What Tools Can I Use to Trace Golf Shots?

  • Thu, Mar 21, 2024

What tools can I use to trace golf shots?

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast looking to analyze your shots or create engaging content, there are several options available for tracing golf shots. Let’s explore them from most accessible to most professional.

Mobile Apps

Ace Trace

The most accessible and user-friendly option for shot tracing. Ace Trace offers professional-quality shot tracing right on your mobile device.

Key Features:

  • Automatic ball tracking
  • Works with handheld footage
  • Handles shaky videos
  • Custom 3D trajectory options
  • Distance measurements
  • Customizable trace styles
  • Available for both iOS and Android

Cost: Free to try, subscription available for unlimited exports

Other Mobile Apps

While there are other mobile apps available, they often struggle with:

  • Unreliable tracking
  • Poor quality results
  • Limited customization options
  • Complicated interfaces

Professional Broadcasting Tools

Hawkeye

Used in professional golf broadcasts and major tournaments.

  • Extremely accurate
  • Multiple camera integration
  • Real-time tracking
  • Cost: $50,000+ per installation

TrackMan

Industry standard for ball tracking and analysis.

  • Precise measurements
  • Advanced analytics
  • Professional-grade results
  • Cost: $15,000-$25,000

Camera Equipment

Camera

You don’t need expensive equipment - your smartphone camera works great:

  • iPhone camera
  • Android phone camera
  • Any modern smartphone with decent video capability

Tips:

  • Film from any angle that shows the ball’s flight
  • Both portrait and landscape orientation work fine
  • Feel free to zoom during the shot
  • Don’t worry about camera shake

Tripod (Optional)

While not necessary, some prefer using a tripod:

  • Any basic smartphone tripod ($10-$30)
  • Professional tripods ($100+)
  • Or simply ask a friend to hold the phone

What’s the Best Option?

For most golfers, Ace Trace provides the best balance of:

  • Professional quality results
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use
  • No special equipment needed
  • Works with existing phone videos

Unless you’re running a professional broadcast or teaching facility, expensive systems like Hawkeye or TrackMan are overkill for shot tracing purposes.

Getting Started

  1. Start with what you have - your phone’s camera
  2. Download Ace Trace from the App Store
  3. Film your shot:
    • Stand behind the player
    • Keep the ball in frame
    • Film from any angle
  4. Use Ace Trace to add professional-looking traces to your shots

Remember, you don’t need expensive equipment or perfect filming conditions. Modern shot tracing apps like Ace Trace are designed to work with regular phone footage, whether it’s handheld, zoomed, or even a bit shaky.