Modern eqipment's affect on your game (not clubs or balls)...

Do you think any of the modern 'equipment' outside of clubs and balls have a positive effect on your game? I am using a pretty loose definition of equipment to include bag, pull/push cart, shoes, attire, etc.

I was just thinking the last time I played that I truly think some of this modern eqipment has helped make the game easier in one way or another. Here's what I personally think about each of the above mentioned pieces of equipment:

Bag - bags today are much lighter than they used to be. Couple that with the dual straps and walking a course is much easier than it was even 10-15 years ago. Additonally with bag, I think the overall designs of them can make things better simply because they are also easier to access pockets, can store more stuff, and dividers keep clubs seperated at least somewhat, which can help the bag be quieter and even easier to find your club (helping reduce frustrations). And that's not even to mention the way they stand much better so the bag doesn't fall over (and possibly damage clubs).

Pull/Push Cart - First, they are lighter and better designed for the purpose. They glide much easier over the course, sit much better on hillsides and uneven spots, carry the bag in a more secure manner, fold up smaller for better transport (increasing chance players will have it with them), have umbrella holders, drink holders and even divot mix holders. I think all of these benefits encourage more people to use them as well as make it easier to do so. A cart can make walking the course easier on the body and more enjoyable because you are now able to carry everything you need and/or want. Not to mention even the most expensive carts (non-powered) can be paid for by using it instead of riding cart in 10-20 rounds.

Shoes - Golf shoes are so much more comfortable than they were 15 years ago or more. I have a couple pair now that are more comfortable than most other shoes I own. Plus they are better at being waterproof and are now designed by many companies for the purpose of golf - not just shoes that have had spikes stuck on the bottom of them. Comfort can have a big impact on a players game, especially if you're walking. In the old days my feet would start to get sore and uncomfortable later in the round and I would have trouble concentrating on shot and game. While I don't think I've ever noticed how the design of a shoe has helped my swing and game specifically, Most that make golf shoes are now coming up with designs that they claim will improve your game in some way.

Attire - This is similar to the shoes in the sense that it's all about comfort. There have been so many changes and improvements in attire over the years that it's amazing. The majority of these improvements come into play during especially hot, cold, rainy and/or windy weather. New materials in shirts, pants, shorts and even socks and underwear make you feel more comfortable in hot weather or cold weather because of the way they handle moisture. I used to hate wearing a cotton shirt on hot day just because it started to feel like it weighed 10 pounds and was 'sticky' on the body. During cold weather the modern materials really help keep the body much warmer than they used to, while still being very lightweight and a non-hindrence to the movement of the golf swing. And rain outerwear is a huge iimprovement. It used to be that I couldn't play in rain because of the rain wear, now I don't mind rain at all because it's much lighter, breathable, quiet and you can tell it's actually designed to be worn while golfing in rain not just when it's raining. The modern attire keeps me comfortable in almost any weather conditions and allows me to enjoy playing more.

I personally truly believe these pieces of 'equipment' have helped improve my game and make it more fun. What do others think? Are there other pieces of golf equipment that have improved/evolved to the point they are now an important part of your golf equipment?

I'd have to totaly agree with modern clothing being a help. Three or so years ago I had a 50 degree rule for playing in the winter. It wasn't that I couldn't stand colder weather. The problem was that I had to put on the layers so thick that it restricted my swing. Now I can go much lower, possibly 40 degrees and maybe less on a sunny calm-winded day. Polypropaline, poly blends and like have made it much easier to stay warm while wicking away any moisture that might have built up. I credit the hunting and outdoors community for much of this.

The synthetics and poly blends are just as good in the summer. I can handle 90 degrees weather, if I stay hydrated, much better than before. Most cotton golf shirts were way too thick, and once they became saturated with sweat...forget about it. For the most part, whenever possible, I've eliminated cotton from my golfing wardrobe. Cotton is made to absorb sweat. Think about what your bath towels are made of. Those cotton towels absorb water. Cotton socks are the worst in the summer for absorbing foot and leg sweat and leading to blisters and a general funk.

3 wheel push cart. SO much much easier then the old 2 wheel "pull" cart. MUCH better for my back.

GPS and lasers are awesome, Im a pretty good judge of distance but this takes all of the guess work out.

Yea, +1 on the GPS. I just have a handheld Garmin for hiking and such, marked the center of the greens on my course and it's awesome!

I wish there was a database of waypoints for courses.........

I say they have made the game easier expecially gps and rangefinders. Pull and Gas carts have made it so I can play with my dad he hates to walk a course hes a big dude

I wasn't even referring to new technology like range finders and GPS system, although I do agree they have helped my game. I was talking more about improvements and evolution in golf equipment that we have basically always used. A lot of younger players will not realize the extent of this evolution, but most older players will (or at least those that have been playing for 15+ years).

Grips is another thing that it occurred to have have evolved quite a bit. They now come in so many different types, from soft to very firm, and seem much easier to grip than they used to.

i love technology... comfort in clothing and overall is a big plus in the enjoyment of the game... it also helps with concentration/distraction... one less obstacle to think about or consider