My buddy Seth used to say his swing looked a lot like Fred Couples — silky smooth. In reality, I thought he was less Couples and more John Daly — fast, sure, but about as smooth as a bull in a china shop. The fact is, few golfers have any idea what their own swing looks like. You may try to take it back like Tiger, or bring it through impact like Ernie Els, but how close do you actually come to mirroring those skills? Now, using GolfTEC’s high-tech video and computer evaluation system, you can finally find out. Started in Denver in 1995, the company has grown into the nation’s leading provider of digital video swing analysis, with over 120 locations nationwide, including one in South Lake Union. A second Puget Sound location will open this summer in Bellevue, and up to six more could be welcoming golfers within the next few years. The idea is straight out of Hollywood — golfers are strapped into a shoulder harness and waist belt that uses bio-feedback motion sensors to send specific data about your swing into a computer. In addition, two digital video cameras record your every move. The combination of the video and bio feedback data allow your GolfTEC coach — almost all certified PGA and LPGA instructors — to break down your exact position at each point in your swing. Red, yellow and green bars on the computer indicate areas where your swing is most on- and most off-plane, while small audio tones are used to positively and negatively reinforce behavior. How does GolfTEC determine what a “good“ swing is, you ask? Their data is compiled from an analysis of over 150 Tour pros, whose swings — while all different — share many fundamental qualities that form the basis of a consistent and successful swing. They’ll even show you a split screen of your swing against a Tour pro whose swing shares similar qualities to yours, to serve as a benchmark for comparison and analysis. Needless to say, this is a far cry from the days when your dad watched you swing in the backyard and told you to “keep your head down.“ A golfer’s first visit includes a 90-minute swing analysis, typically followed by three-to-five 30-minute lessons. All lessons, and the swing analysis, are made available online for the golfer to review anytime, and as many times, as they like. And when we told them why we were there, they offered us a deal for our readers … let them know you heard about them in Cascade Golfer and they’ll give you a free practice membership — allowing you to come in as often as you like to practice on their equipment — with the purchase of three or more lessons. Oh, and my buddy Seth? Turns out he’s an Ernie Els. Who knew? For more information, visit www.golftec.com.