I’m far from being a high-tech wizard. I don’t collect gizmos for the heck of it, but I can appreciate the latest offerings in golf gadgetry just as much as the next guy. When GPS-enabled golf carts hit the market, essentially, if your local course didn’t jump on board, they were considered behind the times. While some of us still prefer to know more about the course than our carts do, it’s impossible to remain analog in this newly digitized version of the game.
Some of these gadgets are for your general golfing convenience – they’re attempting to improve the whole experience. Some are only attempting to improve your game. Let’s take a look at a few of both…
Sometimes you need to charge your cellphone, iPod or other gadgets on the go. What if your whole group needs to charge their devices? Fear not; this solar-powered golf bag has two interchangeable iPod adapters and five interchangeable mobile adapters, in addition to a rain hood and umbrella holder.
Verdict: Wait, I thought cellphone addicts were chastised on golf courses…
SkyKap Advisor Golf Caps & Visors
A handy rangefinder in the form of a hat or visor, this newfangled tool is equipped with a voice-activated microphone and real-time GPS. Connect with your…hat via USB to retrieve detailed course maps. This topper also gives you the ability to view every shot you made, post-game.
Verdict: Do you really want to be the guy on the course talking to his hat?
GolfSense Swing Sensor from Zepp
Swing analysis sensors are everywhere these days. And by everywhere, I mean usually on the actual shaft of the club. If you are trying to analyze your swing and stance, but don’t want to be moving your gadget from iron to wood and back, this one clips to your glove and shoots the data via Bluetooth to your preferred device.
Verdict: As they say – If you think it’s helping, then it’s probably helping.
Sharper Image Driver Drink Dispenser
For novelty-hounds only… An insulated beverage dispenser disguised as a (pretty funky-lookin’) driver, this bad-boy holds up to 52 oz. of your favorite hot or cold drink, dispensing the liquid at the press of a button. I’ll be shocked if this isn’t featured in SkyMall magazine.
Verdict: So silly, it just might work…
This is, by far, the lowest-tech item on the list. No electricity required! This core-strengthening tool is for warming up, developing tempo and flexibility, and gauging your kinetic sequencing. The weighted ball at the end of the ‘club’ reveals whether you’re under-swinging, have a poor arc or are not following through properly. It’s like the ‘medicine ball’ of golf.
Verdict: It’s your call. Basically, any strides you take to improve your game…is an improvement.
David Bryce is a part-time blogger and full-time golf nerd. When he’s not talking to his hat, drinking out of his club, or listening to his gloves…you can usually find him relaxing at the course-side Branson Cabins.