Golf goes digital: How expertise is altering the sport in India

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES While the United States is main the technological revolution in golf, India is slowly — however steadily, catching up. 
Evolution in sports activities has been ever-present; extra so by way of golf. The modifications in taking part in equiment, starting from golf equipment, balls and even the feel of sneakers proceed to deliver dynamic edge to a quite conventional sport. However, because the flip of the century, golf has additionally seen an increase in technological developments, which have introduced a revolution of kinds to the game’s infrastructure. 
While the United States is main the technological revolution in golf, India is slowly — however steadily, catching up. 

Saaniya Sharma, a pro-golfer who has additionally turned to teaching in latest instances, explains the technological scene in India within the sport.
“It’s all about the numbers. If not good, there is a decent amount of technology in India. People’s awareness has changed. Individually, people are now buying equipment which help them improve their game. But otherwise, there is a massive scope for improvement when it comes to technology. Golf is an elite sport, top-end technology is very expensive. We can go a long way when it comes to using such advanced technologies. In the US, it’s huge. Here, there are a handful of courses that have good technology and backup to help golfers. But there is a big difference,” Sharma says.
She additional reveals that she went to the United States to coach within the preliminary phases of her taking part in profession and that the distinction in technological accessibility is a “total game-changer.” However, Sharma additionally stays constructive of the continued developments within the {golfing} infrastructure in India.
“We can invest in whatever we can (as coaches). There is a massive usage of technology outside, I myself trained under a coach in the US. The things that they use versus the things we have access to are totally different, it’s a total game-changer. We have some good academies in the country, these courses have access to such equipment,” she stated.
“Golf has not been accessible to people due to the dearth of golf courses (in India). Now what’s happening is that people are starting their own ranges with simulators, which is exciting. Even when you can’t see the ball flying in the air, you can see your numbers, and how far your ball would fly and roll. In a small room, you have a similar experience.”
Talk about #synchronicity and #serendipity !! #grateful for these Signs from the universe 😇🙏. In so many cultures and religions throughout the globe , the #rainbow 🌈 represents #hope 💖 #instavideo. A fantastic and productive night @skylinegolf_drivingrange with @srixon_india pic.twitter.com/dnyPgwhs8b— Saaniya Sharma (@saaniyasharma) August 20, 2020

She additional talks concerning the growing use of high-end expertise amongst India’s girls pro-golfers. “Last week, we had been taking part in a event and had been warming-up at this place referred to as a ‘internet’ the place you go and hit balls. But there have been one or two women who had entry to Trackman (golf simulator). So they may have a look at their numbers and see how they felt about them. The suggestions is implausible with regards to coaching with such gadgets.
“I also saw one girl taking coaching lessons online, and that’s where technology helps. The numbers on the Trackman could show what the ball was doing, so he could advise her on how she could swing so the ball could get straighter. It can also provide numbers on how the ball behaves in the air. So that is where technology is really helpful.”

Like Sharma, one other pro-golfer Priya Puri, who’s actively concerned within the teaching scene in India, additionally believes that the it’s the “need of the hour” for speedy technological mixing with the game.
“I took some time to go off to the US to learn more about the sport, and it was a different experience altogether. I believe that in all walks of life, we constantly need to keep at it, keep ahead of the times to be able to perform. I think that is the need of the hour right now for sports in India altogether, and golf in particular. Technology helps us in so many ways. It makes golf more accessible. Once we have more and more people playing the sport, it will help get more popularity and more sponsorships. It will make people more aware of the sport, so it is all inter-linked,” Puri stated.
But is expertise the ‘be-all and end-all’? No, says Saaniya.
“As much as I think technology will help, training with golfers — the human aspect to your game, is certainly more important. (With technological feedback) you can cut down one or two shots which is fantastic, but when it comes to response, human interaction is completely different,” stated Sharma.
Earlier this month, Thriwe, a shopper advantages market, received the primary authorities contract to digitize the famend Qutab Golf Course in Delhi. A well-liked place amongst golfers throughout all ranges, the Qutab Golf Course is the primary public golf course within the nation.
Puri spoke in size concerning the growth, emphasizing on the general enhancements it’ll deliver to the taking part in expertise.
“Anything that provides us with technology and solutions provides us with real-time information and data points and that is something which is very helpful. The whole revolution in sport in the last 10 years is that technology has helped us grow. It makes the human body and mind ready, and it helps us understand the game better,” Puri says.
“India is behind as far as the global share is concerned, so such technological advancements will be beneficial. We do really use technology much to our advantage. Considering that golf is an Olympic sport, we don’t have any dearth of talent. It would be a little unfair to ask our athletes to perform at the aspired level when we don’t provide that kind of technological support to begin with. So, it (any technological advancement) will be very confident in helping us get one step closer to achieving the goals for our country.”
Thriwe will present a devoted cellular app for the Qutab Golf course which may have the power to handle bookings, seize scorecard, Tee-time Inventory Management (TIM) and so forth. “During these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, it is essential to ensure the health and safety of Golf patrons. The drive to digitize the Qutab Golf course will further establish the safety and security of the patrons through initiatives like real time booking and pre-booking the available tee time slots,” stated Dhruv Verma, the founder and CEO of Thriwe. 
Sharma additionally welcomed the event, saying that it’ll improve productiveness for gamers.
“Digitization has made it a lot more convenient. There are times when you go to the golf course wondering if you will get a round or not. So, with digitization, we know the time at which we can fix slots, so we warm-up and practice accordingly. It’s good value for time and increases productivity,” Sharma stated.
“It’s predominantly taking care of the infrastructural activities when we come in. Once we get in, we know what all facilities we have and what all we can avail. I think the way it helps the game is that it can help productivity in terms of time management. It’s easier that way.”