With the explosion of handheld devices such as ipods, iphones, blackberry and numerous other “smart” devices has come the addition of applications for these devices, also known as Apps. This multi-billion dollar market includes Apps that do about anything and everything, including bar code scanners, radio, banking, travel, games and many useless apps. But besides apps that record your golf swing, no one has really developed an application that actually improves your game. Until now.

PING golf has just released their iPING Putter App and cradle for the Apple iOS platform that can be used with certain model ipods and iphones. The app is a FREE download from the iTunes app store and works in conjunction with their exclusive putter cradle for the 4th generation iPod touch and iPhone 4.

To get started is very easy, purchase the cradle from an authorize  PING dealer (Cradles are in stock at The Harvest GC for $29.95) and download the iPING app. Then slide either your ipod or iphone into the cradle and snap the cradle to the shaft of the putter. The app itself is very slick, just tap start and hit five consecutive putts from 10 feet. Using all the sensors built into the device, the app produces results for stroke type, impact angle, tempo and consistency.

In a matter of a couple minutes you can determine your swing path and face angle at impact; the two major factors in determining if you make or miss a putt. The app is simple to use that even a non-techie can figure it out. You also have the ability to compare your stats to previous sessions, other users or over a dozen PGA Tour players including Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood.

One thing the iPING doesn’t do however is tell you how to correct your putting stroke flaws. Although some may be logical and easy to fix, others will require the attention of your local PGA Pro to determine the best course of action. Overall, the iPING app and cradle is an extremely useful tool to help golfers sink more putts and improve their game. The iPING cradle can be purchased at The Harvest Golf Club for $29.95.

Watch the video below for full details of how the app works:

- Brent Barr

Associate Professional

Contributed by Assistant Golf Professional Matt Greenway

But only during a complete fitting are factors such as face angle, launch angle, spin rate, ball speed, attack angle and club path scrutinized to discover the head-shaft combination that optimizes distance and consistency. Plus, an experienced fitter will likely recognize swing flaws stemming from ill-fitted equipment and consider intangibles like a player’s level of fitness and tempo.

Another of the most overlooked problems of buying off the rack is set makeup. Certified fitters at The Harvest strive to get the person into the mix of irons, hybrids and fairway woods that gives them the exact right distance gaps. Sometimes getting custom-fit can be cheaper because we won’t sell people long irons they don’t need.

Many fitters believe it’s worth measuring launch conditions once a year, like going to the doctor for a checkup. You likely won’t need new irons, but if your swing has evolved significantly, the specifications might need to be tweaked.

Q: Is it better to be fitted outside or inside?

You’ve got to get fit in real conditions. That means being outside, hitting off real grass, viewing the entire ball flight down-range. Even if there’s some wind, that’s a regular part of the game, so it’s beneficial to see how different setups result in certain trajectories for a player against that element. And though indoor spaces are set up with enough room to swing, a lot of people can’t help but feel claustrophobic with four walls and a ceiling. If this affects their comfort level, it will affect their swing, and the fitting session won’t be as productive.

If you are interested in being custom fit, a no obligation fitting can be booked with one of our certified club fitters at any time. In addition, local representatives from Taylormade, Ping and Callaway visit The Harvest almost weekly, bringing with them the latest in ball tracking technology to produce the most accurate fitting specifications.

If your mind is cluttered with swing thoughts and you’re struggling to hit the ball straight, try this drill to help you square the clubface at impact.

Put two short-iron shafts on the ground on either side of a ball parallel to your target line and about six to eight inches apart. You can tee the ball to make the drill less daunting, but make sure the shafts extend toward the target to create a channel for your club to travel through.

Now swing the club so it moves from inside the target line at the start of the alley, goes down the channel, and then moves back inside the target line at the exit.

This drill not only improves your clubpath, but in squaring the clubface it educates your hands, forearms and body to move toward the target as you swing down and through

First, do an equipment check. This includes the conditions of your clubs, bag, shoes, but most importantly the condition of your grips. Your grips is what connects you to your clubs, and playing with worn grips can significantly reduce performance and even result in injury. Grips typically should be replaced after 30-40 rounds, or every year, based on the player. If there are any visible wear spots or your grips have a shine to them, then they should be replaced. Your local Pro Shop can do this for you and installation should always be free of charge.

Of course some golfers skip re-gripping and buy new clubs all together. If you are in the market for a new driver, irons, wedge or putter, this is the time of year that the club manufacturers release their new models. Most golf clubs will have scheduled fitting days throughout the Spring and into the Summer. The Golf Shop at The Harvest has a great selection of Demo clubs to try on the range or the course, in addition to CPGA Professionals on staff for expert advice and available for no obligation club fittings.

Finally, to help shake off that last bit of rust, book a lesson with your CPGA Professional. Even if you don’t regularly take golf instruction, a “Spring Tune-up” may be just what the doctor ordered to get you started with some good habits for an enjoyable year of golf. Check out our Golf Academy page for our instructors and available programs.

All the best this 2010 season

- Chad Scott, Head Professional

cscott@harvestgolf.com