The closest most of us will probably get to the famed island green at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is the EA Sports PGA Tour game from 2015, but if you’ve got the money for a dream golf vacation at the posh resort, you’ll find an array of state-of-the-art technology in the PGA Tour’s Performance Center that will help improve your game.
“We use the technology — Trackman, Foresight’s GC Quad system, V1 Pro computer software, high-speed video, hitting vests, balance plates, etc. — to assess where they are with the game and how their body functions during a swing, and to quantify how to improve their game,” Todd Anderson, PGA instructor, told Forbes. “We don’t have tech that’s different than everyone else, but it’s how we assess a golfer and apply that to help them improve their game that’s unique.”
Previously only available to tour pros, these high-tech assessments help with clubfitting and individualized teaching tailored to a specific golfer’s needs. Golfing resorts around the country are embracing the latest tech teaching tools and incorporating them into their resort packages.
“When they go to high-level performance centers like ours, they expect them to have the latest technology there,” added Anderson. “It comes with the territory and is becoming a larger part of how resorts bill their destination.”
The Sawgrass resort even includes a tech-heavy putting facility to help golfers learn how to read greens better. The Quintic ball roll software uses a high-speed camera, tracking the putter during impact and ball movement afterwards.
Once you get out on the course, there are hundreds of high-tech gadgets you can take along with you to give information about the course or provide feedback on your game. There are electric scooters you can ride instead of carts, or even driverless carts that follow you around the course. You can use GPS devices to plan your shots, or range-finding wearables that tell you how far you are from the hole. You can also don wearable sensors to track and analyze your swing, or smart golf balls that tell you when you’ve hit it correctly.
So far, there’s no device that will automatically shout “Noonan!” when your opponent lines up for a putt, however. You’ll have to do that one on your own.
The limited-edition Current LTD comes loaded with premium upgrades, powerful motor assistance, and features designed for serious trail riding.
Aventon is taking things up a notch with its latest electric mountain bike. The new Current LTD is a full-suspension eMTB packed with high-end components, plenty of power, and some impressive technology. There's one catch, though. Only 99 are being made, and each comes with a $7,999 price tag.
INIU has launched the Rugged 10000, a $54.99 power bank with 45W fast charging and IP67 dust and water protection. Its 10,000mAh battery supplies power through two USB-C ports for phones and outdoor gear.
It’s the first product from the company’s new INIU Outdoor division. Weighing roughly 196g, the silicone-armored battery is designed for hikers who need backup power but want to keep their pack light.
Keeping devices charged and a campsite lit takes a little planning once wall outlets disappear. These four Amazon offers cover portable solar power, satellite communication, and two different approaches to camp lighting. The BigBlue, BioLite, and LuminAID prices require Prime membership.
BigBlue 28W solar charger - $50.97 (15% off)