Other than weather and ground conditions, the distance travelled by a golf ball is determined by three key parameters, namely initial ball velocity as it leaves the clubface, the launch angle in relation to the ground and the initial ball spin rate. These are collectively known as a player’s launch conditions.

A launch monitor is a tool capable of measuring these three parameters. The cheaper camera or laser-based launch monitors then use this information to predict the ball flight on a computer screen. This has limitations. At the St Andrews Links Golf Academy the AGT staff use a top-of-the-range ball flight monitor called Trackman which, instead of trying to predict the ball flight, actually tracks the path of the ball in the air, giving exact yardages and shot shape. It does this by using sophisticated Doppler radar technology, similar to the systems used by the military for tracking ballistic missiles. At last we have a tool which takes the
guesswork out of test hitting. We can now measure
distances to an accuracy of 1-2 yards.

The tour pros have been making full use of this new technology in recent years to select and customise their drivers. However this technology is not just a fitting tool for the elite player. Slower swinging amateurs can also benefit from a launch monitor session. A common problem for many of these players is that they are unable to achieve a high enough launch angle or spin rate from standard lofted drivers, and as such are losing precious distance off the tee.