Equipment on Track

Acushnet’s Chad Cole took some time out his schedule to dial me in at the Titleist Fitting Centre at Eagle’s Nest.  The facility utilizes TrackMan,  a state of the art radar based shot tracking system.  The system literally tracks everything from swing speed, ball speed, trajectory, carry, and roll.  It even accounts for the wind and has the unique ability to toggle between current and ‘normal’ conditions.  Essentially, you can factor out the elements and variables like wind, ground conditions etc.

Chad has a wealth of knowledge and knows the Titleist line-up inside and out.  In an earlier entry, I had mentioned that my optimum Driver within the Titleist family was a D2.  Chad’s analysis via TrackMan came to a similar conclusion albeit my ‘gains’ were not as substantial.  (then again my swing speed was down 5MPH which I can contribute to the changes I am currently making with respect to the lateral movement in my swing)  Golf is but a series of ever-changing variables.

So, while I want to play the D3 due to looks and feel — the D2 is in fact the club that will provide me a little bit extra forgiveness and also increase my launch angle.  After watching the results, I can’t wait to get it on my hands and begin to get comfortable with it.

The images below give you an idea of the sort of information that the software generates.  It is very extensive and produced pages of info on just about every characteristic of every swing.

On the topic of  irons, we came to an interesting conclusion or perhaps better put a result that was inconclusive.  The characteristics for my current irons and the AP2s were essentially identical.  I did hit most of the shots with the AP2s to the left but that has much to do with the fact that they would take a little getting used to.  Now therein lies the dilemma as the blades I currently use lack the forgiveness of the new irons which over the course of a round may prove beneficial due to off-centre hits.  And as I write this I have just spent the day on the range at The Canadian Open where I did notice that many of the pros are using split sets — blades for short irons and forged cavity backs for long irons. (probably not an option for the common player who does not want to buy two sets, but an interesting observation nonetheless)

The last of the fitting centered around my wedges and gapping.  The graphic shows that my gaps are good and when it comes to the scoring clubs this is vital.  As an interesting side note, I can say that I was shocked by the distance that I hit my PW for example.  I play this club to 140 yards, yet the stats put carry at around 125.  Which begs the question as to how much our ‘eye’ , perception, adrenaline, and all of the those intangibles goes into hitting a shot ‘visually’.

May Also be of Interest:

• Technically Tweaking
• Lateral Hazard
• Too Fast, Too Soon
• Getting Started
• Exemption