Best Technology-Based Golf Training Aids
Golf has come a long way from the days of Old Tom Morris. Back then, all a golfer had to rely on was a rugged temperament, strong scotch, and the simple tools of golf — a few wooden clubs and handmade golf balls. Whether discussing modern, computer-optimized equipment or satellite-based GPS distance finders, golf is now played with the highest technology.
As a group, technology-based golf training aids differ from alignment sticks, chipping nets, full-swing trainers, etc. They are set apart because they have some form of advanced technology built into them. This cutting-edge technology could be computer chips, radar, advanced optics, GPS, or other advancements. In this post, we identify devices we believe are best of breed.
This post will be updated over time as new advances are made or as we discover new technology-based golf training aids that we would recommend.
A quick note:
- All featured technology-based golf training aids have entire posts dedicated to them. To read those reviews, click on the section title or product item name (printed in blue font)
Best Technology-Based Golf Training Aids: Arccos Golf Caddie
The Arccos Golf Caddie is a fully automatic GPS and Shot Tracking System that captures a golfer’s real-time shots and statistics as you play. It is probably the most advanced system for understanding how a golfer hits the ball. And how to optimize course strategy to maximize scoring based on actual capabilities.
Using sensors placed in each club’s grip, the Arccos Caddie tracks actual shot performance as a golfer plays round after round of golf. The Golf Caddie aggregates and analyzes the actual performance of each club over time.
In addition, the Arccos Caddy smartphone app has an advanced GPS that has mapped over 40,000 golf courses worldwide. The app gives a golfer:
- All of the standard GPS data that might be needed to know distances to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as
- Point-to-point distances.
- The GPS function can also adjust for elevation.
Using “artificial intelligence,” the Arccos Caddy can combine its knowledge of a golfer’s club capability and GPS function to give club recommendations like a human caddie. These club recommendations adjust for elevation changes, wind, temperature, humidity, and altitude.
A final aspect of the Arccos Golf Caddie is that a golfer can pull up the system’s stored data on a computer or smartphone and review the details of the last round. The golfer can also review past rounds or aggregate data and analysis to understand the strengths and weaknesses of his game.
Check out our full review here to understand the full functionality of the Arccos Golf Caddie.
Check Out Arccos on Amazon
Best Technology-Based Golf Training Aids: Golf GPS Watch
Golf GPS watches are one of the most common technology-based golf training aids on the market. As a training device, they allow a golfer to better understand distances on the course. And, over time, to know how far they really hit the ball.
After looking at scads of golf GPS watches, we recommend two Garmin models that offer fantastic features at two different price points: the Garmin Approach S10 and the Garmin Approach S60.
Both watches offer:
- Over 41,000 pre-loaded courses
- Sunlight-readable faces
- Accurate readings of the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green
- Both are smartphone-compatible for additional functionality
Where these devices differ is in styling, advanced capabilities, and price.
The Garmin Approach S60
One of Garmin’s most advanced GPS watches offering:
- A large 1.2” color touchscreen,
- Point-to-point yardage, and
- A tremendous range of capabilities for other sports, such as swimming, running, biking, etc.
It also has a wide range of smartphone capabilities, including texts, weather, calendar, and other functionality.
Read the latest Garmin S60 Amazon reviews here
The Garmin Approach S10
The Approach S10 has all the functionality a golfer needs on the course without the advanced capabilities of the Approach S60.
The S10 has a .9 X .9 inch rectangular face with a black and white screen that is not a touchscreen. It also has an incredible 15-hour battery life when in GPS mode.
The S10 is currently sold for less than half the price of an approach S60.
Click to buy or read the Amazon reviews on the Garmin S10
The choice between these two Garmin GPS watches comes down to:
- A simple, straightforward design vs. a greater degree of style
- A singular focus on golf versus a broader range of exercise and sports capabilities
- Lower price versus higher price
The answer to those three trade-off questions will probably determine which of the two watches you buy. Both watches are exceptional in what they offer.
As mentioned near the beginning of the post, we expect that this listing of recommended technology-based golf training aids will grow over time. Shortly, we plan on posting reviews on our recommended advanced range finders and swing speed analyzers for the home.
If you have any recommendations for technology-based golf training aids, drop us a note in the Comment box below.