Usually we see launch monitors being used for swing work, custom fitting and of course playing courses when we can’t get to the course.
Its great fun smashing balls into an Impact screen and playing great simulated courses indoors and of course outdoors on ranges and many club fitting bays but we don’t always look at the value these devices can have to your short game.
Regardless of how well we hit the ball, we will always find ourselves during any round facing long par 4’s we cant reach in 2, par 5’s that leave use a tricky 3rd shot, missed greens that require a great touch to salvage a potential disaster.
We can all work on our swings, hitting the ball better, longer and straighter but how much time is really dedicated to developing feel and controlling distances of chips and pitch shots.
Good and great scores really come down to one thing, getting the ball in the hole.
Of course this is so much easier to do especially under pressure if the ball was closer to the hole in the first place.
Being able to control distances with wedges into and around the greens can make an enormous difference to how we score on the course.
Like putting, there isn’t always the opportunity to spend good time on this area and a driving range isn’t always geared up to work on pitching as there isn’t always something to hit to that is engaging enough to keep our attention.
Owning a personal launch monitor can offer massive value here .
Having something measuring your shots, giving feedback on distances and allowing us to see direct results of experimentation in technique and feedback to help develop feel of control has never been more accessible to us.
You don’t always need a huge space or high ceilings to do this as these devices are all geared up for indoor and outdoor use.
Utilising apps we can use on tablets and phones makes it perfect to take anywhere.
Even a garden golf net set up can be perfect for honing in and dialling in those distances.
A small space with low ceilings indoors can be a perfect warm place for a short game sim space.
Don’t have any space indoors? Check out these garden packages for outdoors.
We don’t always see the value in setting up a simulator indoors if we can’t hit drivers and play great courses.
The truth is however, short game practice can be highly addictive and massively beneficial to getting the handicap down or maintaining it.
It can also be highly entertaining and engaging especially when simulation software can challenge us.
Here are a few personal launch monitors that can really help us develop more control and become deadly from 100 yards in!
SKYTRAK/SKYTRAK PLUS
The SkyTrak golf simulator is indeed known for its effectiveness in improving the short game. It provides detailed data on various aspects of your shots, such as ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, and carry distance. This feedback is crucial for refining your technique in chipping, pitching, and putting.
Key features that make SkyTrak beneficial for the short game include:
- Accurate Data: It offers precise measurements, helping you understand the impact of different swing adjustments.
- Practice Modes: Specific modes for short game practice, including closest-to-the-pin challenges and wedge matrix, allow you to focus on short distances.
- Visual Feedback: High-quality graphics and shot replays help you visualize your performance and make necessary corrections.
- Convenience: You can practice any time, regardless of weather conditions, which is ideal for consistent short game practice.
- Overall, SkyTrak's comprehensive analytics and realistic simulation environment make it a valuable tool for golfers looking to enhance their short game skills.
FLIGHTSCOPE MEVO PLUS
The Mevo Plus by FlightScope is another highly regarded golf simulator that can significantly benefit your short game practice. Here are some reasons why the Mevo Plus is great for short game improvement:
- Data Accuracy: The Mevo Plus provides accurate and detailed data on various shot parameters, including ball speed, spin rates, launch angle, and carry distance. This precision is essential for fine-tuning your short game techniques.
- Simulation Software: It is compatible with top golf simulation software, such as E6 Connect and TGC 2019, which offer realistic practice scenarios and courses to help you improve your chipping, pitching, and putting.
- Short Game Practice Modes: Mevo Plus includes specific practice modes tailored for short game training. These modes help you work on different aspects of your short game with focused drills and challenges.
- Portability: The compact and portable design of Mevo Plus makes it easy to set up and use anywhere, ensuring you can practice your short game whenever and wherever you want.
- Instant Feedback: The device provides real-time data and instant feedback, allowing you to make quick adjustments and see the results immediately, which is crucial for effective short game practice.
- Overall, the Mevo Plus is an excellent tool for golfers looking to enhance their short game, offering precise data, robust practice modes, and convenient usability.
GOLFJOY GDS
The Golfjoy GDS Plus is another option for golfers focusing on their short game. While it may not be as widely known as the SkyTrak or Mevo Plus, it still offers several features that can be beneficial for short game practice:
- Data Precision: Golfjoy GDS Plus provides accurate shot data, including ball speed, spin rates, and launch angles, which are critical for improving your short game.
- Practice Modes: The device includes specific modes and challenges designed for short game practice. These features allow you to work on your chipping, pitching, and putting with targeted drills.
- Simulation Software: It supports integration with popular golf simulation software, which can enhance your practice sessions with realistic course environments and practice scenarios.
- User-Friendly Interface: The Golfjoy GDS Plus typically comes with an intuitive interface, making it easy to set up and use, so you can focus more on practicing and less on configuring the device.
- Affordability: Often more affordable than some high-end simulators, the Golfjoy GDS Plus provides a cost-effective solution for golfers looking to improve their short game without breaking the bank.
- While it may not have all the advanced features of some more expensive models, the Golfjoy GDS Plus can still be a valuable tool for short game improvement, offering essential data and practical Practice modes.
SWING CADDIE
The Swing Caddie SC4 is a portable launch monitor that can also be quite effective for short game practice. Here are some reasons why the Swing Caddie SC4 is beneficial for enhancing your short game:
- Data Accuracy: The SC4 provides accurate measurements of key metrics like ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance. These metrics are crucial for refining your short game shots.
- Short Game Modes: The device includes specific practice modes tailored for short game drills. Features like target mode and approach mode help you focus on accuracy and control for your chipping and pitching.
- Portability: The compact and lightweight design of the SC4 makes it easy to transport and set up, whether you are practicing at home, on the range, or even indoors.
- Real-Time Feedback: The SC4 offers instant feedback on each shot, allowing you to make immediate adjustments and see the impact of your changes. This is particularly useful for fine-tuning your short game skills.
- Voice Output and Display: The device provides voice output of distances and other key metrics, along with a clear display, making it easy to track your performance without needing to constantly check a screen.
- App Integration: The SC4 integrates with a companion app that provides detailed shot analysis and tracks your progress over time. This feature helps you identify patterns and areas for improvement in your short game.
- Overall, the Swing Caddie SC4 is a versatile and user-friendly tool that can significantly aid in short game practice by providing accurate data, targeted practice modes, and immediate feedback.
RAPSODO MLM2PRO
The Rapsodo MLM2PRO is another solid option for golfers looking to improve their short game. Here’s why the Rapsodo MLM can be beneficial:
- Accurate Data: The Rapsodo MLM provides precise measurements of key metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, and distance, which are essential for improving your short game shots.
- Shot Tracking and Analysis: The MLM offers robust shot tracking capabilities, allowing you to review and analyze your performance over time. This helps you identify strengths and weaknesses in your short game.
- Instant Feedback: With real-time data and video playback, the MLM allows you to immediately see the results of each shot. This instant feedback is crucial for making adjustments and improving your technique.
- Practice Modes: While the Rapsodo MLM is not specifically designed with dedicated short game modes, its general practice modes can still be effectively used for short game drills. You can set targets for chipping, pitching, and other short game shots.
- Video Playback and Shot Tracer: One of the standout features of the Rapsodo MLM is its video playback with shot tracer technology. This feature allows you to visually see your ball flight and make necessary corrections.
- Portability and Ease of Use: The compact and portable design of the Rapsodo MLM makes it easy to set up and use anywhere, whether at home, at the range, or even indoors.
- App Integration: The MLM integrates with a mobile app that provides detailed shot statistics, historical data, and visual feedback, making it easy to track your progress and stay motivated.
- Overall, the Rapsodo MLM is a versatile and convenient tool that can significantly aid in short game practice through accurate data, real-time feedback, and video analysis.
GARMIN R10
The Garmin Approach R10 is a versatile golf launch monitor designed primarily for full swings and tracking longer shots. However, it does offer some features that can be beneficial for practicing the short game, including:
- Swing Metrics: The R10 provides detailed swing metrics such as club path, angle of attack, and face angle. These metrics are useful for refining your short game technique, as they help you understand the nuances of your swing even on shorter shots.
- Practice Modes: The device includes various practice modes that can be tailored to short game practice. You can set up specific drills and exercises that focus on chipping, pitching, and other short game scenarios.
- Virtual Rounds: By playing virtual rounds on the R10, you can simulate on-course conditions and practice your short game in a more realistic setting. This can help you improve your decision-making and shot execution under simulated pressure.
- Shot Tracking: The R10 tracks shot distances and trajectories, allowing you to analyze your short game performance over time. By reviewing your data, you can identify patterns and areas for improvement.
- While the R10 is more commonly used for full swings and longer shots, its comprehensive data collection and practice features can be adapted for short game practice. However, if your primary focus is solely on short game improvement, you might also want to consider specialized short game training aids in conjunction with the R10.