about feel and judgement so i only use it from over 100 or so. But I would never be without it now from those journeys. Yes all the way up to 250 yards. The amount of times people have said to me how far? And then they say "no way?" when I tell them how far away they really are is funny. Front middle or back just doesn't do it for me. Once exact distance to the flag is available why not use it? We all watch the pros and this is what they do so why should we not give ourselves the same advantage? My days of walking to the 150 marker and walking back counting steps are gone!!

FixdePitchmark

Senna wrote: »

I Love Technology, I Love Gadgets, hell if there was more gadgets available for golfers I'd be all over it like a fat kid with a cake.
I just discovered NFC technology on my phone; a €1 sticker on each club combined with a free app could mean keeping compressive stats for a round just by touching the shaft off my phone after each shot.

lol.

Would make me give up the game if I had to do that

FixdePitchmark

Russman wrote: »

Bloody captain last year was only a Wing Commander, hadn't even ever been up in a Spitfire, let alone seen off the Hun in one, what's the world coming to ?


On a serious note though, IMHO anyone over about 2 or 3 handicap who says they hit their irons consistent distances to within a few yards all the time is exaggerating, certainly to within the margin of error that fixed markers give versus gps anyway. Take one more club than you were going to hit and you'll be surprised how often you're right. Bah humbug.:D

Like going to a par 3 you have played 100s of times - are lads genuinely lasering that.

I go - 7 was short the other day - pin deep - wind into face.
Ok I'll hit 6 - worst thing that will happen it will roll up bank at back and back onto green.

Bang, slice in water

Maybe - I'm just not good enough for a laser.

Arsenium

Yep. On your home course you know the score. There's a par 3 on my home course and when I see where the Tees are i know what I need. And this probably bears out your point. It might be only a short distance but I know it's no lower than a 6 iron from painful previous experience. In that case I use the laser for the sake of it but choose the club completely based on experience! Then again the experience is probably founded by using the laser years ago :-)

FixdePitchmark

Arsenium wrote: »

Yep. On your home course you know the score. There's a par 3 on my home course and when I see where the Tees are i know what I need. And this probably bears out your point. It might be only a short distance but I know it's no lower than a 6 iron from painful previous experience. In that case I use the laser for the sake of it but choose the club completely based on experience! Then again the experience is probably founded by using the laser years ago :-)

Maybe.

I will get one.

But - I'm not sure lads scores (most lads) - scores have improved as a result of them.

Senna

Don't think I would ever need a laser, if I know the distance with GPS to the centre of the green (and hit it there) I'll never be too far away.

newport2

Russman wrote: »

Most clubs have distance markers at 100, 150, 200 etc., I genuinely can't understand how using a laser/gps makes a material difference to looking at the marker, judging you're 15 yards back, so 165 to the middle when the gps says you're 167.........2yds out, so what !

Greens 30 yards deep are not uncommon, that's two clubs in the difference from front to back. There's one at the european club where the green is over 100 yards from front to back. Wedge or 3-iron?

Our tee markers can vary by up to 15 yards too.

Anyway, couldn't care less really. I like having the exact information. At the end of the day you have to hit the shot. If that doesn't come off I have only myself to blame.

Golfgraffix

My take on it would be, if it doesn't slow the game down then I have no problem with it.

I can't see how having more information can be a bad thing, surely knowing that you are 160 from the centre and 178 to the back hazard is better than thinking that you might be.

J

scrubber72

Like graffix i don't have a problem with the tech, i just have a problem with people using it in overkill.
Saw a lad once use laser from 10 yards of green to flag in middle of green maybe 30y away on his home course.
There is over dependence on these too and i admit it bothered me when my gps watch didn't have a course on it (needed update).

GreeBo

scrubber72 wrote: »

Like graffix i don't have a problem with the tech, i just have a problem with people using it in overkill.
Saw a lad once use laser from 10 yards of green to flag in middle of green maybe 30y away on his home course.
There is over dependence on these too and i admit it bothered me when my gps watch didn't have a course on it (needed update).

Maybe 30 yards away?
What if it was 40 or 20?
Thats a huge margin of error.

The further you are hitting it the greater the gap between two shots will be.
From 50 (or 30) yards you have much more control over the distance the ball goes.
I have a totally different shot for 30 yards versus 50 yards for example.

Rikand

GreeBo wrote: »

Maybe 30 yards away?
What if it was 40 or 20?
Thats a huge margin of error.

The further you are hitting it the greater the gap between two shots will be.
From 50 (or 30) yards you have much more control over the distance the ball goes.
I have a totally different shot for 30 yards versus 50 yards for example.

If your struggling with distance perceptions on 20 yard shots, thinking you might have 40... your problems are bigger than any DMD can cure

Rikand

Arsenium wrote: »

My days of walking to the 150 marker and walking back counting steps are gone!!

And people wonder why golfers are so obese..... :rolleyes:

GreeBo

Rikand wrote: »

If your struggling with distance perceptions on 20 yard shots, thinking you might have 40... your problems are bigger than any DMD can cure

Erm sorry but surely thats exactly the problem that a DMD can cure?

Rikand

GreeBo wrote: »

Erm sorry but surely thats exactly the problem that a DMD can cure?

Ah touche!

Dr_Colossus

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Before the year is out - I'll have a laser, watch

I'll be joining you, currently don't have any measuring device so just rely on distance markers and eye both of which can be inaccurate leading to second guessing and non committal to shots. However I'm going to wait purchasing one and attempt to achieve my year target of 6 handicap first so the laser is the dangling carrott.

dar_cool wrote: »

Maybe if they standardised distance markers but at the moment some clubs yards to front, yards to middle etc, difference between front of green and back of green can be 40 yards, thats 3/4 clubs. You can always guess but knowing the exact yardage helps me commit to shots, if im just guessing at yardages i hit bad shots.

Good points, one aspect I find difficult to judge is whether the flag is front, middle or back from about 150+ yards out and as you said some greens are 3 if not 4 clubs deep so that's quite a variation. I find the little flag half way up the flagpole some clubs use to indicate the flag location to be of little benefit. The colour coded flags are good but again no standardized colours used but one of the better and more unique system I've witnessed was Rathsallagh's of having the greens marked on the card with 6 different colour segments and to be told which colour was in use that day.

dar_cool wrote: »

The laser easily took 2/3 shots off my game and i would be lost without it playing on away courses. home course I dont need it that much.

Hoping to be able to say similar in future.

Rikand

As if my previous posts sneering dmds wasnt obvious enough, I dont have one. but if i did id get the laser and mainly for courses that measure to the front of the green. If i have a distance to the centre of the green, thats good enough for me. Put the ball in the middle of the green and youll never be too far away. But distance to the front just throws me off, i have to start adding on numbers to the number already given to me by the course and thats too much in my head at one time.

I dont like those ones that give front/middle/back. They offer too much information and only serve to confuse me.

Russman

GreeBo wrote: »

Maybe 30 yards away?
What if it was 40 or 20?
Thats a huge margin of error.

The further you are hitting it the greater the gap between two shots will be.
From 50 (or 30) yards you have much more control over the distance the ball goes.
I have a totally different shot for 30 yards versus 50 yards for example.

Do you need a DMD to tell you the difference between those distances though ?

Actually I agree with someone earlier who said there's no problem with technology, it's people who have no need to use it, using it to the Nth degree and total overkill that's the problem IMO. (not that that's you, but many people who have no idea how far they hit their clubs, using DMDs, is IMO a waste for them)

GreeBo

Russman wrote: »

Do you need a DMD to tell you the difference between those distances though ?

Actually I agree with someone earlier who said there's no problem with technology, it's people who have no need to use it, using it to the Nth degree and total overkill that's the problem IMO. (not that that's you, but many people who have no idea how far they hit their clubs, using DMDs, is IMO a waste for them)

Sometimes yes I do, if its over a bunker or a tier in the green for example, it can be hard to know for sure. A DMD removes the doubt and for me at least, allows (or makes it more likely) me to commit to the shot.

blue note

I do think that technology has gone too far, but mainly the ball and how far it goes. I don't really have a problem on the DMD's.

I have a GPS watch and I think it's a massive help to me. That said, I forgot it on Saturday and came in with 42 points, so maybe it doesn't make that much of a difference!

And finally, I often see in these discussions people saying that mid - high handicappers don't have adequate distance control to warrant the use of them. My accuracy control isn't great either, but if I don't start by aiming for the right spot I'll be even further away. Similarly, If I'm not trying to hit it the right distance I'll be on average further away anyway.

Webbs

GreeBo wrote: »

Sometimes yes I do, if its over a bunker or a tier in the green for example, it can be hard to know for sure. A DMD removes the doubt and for me at least, allows (or makes it more likely) me to commit to the shot.

But on 20 - 50 yds shot its all about feel, perception, shot choice etc. Depending on your position relative to green ,whats in front of you (bunker, bank etc), your lie and so on.
Played shots in Tralee recently from 20-50yds off the green with anything from 58deg, 8 iron, hybrid to putter.
Its about feel not playing by numbers at that distance.

GreeBo

Webbs wrote: »

But on 20 - 50 yds shot its all about feel, perception, shot choice etc. Depending on your position relative to green ,whats in front of you (bunker, bank etc), your lie and so on.
Played shots in Tralee recently from 20-50yds off the green with anything from 58deg, 8 iron, hybrid to putter.
Its about feel not playing by numbers at that distance.

I dont think you can dismiss facts by saying its all about feel.

If I want to fly the ball 40 yards or 50 yards then I want to know if its 40 or if its 50.
From 200 yards 10 yards doesn't really matter, from 40 or 50 it does.
I can play multiple shots from 50 yards but it always helps to know its 50 and not 40 or 60. What if I leave it short and then I have a similar shot on the next hole. If I know for a fact that one of them was 40 and the next is 50 I can make adjustments with confidence.

Same for a 20 yard putt.

charlieIRL

Golfgraffix wrote: »

My take on it would be, if it doesn't slow the game down then I have no problem with it.
J

That's the great advantage of the GPS watch, walk up to your ball, quick look at the watch and pick a club................and miss the target!!:D

Russman

GreeBo wrote: »

I dont think you can dismiss facts by saying its all about feel.

If I want to fly the ball 40 yards or 50 yards then I want to know if its 40 or if its 50.
From 200 yards 10 yards doesn't really matter, from 40 or 50 it does.
I can play multiple shots from 50 yards but it always helps to know its 50 and not 40 or 60. What if I leave it short and then I have a similar shot on the next hole. If I know for a fact that one of them was 40 and the next is 50 I can make adjustments with confidence.

Same for a 20 yard putt.

Fair comment, but what about having a different mindset and wanting the ball to fly "to that spot on the green" or "just short of the pin" ?

GreeBo

Russman wrote: »

Fair comment, but what about having a different mindset and wanting the ball to fly "to that spot on the green" or "just short of the pin" ?

Having more information can only help in this regard too though.
If I know the flag is 40 yards away I can take a little off my 40 yard shot to leave it short of the pin.

If I'm not sure if its 40 or 30 I might leave it at 25 yards and now face a tough putt.

If Im hitting a hip and run etc then its less useful, but if Im trying to chip and run it from 40 yards I'd rather know its 40 than not know. Cant really see the downside to more information tbh, assuming you are not slow and in my experience humming and hawing over how far it is takes up just as much time.

mister gullible

Laser handy for lay up shots (fairway bunker, dogleg, water hazard). Also good for mid range pitches, I dial in a different swing length for e.g. 80yds against 60yds, it's sometimes difficult to tell especially if you are already a bad judge of distance. A links hole with a huge green looks very different to a tight parkland hole -easy to misjudge by 10 or 15 yds and miss a par save or birdie opp.
The watch is good for giving distance to middle and at times more importantly back of green. Most amateurs fall short of pin, yardage to back gives more confidence to go at the pin.
Like putting, if you use your common sense and prepare early and be quick about your business you won't hold anybody up. I would consider myself a traditionalist in many ways regarding ettiquette, dress etc but I think the measuring device is useful and acceptable.

Dealerz

http://pblackmar.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/is-tiger-a-victim/

Interesting piece on impact of technology and swing analysis on tiger woods

Mods: not sure it deserves it's own thread so I posted here- feel free to change.

GreeBo

Dealerz wrote: »

http://pblackmar.wordpress.com/2014/08/17/is-tiger-a-victim/

Interesting piece on impact of technology and swing analysis on tiger woods

Mods: not sure it deserves it's own thread so I posted here- feel free to change.

I think its the perfect thread, tech gone too far

Great article and something I've struggled with throughout a few lessons, the Pro tells me to do something but until I hit a few of them perfectly and start to feel what that position feels like when its correct I might aswell be swinging with someone elses arms. I can hit great shots but dont feel like I can repeat them.
At the moment I am hitting it well and also have a feel for what I should be trying to do (couple of thousand balls on the range later mind you!)
Anytime I lose this feeling (even though it might be a different feeling each time) I think its impossible to play without one.

FixdePitchmark

Interesting people's views on it.

But - part of my point, is that it simply shouldn't be allowed. A phone too.

There is little or no sport were a technological aid is used. In fairness - I'm lucky that I can judge most distances and have good eyes.

From playing golf - I am surprised how many players can't actually see where their ball has landed (eyesight wise). They actually need glasses. But, don't wear them. I can see it as a major benefit to them.

I always considered judgement of the shot as part of the game. This was not others view, I am now discovering.

I can see some dude laser a putt at some stage - watch.

Dealerz

GreeBo wrote: »

Great article and something I've struggled with throughout a few lessons, the Pro tells me to do something but until I hit a few of them perfectly and start to feel what that position feels like when its correct I might aswell be swinging with someone elses arms. I can hit great shots but dont feel like I can repeat them.

Thats exactly why I hate lessons....my physical swing fingerprint is sh*t!

SuprSi

But you can't compare golf to any other sport, in this respect at least. How many other sports require such precise distance measurements? How many professionals in other sports have an aide that accompanies them throughout the round who has, in great detail, mapped out the course and all its hazards?

I'd love to have a caddy that could give me the information my GPS gives me! Technology in golf, particularly DMD's, is just bridging the gap between pro's and the rest of us.

I'm all for technology, as long as it doesn't slow anyone down or impede on others enjoyment of the game.

Dealerz

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

From playing golf - I am surprised how many players can't actually see where their ball has landed (eyesight wise). They actually need glasses. But, don't wear them. I can see it as a major benefit to them.

I always considered judgement of the shot as part of the game. This was not others view I am now discovering.

I can see some dude laser a putt at some stage - watch.

Yeah, i hate when lads ask me to keep an eye on their ball- I'm blind!!!! I have glasses for driving (my car) but when I tried to hit a golf shot with them I hit the ground two foot behind the ball and put them back in their case- I'm now happy to be blind on the golf course and rely on people like you who are not blind. Thanks

FixdePitchmark

SuprSi wrote: »

But you can't compare golf to any other sport, in this respect at least. How many other sports require such precise distance measurements? How many professionals in other sports have an aide that accompanies them throughout the round who has, in great detail, mapped out the course and all its hazards?

I'd love to have a caddy that could give me the information my GPS gives me! Technology in golf, particularly DMD's, is just bridging the gap between pro's and the rest of us.

I'm all for technology, as long as it doesn't slow anyone down or impede on others enjoyment of the game.

All field sports require incredible distance perception. And they do it instinctively. Most of us are +/- 10 yards on irons.

We are not pros. I think that is what sums up the problems in the amateur game.

Lads are acting like pros.

Dealerz

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Lads are acting like pros.

Exactly!

FixdePitchmark

Dealerz wrote: »

Yeah, i hate when lads ask me to keep an eye on their ball- I'm blind!!!! I have glasses for driving (my car) but when I tried to hit a golf shot with them I hit the ground two foot behind the ball and put them back in their case- I'm now happy to be blind on the golf course and rely on people like you who are not blind. Thanks

A friend of mine said that to me on a course - a bit of an eye opener (sorry for pun) - but he said to me , you don't understand what it is like not to be able to see properly.

He was right - lads with good sight don't get that - I do now.

Rikand

Dealerz wrote: »

Yeah, i hate when lads ask me to keep an eye on their ball- I'm blind!!!! I have glasses for driving (my car) but when I tried to hit a golf shot with them I hit the ground two foot behind the ball and put them back in their case- I'm now happy to be blind on the golf course and rely on people like you who are not blind. Thanks

My dad has glasses for golf and glasses for everything else

GreeBo

Rikand

SuprSi wrote: »

But you can't compare golf to any other sport, in this respect at least. How many other sports require such precise distance measurements? How many professionals in other sports have an aide that accompanies them throughout the round who has, in great detail, mapped out the course and all its hazards?

I'd love to have a caddy that could give me the information my GPS gives me! Technology in golf, particularly DMD's, is just bridging the gap between pro's and the rest of us.

I'm all for technology, as long as it doesn't slow anyone down or impede on others enjoyment of the game.

We'll have distance measuring devices down at the local astroturf before too long.

" Sorry lads, need to check and see if this is a 20 yard pass or a 30 yard pass and i'm not sure how hard to swing my foot.... "

FixdePitchmark

GreeBo wrote: »

lol.

See that is my point - Cluxton stands up , into a players hand in the field.

That to me is sport. As for hurling. :eek:

Are we saying as golfers - we are useless , we are giving up all our natural abilities. We can't get a ball from a to b.

Yet all the psychology of golf , is throw a ball - amazing how the body can judge a distance.

We are sort of dumbing down golf.

FixdePitchmark

Rikand wrote: »

We'll have distance measuring devices down at the local astroturf before too long.

" Sorry lads, need to check and see if this is a 20 yard pass or a 30 yard pass and i'm not sure how hard to swing my foot.... "

SuprSi

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

All field sports require incredible distance perception. And they do it instinctively. Most of us are +/- 10 yards on irons.

We are not pros. I think that is what sums up the problems in the amateur game.

Lads are acting like pros.

Not to the same level. No football player needs to know that it'll take x yards to clear that bunker, or that there are x yards beyond the pin before I get into trouble. And of course they do it instinctively - they don't have the sort of time that golfers have before each shot. Also, we're talking much greater distances here than on a football pitch.

I don't see how using a DMD is equivalent to someone acting like a pro. If done conscientiously it takes less time than someone walking to the nearest yardage point. It's also more accurate. A permanent caddy can't fit in your pocket, doesn't accept electricity as payment and is beyond the vast majority of us, so a GPS or rangefinder is the closest thing most amateurs can get to having something that is so fundamental and important to professionals.

FixdePitchmark

SuprSi wrote: »

Not to the same level. No football player needs to know that it'll take x yards to clear that bunker, or that there are x yards beyond the pin before I get into trouble. And of course they do it instinctively - they don't have the sort of time that golfers have before each shot. Also, we're talking much greater distances here than on a football pitch.

I don't see how using a DMD is equivalent to someone acting like a pro. If done conscientiously it takes less time than someone walking to the nearest yardage point. It's also more accurate. A permanent caddy can't fit in your pocket, doesn't accept electricity as payment and is beyond the vast majority of us, so a GPS or rangefinder is the closest thing most amateurs can get to having something that is so fundamental and important to professionals.

It is still the principle of an electronic aid I have an issue with. Not seen in other sports.

This is a very recent development.

I'm not convinced amateurs have improved their scores as a result.

I think most lads with them are fooling themselves.

Some lads are spending 300 euro + - honestly think 7 or 8 lessons would be better.

If a lads is say a low single figure golfer - it is more palatable.

newport2

Rikand wrote: »

We'll have distance measuring devices down at the local astroturf before too long.

" Sorry lads, need to check and see if this is a 20 yard pass or a 30 yard pass and i'm not sure how hard to swing my foot.... "

You'd have a different boot for each length kick, swing shouldn't change

newport2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

It is still the principle of an electronic aid I have an issue with. Not seen in other sports.

This is a very recent development.

I'm not convinced amateurs have improved their scores as a result.

I think most lads with them are fooling themselves.

Some lads are spending 300 euro + - honestly think 7 or 8 lessons would be better.

If a lads is say a low single figure golfer - it is more palatable.

If you don't think people are benefiting from it, why do you have an issue with it?

I remember driver heads went over 400cc for the first time. It was going to ruin the game apparently