Cameras And Robots
“We have high-speed, hi-def cameras, which adds to the richness of the image,” Small says. “We have a balance plate and a 3D motion capture system [which looks like a superhero’s vest], with 12 sensors. The benefit is we can identify how each joint works to support the next joint, and you can do the right things in your golf swings, compared to a database of 100 pros that TPI [Tour Performance Institute] has given us. Then we match it with the Beach Club [next to Pebble Beach’s 4th hole], where we have a fitness center.
“We have a TPI Level 3 medical field; we can do a quick assessment, capture the data and send it there, where the do a much more in-depth assessment and create an exercise protocol to help players build flexibility, mobility, whatever their needs are. It takes a couple hours but you get a rich database of where you are in your golf swing — and get it moving to where you want it to be, using technology and physical fitness. People want to enjoy the game for a lifetime, and we help them do that.”
There’s also an About Golf simulator that produces “Lots of data points that measure changes in your swing. It’s hi-speed, hi-def as well.”
So, now that the fitting and fitness stuff is covered, what next? Putting it all together with the incredible robotic trainer, one of only nine worldwide. It’s a impressive piece of machinery that can be adjusted in nearly infinite ways to accommodate every body type and natural swing shape. We watched from the hallway as a female went through the motions.
“People learn by pictures, feel, seeing somebody do something, you moving them around — the human body learns by doing the action,” Small said, clearly enthused. “The learning happens while you’re present to the action. You make a swing and go, ‘I felt that!’ The robot is important to help people learn. It helps create a pattern for the swing; the body is learning while the swing is happening, and all these rich distinctions show up. You really feel it and really get it.”
Small continued as the woman let the robot lead the way. “It keeps plane, wrist lag, weight shift, release, body posture where they should be — it helps us rethink the conversation. It happens all the time — ‘does the body move the club or the club move the body?’ You want the robot to move the club on the right plane, and suddenly the body is doing all the right things. Even for advanced players, this is fabulous because they all get something different out of it. But what about the beginner? They get to learn the perfect swing right away.”
