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Archive for the ‘Tools & Gadgets’ Category

Hook/Slice Talking Swing Meter

Saturday, September 9th, 2006

Hook/Slice Talking Swing MeterSOURCE: Amazon.com/Perfect SolutionsGIST: This “precision-engineered” device attaches to your club (no tools needed!) and senses your swing direction, immediately blurting “Hook!” or “Slice!” or, that Holy Grail of golf swing compliments, “Nice Shot!”

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Teego Personal Edition

Wednesday, August 30th, 2006

SOURCE: Tee Caddy, LLC

TeegoThe Teego Personal Edition is an automated ball tee-er and dispenser — a portable and affordable one. Just tap the Teego with your club (probably no need to bend over much to do this), and an arm swings down to place a ball on your tee, mat, the grass… pretty much anywhere you want to hit from (with a flat area in front for the Teego, of course).

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Build Your Own Momentus-like Weighted Swing Trainer… Cheap!

Thursday, August 17th, 2006

SOURCE: HumanGolf.com - Eldon Sarte

MomentusUsing a weighted swing trainer works… so insists teaching legend Harvey Penick in his best selling Little Red Book. And it doesn’t hurt at all that the exercise is so functionally simple. The popular Momentus Swing Trainer (with its trademark yellow shaft) takes it a step further by distributing the weight more evenly throughout the club. It’s not terribly expensive, but if you want to go even cheaper, here are my instructions for building one yourself, weight distribution and all, with little more than a throwaway steel-shafted 5-iron and a bunch of BB’s. [GO]

The RadarGolf System

Monday, July 31st, 2006

SOURCE: RadarGolf, Inc.

GIST: Never lose a golf ball again! Well, never say never, but this product uses high tech to minimize ball search time. It’s a handheld electronic device that uses the company’s radio frequency technology to help you work your way to your ball’s location, with lights and beeps that get stronger as you get closer. You do have to use its proprietary but USGA-conforming RadarGolfBalls with embedded microchip transmitters.

MY TAKE: With my eyesight, I need this, especially if I want to play alone. But I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet; steep cost — $350 for the set, which includes the device, a dozen balls, and accessories.

A dozen replacement balls is $40 — not too painful, considering that a dozen Titleist Pro V1’s are about $5 more — but still, at $3+ a pop, darned if I’m going to hit RadarGolfBalls over water. Then again, maybe the cost will force me to play more intelligently. Hmmm… [GO]

New Grip Product Helps Golfers and Tennis Players with Hand Disabilities

Friday, July 21st, 2006

SOURCE: Golf Gear Review

Thankfully I don’t need this… yet. Unfortunately, I think arthritis runs in the family. Good to know this exists. If you’re suffering from arthritis or some other debilitating hand problem that prevents you from gripping your clubs, check out the new MaxiSwing Golf and Tennis Grip Straps. They’re designed to help you “hold… clubs lightly, but firmly, and without pain.” They don’t even look all that visible when in use which, believe me, is important. Hope to see you out there again! [GO]

Golf Dust – The Secret to Solid Golf Shots Revealed

Wednesday, July 19th, 2006

SOURCE: Hooked On Golf Blog

GIST: “The most important part of hitting solid golf shots is hitting the ball with the center of the club face.” One way to visualize where on the face you’re hitting the ball exactly is to use the featured product, Golf Dust, a portable spray that coats your club face and reveals points of impact. Anecdotal evidence included: The writer’s drives were coming up 40 yard short. Golf Dust revealed he was hitting them half an inch out of center. Adjustment. Thanks Golf Dust!

MY TAKE: By center, I assume he means “sweet spot” (which more often than not isn’t club face center). That general vicinity anyway; the real sweet spot’s always just a pinprick. Good luck hitting that every time. Regardless, he’s absolutely right, but I prefer using talcum powder. It’s cheaper, just as portable, and it makes my clubs smell baby fresh! [GO]

DancinDogg Personal Golf Simulator

Thursday, July 6th, 2006

SOURCE: DancinDogg Golf

Unfortunately, I don’t always have the time or wherewithal to hit the course… or even the range for that matter. So I’m always on the lookout for gadgets, training accessories, and even games that will let me play or practice golf — or as close to it as possible — at home or the office.

Here’s something for indoor use that I just read about; it sure does look like the tech’s finally catching up with the real world (getting affordable, in other words).

The system doesn’t look that big. Basically, you connect a swing pad (mat, really) to your Windows PC via a USB port, which then lets you “…experience …playing golf in your home on some of the best golf courses in the world on EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 [game software].”

In a sense, I’m hesitant to try this gizmo. I’ve built a pretty good, ego-boosting “Eldon on Tour” fantasy world around my ability to play the PC game quite competently… using my mouse and keyboard. I have a feeling it won’t be too healthy for my psyche if my computer alter ego has to rely on my actual golf swing as well. [GO]