What Will Be the Next Big Thing in Equipment?

[snapfade]

We have the enormous amount of shaft selections, adjustable woods, GPS watches, rangefinders, portable launch monitors, apps. Most of us probably remember stepping off yardages from a sprinkler head, and playing the shaft that was on the club at the store. Who remembers seeing/ using a graphite driver shaft the first time. So what is on the horizon, what will be the next break through? Below is an article from 2009. 

Peek at future of golf club, equipment innovation

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Today’s golf equipment bears little resemblance to the clubs our fathers used, so what will your grandkids be playing years from now? Here’s a sneak peek at what manufacturers are...

 

[iacas]

I almost stopped reading at the driver heads thing, because the USGA or R&A can always say that the clubhead is not "plain in shape" and render it illegal.

[Patch]

Not discounting something different in clubs, or balls, but I think something that will get more, younger people playing the game might be more important future endeavor. 

We are already seeing different types of on course transports for ourselves, and bags. Different types of "scooters" readily comes to mind. Something more fun than a golf cart, or walking to meander our way around courses. 

Maybe even rental, remote controlled, battery powered trollies on a larger scale could be doable. Obviously, these two endeavors would have to be more "up front" cost effective than they are now. 

I think golf courses in general are going see future changes with regards to maintenance costs. Maybe fewer hazards, and more forced carries over unmaintained turf as an example.

Shortening current 18 hole courses to save golfers on course time. 2 hour rounds could be the new norm. That, or make all 18 hole courses par 3 courses by adding a par 3 tee box on every hole. Designate certain days for par 3 play. 

I don't see much happening with clubs, & balls as long as the USGA, and the R & A continue to be the rules gurus of golf. I also don't see any break through knowlege in the future of golf instruction either. 

No, the next big thing in golf is going to be something that brings more folks into the game. This, even if it involves wholesale changes in the way current game is played, and managed.  

 

 

 

[phillyk]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9R1Zb7n65h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This was filmed at a nearby course.  It's been circulating social media the last few days.  Gives people an almost TV like view of their own game.  I don't see club equipment changing much.  I see having more toys to make the game more interesting and fun.

Edited March 8, 2020 by phillyk

[snapfade]

Seems like we are almost at the crux of club tech, baring any allowances from the USGA. I think shaft tech will continue to evolve and maybe material, but rules are rules. I think we will see more affordable portable launch monitors and so forth. Look at the amount of GPS apps that are free. The electronics for the game will get cheaper I think. As far as course maintenance goes, sure there will be, if not already, a push to make them more environmentally friendly as far as pesticides and the amount water and doing things to lower maintenance costs. I wonder if artificial tee boxes would be something one day? 

[Piz]

I've been thinking about this question since yesterday.  I haven't come up with anything equipment related but I do have a hope.  I hope the game is seen less as an elitist, expensive, country club, affair and more a game that anyone can enjoy.  

[Vinsk]

27 minutes ago, Piz said:

I've been thinking about this question since yesterday.  I haven't come up with anything equipment related but I do have a hope.  I hope the game is seen less as an elitist, expensive, country club, affair and more a game that anyone can enjoy.  

Go to any Muni in East Texas and you’ll see that thought is alive and well....

[dennyjones]

At the Michigan golf show this weekend there was a company selling Segways with a golf bag attached.   I don't believe it's new but new to me.  

 

 

[Shindig]

I'm still expecting Odyssey to release a six-ball putter. 

[snapfade]

18 hours ago, Shindig said:

I'm still expecting Odyssey to release a six-ball putter. 

Pelz was halfway there some years ago.

 

[Vinsk]

Putters can be like fishing lures...actually made to catch people more than fish.

[Cantankerish]

Next thing in equipment: Tee fitting 🙂

[DeadMan]

I think the next big thing is going to be affordable launch monitors. We're already seeing steps towards that with the Mevo and the Mevo+. I don't think it will be very long before we see quality launch monitors like the Mevo+ get into the $1000 or less range. Maybe by the end of the decade, maybe sooner. 

Caveat - I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

[snapfade]

3 hours ago, Cantankerish said:

Next thing in equipment: Tee fitting 🙂

 

[dennyjones]

6 hours ago, DeadMan said:

I think the next big thing is going to be affordable launch monitors. We're already seeing steps towards that with the Mevo and the Mevo+. I don't think it will be very long before we see quality launch monitors like the Mevo+ get into the $1000 or less range. Maybe by the end of the decade, maybe sooner. 

Caveat - I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

I like your thinking.   

[boogielicious]

6 hours ago, snapfade said:

 

But is it the right tee for your swing? 😜

[mcanadiens]

7 hours ago, snapfade said:

 

A friend of mine got me those once. Straight away I lost the first two I tried to use. The others went back into the bag and stayed there. 

Probably way down in the inner recesses by now. 

 

[nevets88]

One day, maybe, I’ll never lose a ball again unless I can’t retrieve it from the lake or a ravine. 

Accurate, affordable 3D measuring. Better, cheaper, launch monitors. And works well for putting.

Maybe the Planemate might be improved upon. I mean it’s great now  maybe further improvements in materials and design might make something we can’t think of now possible. 

Some kind of package of cameras and drones and AI in tandem to improve pace of play.