It’s all very well the likes of Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter swearing by expensive launch monitors to calculate their precise driving distances and shaft requirements under the expert eye of golf club technicians. But can custom fitting really help the average golfer like you and me?
A company called Foresight make the industry-leading GC2 launch monitor, which has been installed at American Golf stores across the land. We spoke to their sales director, Ed Doling, to find out what it can do for you.
HOW DOES IT KNOW HOW FAR I HIT THE BALL?
The GC2 uses high-speed cameras to image the exact movement of the dimple patterns on the golf ball. It ensures pure, accurate, reliable data whether indoors or outside. “The GC2 is the only technology that will read everything from a short putt upwards,” said Doling. “As long as it travels 18 inches or so you’re going to see every detail on every shot.”
WHAT HAVE I GOT TO GAIN?
You can buy with confidence in the knowledge your new driver will hit the ball further, more often, while irons will be more accurate and consistent. “The GC2 captures a range of data that will allow your American Golf fitter to show you what is working for you and what’s not,” said Doling.
WHAT IF I MAKE A BAD SWING?
Worry not – the data can immediately be destroyed without trace! “Don’t worry about the odd bad shot,” says Doling. “But several successive ones may well indicate a club does not suit you.”
IS CUSTOM FITTING REALLY GOING TO HELP A HIGH-HANDICAPPER LIKE ME?
Absolutely. It won’t turn you into a good golfer overnight but using the right kit is an important part in improving your game.
WHAT IF I WANT TO COMPARE TWO DRIVERS I’M THINKING OF BUYING?
Can’t decide whether to go for a TaylorMade or a Ping? Hit several shots with both and see what the GC2 says. “Your American Golf fitter will show you how the numbers compare,” says Doling.
DOES IT TAKE HOURS?
Feedback is immediate and because you’ll be hitting balls into a net, indoors, it really doesn’t take long to see how a club is performing. “You can go into great depth with the GC2 but a handful of shots provides enough data for a fitter to identify trends,” said Doling.
For more golf news, discussion and videos follow @NCGmagazine on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube video channel, and sign up to our newsletter.