Resist all you want, but if you ignore the impressive selection of digital technology for golfers, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Companies like Rapsodo offer quality launch monitors for a fraction of the price of other ball-tracking machines popular with tour pros. Expect others to follow. Makers of range finders and GPS devices, seemingly without room to innovate, continue to find ways to do so. Even if you’re not a tech-loving golfer, these products are worth noticing. Search online if you can’t find them in store.

“Finally, quality launch monitors for personal use are here.”

Tech Support: RapsodoRapsodo

mobile launch monitor

Entry-level launch monitors for the everyday golfer might be an untapped market. New in golf, Rapsodo’s swing analyser syncs to an app on a smartphone that offers club and ball data, as well as shot tracking. It will also capture swing videos for ease of replay.

Tech Support: GolfBuddy

GolfBuddy

aim w10

Recently acquired by Golfzon, GolfBuddy has an impressive product line that includes this smart wristwatch with a TFT-LCD touch screen. Every green has a gradient map that shows severity of slopes. One of the best parts? It comes with a 13-hour battery life.

Tech Support: IzzoIzzo Sidewinder Speaker

golf-bag strap

Playing tunes is easier without  carrying a separate device. Now all you have to do is carry your bag. Izzo’s Bluetooth-enabled strap is ergonomic with a padded interior that replaces most single straps. Two-point connection adds to comfort. (AAA batteries required)

Tech Support: Bushnell

Bushnell

Pro xe

How good are rangefinders getting? Now they can predict the elements. The Pro XE factors in temperature, elevation, altitude and barometric pressure to calculate shot distances. No, it still won’t replace a good caddie, but this is the closest thing we’ve seen.

Tech Support: Voice CaddyVoice Caddie

swing caddie sc300

There’s a definite benefit to practising and having a device announce your swing data: you don’t need to stop and study the device. The latest portable launch monitor from Voice Caddie is good at the basics – measuring club data and tracking it.