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I just came across this YouTube video today:
The concept of bringing golf instruction to a whole new level through technology is pretty cool. However, I can't help but wonder if a program like this would really help players improve.
In the video, it looks like the software operates in conjunction with the Tiger Woods video games for Wii. Anyone who has ever played the series on Wii probably could attest to the fact that your golf swing with a small, white stick is very different than the one you use with a full size golf club.
Maybe such a program would help with getting down the general motion of the swing, but it would seem that more advanced players would not benefit too much from the software's analysis.
Then again, this criticism is being made based on how I assume the software will work. If I ever get the chance to try it out, I definitely will discuss my experience. At this point though, I doubt I would shell out money for this type of instruction.
Nothing beats a golf professional and a video camera in my book, at least.
here's some info from the company:
Data Design Interactive’s new “My Personal Golf Trainer” game for Wii features swing analysis and lessons by renowned instructor David Leadbetter. Incorporating the Wii Balance Board and new for 2009 Wii MotionPlusTM Controller, this game is the first to analyze the full golf swing in 3D space and give feedback to include weight transfer, swing path, angle at impact, swing speed, and more. Then, using Leadbetter’s 7 Steps to a Better Golf Swing, “My Personal Golf Trainer” offers instructional videos and drills to improve the swing. In addition to training mode, the game includes a practice range and an 18-hole game. “My Personal Golf Trainer” will be available in October at golf shops and computer game retailers for $50. To learn more about Data Design Interactive and its “My Personal Trainer” series, visit www.my-personal-trainer-game.com
Data Design Interactive’s “My Personal Trainer” series takes Wii beyond a game and transforms into a training device. Incorporating Leadbetter’s 7 Steps to a Better Golf Swing, “My Personal Golf Trainer” analyzes: grip, posture, alignment, ball position, coil, swing shape, and tempo. Offering instructional videos and drills within each of these seven basics, players can improve their swing step-by-step and then graduate from training mode to the practice range and onto a full 18-hole game. Within the 18-hole game, after each shot the golfer has the option to have feedback from Leadbetter and suggested drills for improvement.
“My Personal Golf Trainer” records the full golf swing from address to backswing, impact to follow through, in the full four dimensions. It then offers the opportunity to compare the users own swing with an ideal swing to identify areas for improvement. This can be displayed in 3D, and the user can view their swing from different angles, and animated slowed down or sped up for detailed analysis.
Taking advantage of the new MotionPlus controller just introduced in June 2009, “My Personal Golf Trainer” is the first golf game to actually record and analyze the full golf swing. To date, a few golf devices have given feedback on clubhead speed and angle of impact, but they cost thousands of dollars and do not include analysis of weight transfer, swing plane or tempo, and do not offer individualized instruction and suggestions for improvement.
Data Design Interactive is a leading international developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software products. The company has built a diverse portfolio of products that span a wide range of categories and target markets and that is used on a variety of platforms. Data Designs products cover the action/adventure, action sports, racing, role-playing, simulation, first-person action and strategy game categories. The company’s target customer base ranges from casual players to game enthusiasts, children to adults, and mass-market consumers to value buyers. The company’s new “My Personal Trainer “ series launches an exciting new genre in computer sports using the world’s greatest sports experts to teach and guide players through sports including how to position, move, swing and change technique to improve.