September 22, 2024 | by Unboxify
Golf has always been a sport that demands precision and consistency. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a budding enthusiast, understanding the intricacies of your swing can make a substantial difference. I had the privilege of testing the Golfshot App on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the iconic TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, and the results were promising.
Golfshot is a GPS golf app that capitalizes on the advanced sensors in the Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the accelerometer and gyroscope, to offer detailed data about your golf swing. Swing ID is a groundbreaking feature within Golfshot that processes this data, providing insight into swing tempo, rhythm, and wrist path.
Setting up Golfshot is simple. First, open the app and sign in. There are three editions to choose from: Free, Pro, and Champions, each with different annual pricing. For this review, I used Golfshot Pro to access the new Swing ID feature.
To enable Swing ID:
Range Practice Mode: Go to the range practice section by tapping on “Practice” found in the bottom left-hand side of the screen. Assign a driving range and use GPS to get a satellite view. You can drag and drop hazards and pins onto the range to see distances from your location.
Once you’ve set up the app, you’re ready to practice. In range practice mode, the Apple Watch displays:
I started with a sand wedge to hit some short shots. The haptic feedback feature, which notifies you after every recorded shot, was initially turned on, but I switched it off due to it being somewhat distracting.
Each swing is automatically recorded, capturing:
After four shots with the sand wedge, the Golfshot app detailed tempo and hand speed (13.1 mph for my shots).
Next, I hit longer clubs like the eight iron targeting 148 yards. The data captured from each swing provided immediate feedback to make small adjustments right then and there.
Golfshot doesnβt merely track swings; it also counts the shots you take with each club. It correctly recorded shots I took with my pitching wedge, nine iron, and more, keeping a comprehensive tally.
Although Golfshot doesn’t automatically track where the ball lands, users can manually drag and drop a marker to note the ball’s landing spot on the phone app. This enhances understanding of distances and accuracy per club.
Taking Swing ID to the course elevates its utility. For testing, I played nine holes on the Fleming Course, enabling GPS tracking and swing ID metrics.
To start a round of golf:
The app gives you a bird’s-eye view of each hole with GPS data showing distances to various features. My first hole display advised which club to use and provided yardage to the front, middle, and back of the green.
The watch interface displayed all needed information about the hole. You can:
If the watch misses a shot, a quick restart can resolve the issue. After chipping near the hole on my third shot, the data captured was comprehensive – displaying tempo, hand speed (4.7 mph), and more.
Over time, Swing ID allows detailed observation of each swingβs data. Monitoring metrics such as tempo, hand speed, impact plane, and wrist rotation aids in refining your technique.
By the third holeβpar three, 195 yardsβI noticed that my slower tempos resulted in solid hits, particularly when my impact plane was above 70%. This feedback loop became indispensable for improving my swing.
At each hole, entering detailed data (such as scores, putts, and hazards) yielded a complete round profile. The Golfshot app also includes an auto strokes gained feature, needing the flag pinned on the green for each hole for accurate distance measurement.
The Golfshot app boasts various bells and whistles. The AR mode allows you to use the phone as a rangefinder, recognizing hazards and other obstacles. Post-round, everything recorded is viewable in the app to reflect on past rounds and practice sessions.
However, accuracy demands meticulous data input. Practice swings and tap-in putts might need manual corrections for precise stats.
After extensive use, it’s evident the Golfshot app and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are designed for serious golfers keen on tracking detailed swing data. However, this isn’t a frictionless experience. Being a bogey golfer with 15 years of experience, my initial focus on the watch somewhat hampered my game, but as I adapted, my performance improved.
Key observations:
Despite getting used to the watchβs size and weight, viewing the screen in bright sunlight was easier without sunglasses. The appβs interface was user-friendly, and entering data by the golf cart felt efficient.
Final Thought: For data-driven golfers, the Golfshot app and Apple Watch Ultra 2 could significantly enhance your game over time. Embrace the technology, input accurate information, and watch your golfing prowess grow.
So there you have it, a comprehensive dive into the capabilities of the Golfshot app with Apple Watch Ultra 2. For anyone committed to improving their golf scores, adopting this cutting-edge combination will make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re at the range honing your swing or strategizing on the course, this powerful duo can be your ultimate golfing companion. Happy swinging!
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