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January 29, 2004
Slice as Nice
Posted by Nick
I have always been skeptical that better golf equipment can do a lot to improve someone's game. Despite my skepticism, there are companies predicated on the belief that better gear is the key to a better game. One is Tour Edge Golf whose mission is to provide “high-tech affordable golf equipment.” Don't get me wrong. I love new equipment in all sports, including golf. I'm just dubious it will make much difference.
All golf hacks know that duffers who don't know how to hold and swing a golf club properly will end up with a slice. Your hands get ahead of the club head and face, opening up the club slightly -- or, in my case, substantially -- at impact and putting clockwise spin on the ball for right-handed swingers, driving the ball to the right (vice cersa for lefties).
But Tour Edge is determined to do something about that and has introduced a series of clubs designed to correct a duffer's slice. I haven't tried them yet and hope to do so soon. Until then, get a swing coach, ditch the bad habits, and learn how to swing a club properly. Better technique is the best technology there is.
Comments (2)
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Nick Schulz is the Editor of Tech Central Station and has worked in media circles and the ideas industry as a writer, editor, television producer and policy analyst. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Slate, The National Post of Canada, The Baltimore Sun, Investor's Business Daily, The Washington Times, National Review, Reason, Policy Review, and several other publications. He is also, it should be said, a rabid sports fan whose fandom is inversely proportional to his overall athletic ability.
1. BRG on January 29, 2004 06:44 PM writes...
The most effective technology for reducing slice in golf has been golf balls that have lower spin rates. Some tour pros struggle with curving the ball when they want to because the balls they use now have lower spin rates. The lower spin rates mean less sidespin which means more fairways hit.
Permalink to Comment2. Steve Sailer on January 30, 2004 03:00 AM writes...
Golf's too hard a game for 95% of the people who try it, so better technology that makes the game easier is a blessing.
The downside is that the top 5% are now hitting the ball so far that most of the world's classic golf courses are being having the strategy leached out of them by players who just pound the ball over all the fairway bunkers.
The solution is probably a Tour Ball that goes 10% less than current balls.
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