High Tech Golf Craze Sweeps Industry: Good or Bad?

NEWS

07/24/2006

PGA Pro Refutes the New High-Tech Golf Craze Sweeping the Industry
By James DeMicco

Palm Coast, FL – Marc Solomon, PGA golf professional and founder of the national golf school Golf Made Simple, was quoted in the New York Times last month in an article about the growing trend of high tech golf instruction. Solomon went out on a limb and outright refuted the high tech golf craze that is sweeping over the golf industry, telling the Times' million plus readers: "People think that golf is a complicated game, and the more complicated golf is, the more technology will help them… That's wrong. Golf has taken 'paralysis by analysis' to a whole new level."

Solomon goes on to explain his position, "I don't hate technology, I just hate technology that doesn't work. I am attached to my cell phone and dependent on my computer, but technology can't replace good ol' physics and the basic body mechanics in golf instruction. Golf instructors are failing to get back to basics and study form. So many golf schools are relying on high-tech, futuristic golf instruction methods, and the approach just isn't working. If the golf schools don't have good golf instructors, they use gadgetry as a band-aid to impress the golfers. Not to say that technology hasn't helped the sport of golf over the past decade, what it's influenced is the quality of the golf products that are sold on the market - great golf clubs and the design of golf balls."

There are over 38 million golfers in the U.S., and the sales of high-tech golf gadgets are increasing each and every year. It's no wonder that golfers and consumers alike hope that they've found the Holy Grail through lasers, 3-D modeling, sensor vests, infrared cameras and digital analyses. New York Times stated in their May 11th article, "Skeptics question whether bombarding players with so much data will better their games, or just be a costly distraction."

Golf schools are catering to America's hunger for these new golf technologies, and the golfers attending these schools are so enamored with the bells and whistles, that they fail to realize that the bells and whistles aren't helping them to lower their golf scores. "You can't bring a video tape or sensor vest out on the course with you," says Solomon. "These software companies have such a strong marketing presence, that unfortunately many golfers feel as though digital training is a 'rite of passage' to becoming a better golfer. 9 out of 10 Golfers are more confused and frustrated after taking a video golf lesson than they were prior to it."

It should come as no surprise that golf schools are trying to cash in on the technology craze. According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, $2.49 billion was spent on golf equipment in 2004. The National Golf Foundation reports that over 2.5 million golfers took golf lessons in 2006, spending over $482 Million on classes alone. Very simply, golf is a moneymaking powerhouse. Considering that a third of the U.S. population spends over $200 a month on technology for entertainment and communication, it's only natural that the golf industry wants to get in on the action.

With over 16,000 golf courses in the U.S., and instruction facilities numbering in the thousands, most golf schools have jumped on the high-tech bandwagon just to keep up with their competitors. Golf Made Simple is one of the only golf schools in U.S. that does not use video analysis, lasers, or other high-tech training methods.

Golf Made Simple's favorite educational instruments are lo-tech, every day objects. Instructors carry hula-hoops, bamboo sticks, pool noodles, and toilet paper wrapped in Ace bandages in their teaching bags. "A plain old cart tire used in conjunction with a weed cutter is an amazing tool that teaches golfers how to correct slices and hooks," said Solomon. Golf Made Simple instructors tailor the lessons for each individual golfer. This method of teaching helps golfers to carry over their successes from the practice range onto the golf course.

About Golf Made Simple The philosophy of Golf Made Simple is what you would expect- simple. Prior to Golf Made Simple, most golfers have 13 different swings for the 13 woods and irons in their bag, which is complicated to keep consistent. When each golfer returns home from Golf Made Simple to practice the skills they learned on the course, they have one swing for those same 13 clubs. "92% of golfers who come to Golf Made Simple looking to break 90 for the first time have been successful in reaching their goal!" The nationally recognized PGA professional, Marc Solomon and his staff, lead four person classes for a customized experience. Golfers can take 3, 5 and 7-day classes in St. Augustine, FL, Amelia Island, FL and San Diego, CA. Their Instructor For Life program guarantees that each golfer can always contact their instructor for free customized advice, tips, drills and exercises - for life. It's Golf Made Simple. For more information, or to read Golf Improvement Weekly (the world's most read golf improvement newsletter), please visit www.GolfMadeSimple.com.

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