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What is a Golf Swing Analyzer?

Nicole Feliciano
Nicole Feliciano

A golf swing analyzer is an electronic device designed to help golfers improve the mechanics of their golf game. Designed for golfers who want to improve their golf scores without spending hours on a golf course, these devices can bring attention to swing errors and provide feedback in an indoor setting.

There are two basic types of golf swing analyzers: simple home gadgets and sophisticated systems available at golf centers. Golf swing analyzers can range wildly in price; a basic mechanism can cost a hundred dollars, while a golf center package offering a computer generated analysis and instruction can cost several thousand dollars.

Uncomplicated home golf swing analyzers can be purchased at golf pro shops, specialty sports stores and on the internet.

The most basic golf swing analyzer is a small electronic contraption that can be attached to a club shaft. As the golfer swings the club, the golf swing analyzer records club speed and computes a distance projection.

For more complete feedback, home golf analyzers are available with sophisticated computer software packages. Directions vary by company, but in general this is how they work:

  • The golfer records their swing on a video or digital camera.
  • This swing information on the camera is downloaded into a computer program.
  • Special computer software analyzes the club head speed, the club head path and the club face angle.
  • The computer predicts the distance and trajectory of the ball.
  • A computer program recommends swing improvements. Some computer programs will provide a side-by-side comparison of the recorded swing to that of an "ideal swing."
A golf swing analyzer helps improve a golfer's swing.
A golf swing analyzer helps improve a golfer's swing.

Golf centers offer the most thorough and expensive analysis systems. To get the analysis session started, a golfer addresses a golf ball at a tee box (usually indoors). Normally, the tee box has synthetic turf and a net to capture the golf balls after they have been hit. The golfer hits a series of golf shots into the net as a professional cameraman records the swing.

Golf swing analyzers can help show players errors made in their movements.
Golf swing analyzers can help show players errors made in their movements.

Just like in the home version, the swing is transformed into a computer image for evaluation. The software program analyzes the biomechanics of the golfer's swing. In addition to the standard swing information, a sophisticated golf analysis system provides feedback on body alignment, stance, hand position, and head movement.

When purchasing a golf swing analysis package, the golfer will often receive a video or CD to take home as well as computer printouts. Many golf centers provide instruction on improving any swing errors identified in the analysis.

Used wisely, a golf swing analyzer can help frustrated golfers hit the ball further with greater accuracy and more consistently.

Discussion Comments

jonrss

I golf swing analyzer can be a helpful tool for anyone trying get an improved gold swing. But it is not the only thing you need. You also need to train a lot and maybe seek out some one on one golf swing instruction.

A computer can tell you a lot but a pro can tell you even more. They also make better teachers. Having someone that can really walk you through the mechanics of your swing usually leads to a better swing.

truman12

How much can a gold swing analyzer really help? I am not trying to degrade them, I am really curious.

I see them in the pro shop all the time and I have thought about buying one but there is so much junk that comes along with golf. Gadgets promising to give you a perfect gold swing are as common as vegetable choppers sold on TV.

whiteplane

I just started playing golf about a year ago. I am not very good at it but I like it a lot and it is a good excuse to get out of the the house.

At first I didn't take it very seriously. I had a buddy show me the basic swing and I kind of just tried to make it work. But the more bad shots I made and the more bad games I played the more I wanted to get some help with my swing.

There is a gold super center that has an analyzer that compares your swing to a proper golf swing. You pay for the service and they give you a detailed report about what you are doing wrong. You can work on it yourself or work on it with a pro.

Since I got the analysis done my handicap has dropped by five strokes. I would say that's worth it.

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    • A golf swing analyzer helps improve a golfer's swing.
      By: Phase4Photography
      A golf swing analyzer helps improve a golfer's swing.
    • Golf swing analyzers can help show players errors made in their movements.
      By: JJAVA
      Golf swing analyzers can help show players errors made in their movements.