By Gregg Rogers

We have grown to expect PGA Tour Players to effortlessly and routinely hit the ball over 300 yards. But why are we witnessing these feats on such a regular basis? I believe the answer is in technological advancements — not only in the equipment being played, but also in the fitting tools used to select which equipment to use. In today’s game, last year’s club models are already in the discount sale bins, while the new models offer adjustable loft, lie and face angles to affect draws or fades; plus interchangeable shafts and moveable weights, promising high launch and low spin. These advancements in club design, when combined with advanced performance analysis, have significantly changed the game. A recent conversation with the representative for TrackMan Launch Monitors was enlightening. He mentioned how TrackMan showed PGA Tour star Justin Rose how teeing the ball higher would give him an extra 20 yards of distance when hitting into the wind. The conversation also revealed that Tour players frequently use TrackMan to fine-tune their clubs and strategy to specific yardages requisite for the specific course they play. As materials research and the advance in technology has improved the golf clubs, so has computer technology, high-speed photography, ultrasound and Doppler radar tracking improved club designers and club fitters’ ability to digest information on club performance. These analytical tools go far past the basics of club fitting by analyzing and measuring smash factor, ball speed, clubhead speed, horizontal and vertical launch, spin rates, carry distance, landing angle and much, much more. Advanced fitting technologies, such as TrackMan Launch Monitors and Motion Analysis by TaylorMade (MATT), simplify the fitting process and recommend club configurations to achieve optimal launch conditions. These systems allow fitters to recommend which equipment will maximize your performance, right down to which ball to use. How does this affect most golfers? These technologies are readily available at a reasonable cost. If you think about it, “off-the-rack” golf clubs are one-size-fits-most and designed for the “average” golfer. If you are using equipment that is set up for the “average” golfer, you may be compensating in an effort to make the equipment perform. Remember, the idea is to have your equipment complement your swing. Find your local game improvement facility equipped with the latest in performance technologies and have your PGA Pro match the perfect club components to your swing dynamics and improve your golf performance. Gregg Rogers is the founder of Gregg Rogers Performance Centers, a high-tech golf improvement facility committed to helping golfers of all skill levels maximize their potential. Gregg has been recognized as the 2008 WWCPGA Teacher of the Year and has twice been named Club Fitter of the Year, by both Mizuno and TaylorMade. For more information or to arrange a consultation, visit grgolfperformance.com or call 425-746-1655.