The Black Hole of Golf Technology

I almost got lost in the BLACK HOLE of driving range practices. I was playing with new technology on the range and I almost got sucked in...and it took all of my willpower to get me out.

During my practice last week, I decided to try the Trackman Combine on our new T4. The Combine is an evaluation of the golfer’s ability to hit 60 shots at various yardages. The golfer hits 3 shots at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 yards and then hits 3 drivers. This process is then repeated one time. In usual Trackman fashion, the evaluation tracks club speed, ball speed, angle of attack, spin rate, carry yardage, total yardage, side movement, and distance from pin. You can also view a dispersion report, trajectory report, more club data and probably other reports that I have yet to uncover (that’s how Trackman rolls). While hitting all 60 shots, Trackman give you a score and eventually assigns you a handicap.

Without going into all of my details, I felt pretty good about my 60, 70 and 80 yard shots. Then I got into the longer shots and I started reaching for the clubs that I THOUGHT I SHOULD (should is a dirty word) hit a certain distance. And this is where I almost went down the rabbit hole. The whole first round was a huge EGO (Evil Genius Organization) trip trying to hit clubs as far as I could hit them instead of just trying to hit a yardage. And as soon as I realized that Trackman didn’t care what club I was hitting as long as I could hit the yardage within a certain proximity of the hole, I let down my guard. And I realized how great of a practice tool this could be for me .

It goes back to the saying that “you don’t have to paint a picture, just write down a number.” That’s hard for an artist that is trying to make everything pretty ALL THE TIME... Larry and I have discussed this at length. He is the KING of up and downs and scoring great even when it looks anything but great. The kind of player that looks like he isn’t doing anything special and then shoots 2-under when it is is all added up. Yet he strives to hit greens and strives to hit fairways and tries to hit his ball higher because he believes it will make him a cleaner, better golfer when he already has everything it takes.

So what are my takeaways when my EGO(Edging Goddess Out) is checked at the door? My proximity to hole can be better for my wedges. I actually hit the ball closer to my target when I am 160 yards away versus 80 or 90 yards away. This is could be a huge scoring advantage for me. I tend to hit 12-15 greens per round but am left with birdie putts at are 25+ paces from the hole. Those are low percentages to make a birdie putt. And I know if I can make 3 to 4 birdies per round I am playing my best golf and competing with my peers.

Also, Trackman doesn’t care what club you are using as long as you get the job done. Let me say that again, TRACKMAN  DOES NOT CARE WHAT CLUB YOU ARE USING AS LONG AS YOU GET THE JOB DONE. Sure I can train for distance in the winter, but in-season I want to score well and win $$$.

Moral of the story: Use the technology in ways to grow your game soulfully, and understand when the EGO (Everyone Gets One) is in the way. Easier said than done. Avoid black holes. Stay out of the Bermuda Triangle of golf data. Watch out for the rabbit holes.

Many Birdies,

Melissa