Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf has become much more technology-based. It’s not just that new driver you have that was built with AI technology; it’s the gadgets and gizmos that we strap to the cart, our bags, or our bodies. If you’ve incorporated all this new technology into your game (in hopes it would help lower your scores) but have found it’s not doing much, this could be why. Here are 5 red flags to watch to see if technology is holding your game back.
You’re Checking Stats Mid-Round Instead of Focusing on One Shot at a Time
If you are worried that your greens in regulation percentage have dropped since you teed off today, your use of technology has gone too far. Stop reviewing your swing or scoring data and stats during the middle of your round.
This habit will distract you from being focused on the present moment. All the best golfers tell you they focus on one shot at a time to ensure they perform well on the course.
Overthinking is not going to help you.
You’ve Lost the Feel for the Game and Rely Solely on Data
Are you still able to hit a 30 or 40 yard shot just by looking at it and estimating the yardage? Some golfers become so reliant on the golf technology they lose their feel and natural ability to estimate yardages.
Don’t let this happen.
As great as the technology is, when you can combine it with a feel and understanding of the game, you’ll be a better golfer.
You Spend More Time Analyzing Than Practicing
Analyzing your data from tracking rounds and recording swings is great. However, the purpose of that data is to take it to the driving range. When you have data, it’s easier to pinpoint the exact areas of your game that need work.
However, you have to put the time into practice.
Spending hours analyzing data and not actually working on your game on the practice range is not the path to success. You have to do both.
Your Game Is Over-Complicated by Tech-Specific Adjustments
Some parts of your golf swing will likely never be as good as the professionals. That’s to be expected, you are an amateur and not a pro.
However, if youa re constantly tweaking your swing or adjusting equipment based on your launch monitor results you may be taking things too far.
This process leads to inconsistency and confusion. You’ll start to doubt yourself on every swing and wonder which approach you should be taking.
You’ve Stopped Trusting Your Own Judgement on the Course
The last of the red flags demonstrates that technology has already had a massively negative impact on your golf game. If you are not able to trust your own judgment on the course. Second-guessing your decisions because your data doesn’t match what you’re feeling is a red flag.
You have to trust your instincts in golf because of what a mental game it is. Relying too much on technology can actually decrease your confidence level and make you think you NEED these things to play a great round.
How do you fix this?
Head to the golf course and play a round without your GPS watch, rangefinder, Bluetooth speaker, and launch monitor. See what happens and enjoy playing the game. Chances are your score won’t reflect all that much of a difference, and you’ll get a bit of your feel back. Address these red flags before they destroy your game!
