Just as golf equipment advances through technology, so does golf instruction. Just as we find a great variety of drivers, irons, putters and golf balls to choose from, although we might not aware of it, there is also quite an ample choice of golf teachers – two or three per club, for sure. And choosing one is not an easy job if you’re not clear about your preferences and requirements.

To help you, under the heading “How to choose your golf instructor?” we offer you a series of short articles outlining the basics you should consider in order to find your ideal instructor.

1. COMPATIBILITY
2. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
3. SWING AIDS
4. VIDEO ANALYSIS
5. TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS

The great novelty in recent years, and something which has meant a huge step forward in golf instruction, is the expansion of technological aids such as video analysis, radars and 3D analysis.

With technological aids like TrackMan or FlightScope, which register all parameters of the shot and trace the flight of the ball, something which used to be the exclusive reserve of Tour pros, either to refine their stroke or to tune the golf clubs in the truck before a tournament, is now available to professional golf instructors to teach their pupils.

Measurements by these radars provide parameters about your impact and ball flight. After each shot, the computer shows you data about face angle, attack angle, smash factor, dynamic loft, launch angle, carry, launch direction, club speed, ball speed and swing plane. If your instructor can read and interpret this data, with just a few changes you’ll already be able to notice significant and rapid improvement.

However, analysis on the radar is not enough by itself. First you have to learn to swing well, and then you can see how the club swings and make sure that the parameters are going to be good. 3D analysis systems such Golf BioDynamics or K-Vest, that applies body sensors to record your movements on the computer, are like a magnetic resonance of your swing. It is just amazing to visualize the movement of your figure in 3D performing the swing on a computer that also tells you what you need to correct to consolidate the right move based on your physical characteristics.

Equipment with high-speed cameras, radars and 3D analysis are all advanced technologies that instructors and golf academies have acquired to raise their level and quality of tuition. The training and retraining of professionals here is key for the interpretation and use of all the information provided by the sophisticated software, which will help you achieve, more quickly, your best level of golf.

Look out for “How to choose your golf instructor? (VI)” next week.

Por REDACCIÓN