Can AI Improve Your Golf Game?
Artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of our lives, and golf is no exception. The question remains: can AI actually improve your golf game? To answer this, I conducted an experiment by feeding my launch monitor data into ChatGPT and asking it to create a smarter, data-driven golf practice plan.
Why Use AI for Golf Training?
Large Language Models like ChatGPT have been trained on vast amounts of instructional content, golf blogs, biomechanics textbooks, and training regimens. This training enables ChatGPT to do more than just provide answers; it can analyze input data, identify patterns, and offer structured guidance. When paired with accurate data from a launch monitor like the Foresight Falcon, you essentially have a virtual swing coach at your disposal.
This AI-powered approach is particularly useful for competitive or single-digit handicap players seeking measurable improvements. Instead of guessing what’s wrong with your swing or searching YouTube for potentially irrelevant drills, AI can provide a custom plan based on your actual performance data.
The Experiment: Creating a Personalized Practice Plan
I prompted ChatGPT to act like a coach by providing specific instructions based on my goals:
- Analyze my strengths and weaknesses
- Recommend specific drills and adjustments by club
- Create a 90-day practice plan including launch monitor sessions, short game, and course play
- Set performance benchmarks for distance, spin, dispersion, and scoring
What ChatGPT Delivered
In seconds, ChatGPT provided a customized practice plan that mirrored the kind of detailed coaching session you’d get from a high-level instructor. The output included:
- Club-by-club performance breakdown based on my launch data
- Drills to fix inconsistencies (like face contact or launch angle)
- Weekly practice structure with progress tracking
- Monthly focus blocks (e.g., Weeks 1–4: strike quality, Weeks 5–8: distance control, Weeks 9–12: scoring under pressure)
- Specific benchmarks for improvement
My Launch Monitor Data
Using the Foresight Falcon, I hit five shots each with my Pitching Wedge, 7-Iron, 4-Hybrid, and Driver. The averages showed:
- Pitching Wedge: ~99.3 mph ball speed, ~131 yards carry, ~8700 rpm backspin
- 7-Iron: ~113.6 mph ball speed, ~164 yards carry, ~5300 rpm backspin
- 4-Hybrid: ~137.7 mph ball speed, ~215 yards carry, ~4000 rpm backspin
- Driver: ~156.4 mph ball speed, ~263 yards carry, ~2100 rpm backspin
Key Takeaways
AI serves as an assistant coach, providing structure, clarity, and repetition you can trust It turns data into actionable decisions, making practice more efficient and focused Combining ChatGPT with a high-accuracy launch monitor gives you measurable and actionable insights
Final Thoughts
While ChatGPT won’t replace your swing coach or provide real-time feedback, it will help you plan better, practice smarter, and stay accountable. For data-driven golfers looking to improve with purpose, integrating AI into your training regimen is a game-changer.
