Don’t Let Technology Scare You

Jeff Fisher
Director of Instruction
Fisher Bryan Golf Academy at Longbow Golf Club
Mesa, AZ
jfisher@obsports.com

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There is a great divide in the world of golf instruction over the use of technology. Some say that things like launch monitors and pressure mats are the answer to all of our prayers. Others argue that the use of these tools robs a player of feel and artistry and is ruining a generation of players. I would tell you that the truth lies somewhere in between.

The problem I see is that there needs to be art mixed with the science. Those who want to use only art, or old school teachers as they are sometimes called, leave out the benefit that technology can bring them. Those who use only technology, new school teachers, often have a hard time translating the numbers a machine spits out into improvement in their players. Add to that the preference a student may have in regards to the use of technology and it is no wonder golfers have a hard time getting better.

I am here to tell you that as a student you should not be afraid of technology in the hands of a good instructor. A main reason is that the use of a launch monitor can identify exactly what is happening in your swing and with your club and allow a good instructor to get right to work. Plans for improvement can be set more quickly and you have something to measure against to see how much change is actually happening.

As a student, technology can actually help you create feel. Say for instance your instructor tells you that your club path was too far to the right. You immediately know what too far to the right feels like because you just did it. Now you can go about swinging more to the left and your coach, with the help of the launch monitor, can tell you exactly how much change you have made. Say for instance you feel like you exaggerated the move to swing more left but the machine says you only moved two degrees. Now you know you need to go even further. The technology has just helped you create feel.

Improvements in technology in any are of our lives can be good and bad depending on what hands you put them in. The internet itself has made life much easier, but in the hands of the wrong people can also make life quite hazardous. Golf is no different. Find the right coach, with the right tools, and your game will improve.

Jeff Fisher is Director of Instruction at the Fisher Bryan Golf Academy at Longbow Golf Club. Jeff can be reached at 480.414.9330 or jfisher@obsports.com.