Not too long ago we sent out an email asking you to identify some of your favorite gadgets. We got some absolutely amazing feedback, and quite frankly, you guys mentioned some things (ok…lots of things) we never would have thought of…and you mentioned the same things again, and again, and again.
This list, compiled based on feedback from our readers, isn’t a list of what’s hot. It’s a list of 10 really cool things you guys say actually work.
Golfshot Classic App
GPS and Scoring Apps were popular choices among our readers, but none more so than Golfshot Classic. The interface is clean and intuitive, stat tracking is reasonably robust, as is the feature set as a whole. Some will point out that the social media and interactivity pieces aren’t as advanced as some of its competitors, while others will ask why your golf gps and scorecard needs to be social at all.
BallZee Ball Cleaner
Because not every course has ball washers, and when they do they, sometimes they’re bone dry, or worse, filled with what smells like raw sewage…. several of you told us that the BallZee is one of your favorite accessories. Who the hell are we to argue? Besides, who doesn’t appreciate squeaky clean balls?
4 Yards More Golf Tees
When we did our golf tee test, 4 Yards More came out on top. That’s cool, but what’s equally as impressive is that you guys think 4 Yards More is a must have. Our readers cited durability, consistent tee height and a variety of sizes, as the reasons why they love this particular tee.
Frogger Brush
Frogger Brush, Frogger Towel, take your pick as both received multiple mentions from those who replied to our email. While the towel is great, we gave the edge to the brush because of the lower price point, its replaceable brushes, and the built-in groove cleaner. Toss in the retractable cord (and Frogger did), and you’ve got a no-brainer accessory for your bag.
Eyeline Practice T Alignment Rod System
Sure, feel free to pick up some run of the mill driveway stakes from Home Depot, we’re not going to fault you for that (not even a little). For our list we chose the Practice T Alignment Rod System from Eyeline golf. We like the added durability, the anchoring system (works with most golf tees), and the crosspiece which keeps the two rods anchored together in an adjustable T-shape . The crosspiece (also available separately) works with Tour Sticks, and those Home Depot grade reflector rods as well.
Sun Mountain Dry Hood
The rain hood that comes with your golf bag sucks (they all do, I’ve never seen one that doesn’t). The Sun Mountain Dry Hood is the first. It works with any golf bag, keeps your clubs dry and more importantly easily accessible. It also easily collapses and fits nicely where your old garbage rain cover used to take up space.
iPing Putting App and Cradle
PING awesome little free app works like a launch monitor for your putter. It analyzes key aspects of your putting stroke and shows you how consistent (or not so consistent) your putting stroke really is, and will recommend a putter based type of putting stroke you have (straight back-straight through, slight arc, strong arc). While the app is free, the cradle that allows you to easily attach your phone to you putter shaft will set you back about $30.
Tour Striker Smart Ball
You guys hammered us with recommendations for several of Martin Chuck’s training products. Sure, we love the Tour Striker Educator, but this list gives us the opportunity to introduce you to the new Smart Ball. The Smart Ball helps keep you connected while eliminating that nasty chicken wing action. It weighs next to nothing, and because it’s inflatable, the Smart Ball takes up nearly zero space in your bag.
No 3 Putt
Does HackGolf have it wrong? Is the answer to making more putts to actually shrink the size of the cup? No 3-Putt fits into a standard golf hole and reduces the size of the hole by 68%. If that’s too daunting, use only the outer ring for a 42% reduction. When you practice with a smaller cup, the real cup will suddenly look a whole lot bigger.
Tour Tempo
The final app on our list, Tour Tempo is the only thing we can offer that’s had its science validated by a Yale University study (for whatever that’s worth). As the name suggest, Tour Tempo (available for iPhone and Android) helps you integrate the same tempo used by Tour Players into your game. Over 100K golfers, including Major Championship winners have used Tour Tempo to improve their games. Why not see if it can improve yours?
2 For the Road
While we didn’t feel right including them in the Top 10, several of you mentioned the sharpie (we like the mini), and the classic ball retriever. So here goes…
Sharpie Mini
The Sharpie is almost a gimme. Doesn’t everyone mark their balls with a Sharpie? The Sharpie Mini is available in a wide variety of colors which gives you the freedom to make your mark just about any way you see fit. Toss it in your back, or clip it to the outside with a carabiner. Either way, the simple sharpie is the closest thing to an absolutely must have on this list.
iGotcha Ultimate Ball Retriever
While some will be philosophically opposed to the inclusion of a ball retriever (we’re right there with you…almost) several of you argued their merits on the basis of cost savings. Likely the only gadget on this list that will actually pay for itself, the 18′ iGotcha Ultimate extends long enough to reach into (and probably across) most of the hazards you’ll likely need to fish your precious balls out of. We can’t guarantee you won’t pull out a disproportionate amount of TopFlite’s, but it won’t take many ProV1s before you’ve more than broken even.
Coming Soon – Best Gadgets Over $50
Check back soon for our list of the best golf gadgets between $50 and $100.
Josh
6 years ago
Some good stuff here. Definitely need one of those dry hoods to cover up my babies for next summer.