Technology rapidly changing the game of golf

After years of frustration, two sets of golf clubs and about 100 rounds on the local golf… After years of frustration, two sets of golf clubs and about 100 rounds on the local golf course, I am finally seeing a great improvement in my game.

Watching all the snow melt and having a few nice days here and there to tease me has caused me to go to my closet, pull out my nine iron and take a few practice swings in my living room.

Oh, I’m ready.

I’m finding golf partners for summer outings. I’m mentally preparing, envisioning 300-yard drives and 25-foot putts. I’m watching Tiger Woods square off against Davis Love III in the World Golf Championship Accenture Match Play Championship.

And what do I hear, when I flip through channels on a commercial?

“Do we really want to have 8,000-yard golf courses in the future?” architect Howard Swan said, during a Fox News special report on how improved technology in golf is tainting the game.

Right then, my dreams of 300-yard drives landing softly on the green, found themselves falling well short of the ladies tee.

The total length of golf courses today, usually, go anywhere from 5,000 to 6,500 yards, so extending the course to 8,000 total yards will make the game tougher, even with the new technology.

But it is true — technology is changing the game.

Its impact is being seen on many of the world’s greatest golf courses, where changes are being made to the course to accommodate the golfers who have dramatically improved their game with technology.

Technology that has allowed for the mammoth, 300-yard drives off the tee.

It wasn’t long ago when a 200-yard drive was considered a long drive, and the new technology has made a 200-yard drive below average, but I would have to argue that it is for the better.

Since I have gotten my Hi-Tensile graphite woods — a light-weight club that allows less resistance in the swing and makes for maximum power release — I have seen my scores improve dramatically, as I shaved at least 10 strokes off my game.

And that has made the game more enjoyable.

The new technology has given those who couldn’t drive the ball straight down the fairway on four out of five swings a chance to enjoy this game.

An example of this new technology is forgiving irons that allow a golfer to miss the, “sweet spot,” on the face of the club and still hit the ball long and straight.

Another improvement that has made a huge impact is the development of high-tech golf balls — like Nike’s Power Distance Super Far set. Its 432-dimple pattern and Super Flex Core technology maximizes distance and velocity, while minimizing sidespin.

All these innovations combined allow for an amateur to go out to the links and come home a happy golfer after 18 holes.

It’s also making it easier for America’s youth to enjoy the game and in turn, giving kids something better to do with their time.

It’s giving people who, due to a certain injury or personal restriction, cannot play sports like football or basketball a chance to go out and take part in a competitive sport.

And it is giving the game of golf a new life.

Jimmy Johnson is a staff writer for The Pitt News and he encourages you to e-mail him at jimmyjamrocks@yahoo.com if you want to play a round of 18 holes with him in the ‘Burgh this summer.