Would a launch monitor help a beginner?

[CarlJr]

I was at Golfsmith last night getting a new bag and was talking to the guy in the back working with the launch monitors. My clubs are a little dated so I'm in the market for something new anyhow. It sounded pretty interesting and I've never hit on one before. I think he said it's $20.

I'm also going to start attending a weekly clinic at a course nearby and probably take some private lessons. So I'm wondering if doing the launch monitor would even help at this point? I hate my driver and 3 wood, I slice both like crazy. Although I have a feeling the slice has nothing to do with the club.

Anyway, I was just wondering if there's some sort of consensus on getting fitted and using a launch monitor as you're getting started and changing your swing? Although it might be interesting to see some actual numbers on how my swing was in the beginning and how it changes.

[zripp3]

never seen the monitor used at golfsmith so I don't know what it can/can't tell you about your swing. I do use the equipment at the local PGA superstore and it has helped tremendously. Two cameras set up in the practice bay showing different swing angles, and computer analysis of the shot trajectory. The ability to see the swing coming over the top of the plane has helped me mentally correct my downswing and is starting to straighten out my slice. If the golfsmith monitor can do that I would say it is definitely helpful. $20/use is a personal decision, though, as to what it's worth. PGA is $200/yr unlimited 45min sessions.

[mev]

The launch monitor should tell you what angle the clubface is at through impact, which is definitely useful information regardless of skill level, IMO. If you find that you are constantly leaving the face open or closed, you can make adjustments and see right away if they are working. It will also tell you what your swing speed is, and if it varies from shot to shot. The launch angle is also pretty good information to have as well. I don't know how accurate the distance is, but you'll fell the good shots, and see if the hook/slice, etc. You can then try to use your muscle memory to remember the good ones and try and duplicate it.

I took a few lessons on a launch monitor, and I could see the results of my changes right away, especially what's happening at impact.

[TinCupTampa]

never seen the monitor used at golfsmith so I don't know what it can/can't tell you about your swing. I do use the equipment at the local PGA superstore and it has helped tremendously. Two cameras set up in the practice bay showing different swing angles, and computer analysis of the shot trajectory. The ability to see the swing coming over the top of the plane has helped me mentally correct my downswing and is starting to straighten out my slice. If the golfsmith monitor can do that I would say it is definitely helpful. $20/use is a personal decision, though, as to what it's worth.

You mean at the PGA Superstore?

[zripp3]

yep, PGA Superstore - it's called the VIP card. Don't know if it's a special promotion they're running now or if it's always the same price.

[CarlJr]

never seen the monitor used at golfsmith so I don't know what it can/can't tell you about your swing.

This is a picture from another thread, but this similar to the set-up at Golfsmith;

[CarlJr]

yep, PGA Superstore - it's called the VIP card. Don't know if it's a special promotion they're running now or if it's always the same price.

There is a PGA Superstore in the area, and somewhere here I have a flier for their prices. But it's a pretty decent drive for me, and the Golfsmith is really convenient. That's the only recent I mentioned Golfsmith.

[The Golfing Polack]

The PGA superstore near Plano is fantastic. I bought a driver while I was down there in April. I hit probably 8 drivers on the simulator before I settled on the superquad. Does golfsmith credit that $20 back to you if you buy something there? As a response to the OP, if you are planning on using the launch monitor for new club specs I would recommend getting a fairly consistent and repeatable swing before investing a ton of money.