Equipment
Bryson DeChambeau, Microsoft develop pressure-sensing grip
Bryson DeChambeau, in a very Bryson DeChambeau move, joined forces with Microsoft and Seattle-startup Sensoria to work on a prototype “smart grip.” The grip is designed to analyze pressure applied throughout the swing.
The grip’s eight embedded sensors return real-time pressure data. It’s funneled through the cloud via Microsoft Azure, which ”graphically renders pressure of the hands in relation to the golf grip,” Microsoft noted in a blog post.
“The data collected from Bryson over time will be analyzed during future phases of the project in a machine-learning environment to build new intelligent golf-data streams, helping him determine the right grip and club usage, swing speed, rhythm, plane, and other performance and swing-mechanics variables,” Microsoft added in the post.
Credit: Microsoft Technical Case Studies
And it seems Bryson DeChambeau wasn’t just some sort of guinea pig for Microsoft. Rather, Mike Downey, Principal Evangelist for Microsoft Sports Partnerships, discussed Bryson’s golf-related needs with the SMU alum. DeChambeau indicated that maintaining consistent grip pressure was important, and that there were no devices to measure the consistency of his pressure.
The smart grip Microsoft and Sensoria developed detects grip position and pressure levels throughout the swing, relaying data Microsoft Azure’s systems. That data was then rendered on a Microsoft Surface using XAMIL and Microsoft Visual Studio.
For the less technical among us, here’s what the rendering looked like.
Credit: Microsoft Technical Case Studies
Credit: Microsoft Technical Case Studies
And yes, the Smart Grips were built into DeChambeau’s existing JumboMax grips using a one inch square of embeddable microelectronics known as Sensoria Core.
Microsoft and the PGA Tour partnered in 2015 for a three-year deal, which saw Microsoft become the official operating system of the PGA Tour and its Surface tablets worked into the ShotLink shot tracking process.
Sensoria was founded in 2011 by former Microsoft employees. The Seattle-based company develops smart garments and IoE (Internet of Everything) wearable solutions.
- LIKE107
- LEGIT13
- WOW9
- LOL9
- IDHT4
- FLOP6
- OB4
- SHANK54
- Brandt Snedeker WITB accurate as of the Fortinet Championship
Driver: TaylorMade SIM2 Max (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Blue Tour Spec 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM2 Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Blue Tour Spec 7 X
5-wood: TaylorMade M3 (19 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Irons: Miura CB-301 (4-9)
Shafts: AeroTech SteelFiber I95 S
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (48-10S, 52-10S, 56-10S), 2021 Vokey Proto (60-3K)
Shafts: (48) AeroTech SteelFiber I95 S (52/56/60) True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG Rossie
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
See more photos of Brandt Snedeker’s what’s in the bag in the forums.
- LIKE6
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
TaylorMade has unveiled its latest themed golf ball release, with the brand’s TP5x Pix, TP5 Pix and TP5 all getting a makeover.
The TP5x Pix USA ball features all the usual benefits from the brand’s TP5x Pix, with a stars and stripes graphics to form TaylorMade’s signature ClearPath Alignment to aid golfers on the green.
The company’s TP5 Pix and TP5 balls have been given the bacon and egg treatment, with both balls featuring the classic combo of bacon and eggs framing a single TaylorMade logo to create a distinct line from the ball to the hole.
The balls are priced at $49.99 per dozen and are available to purchase at TaylorMade.com.
- LIKE5
- LEGIT1
- WOW0
- LOL1
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB1
- SHANK4
In our forums, our members have been discussing putter colors. WRXer ‘BankBank’ has come to the conclusion that he putts far better with a black putter than any other color and is interested in hearing the color preference of fellow members.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- sevenfourate: “I love the long-term ease of maintenance of a plain Stainless finish. But like do also love the contrast a black putter head gives. But having a marked/chipped up black finish would drive me nuts. I was at the BMW PGA at Wentworth last week. And saw a surprising number of players using the Red Odyssey putters. Which surprised me as they look quite ‘busy’ at address IMO……”
- caniac6: “I am using a stainless Cameron, and I like it, but it’s just a bit too shiny. I really prefer a stainless with a finish like the old stainless Pings.”
- GHIN and Juice: “I love an oil can finish, but I also hate getting rust marks on the head, so I’ll putt with an oil can finish until I can’t stand the rust anymore, and then I’ll change it to a pro platinum/ stainless look.”
- Fairway14: “My preference is a carbon steel head with a shiny black oxide finish.”
- iknowbagu: “Color never really mattered to me until I got my current putter. White with a black sightline that works in perfect symmetry with my white ball with a black line just has me really confident with my alignment when I’m over the ball.”
Entire Thread: “What’s the optimal putter color?”
- LIKE4
- LEGIT2
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK0
Patrick Reed’s Twitter suggests that he’s fuming with Stricker’s Ryder Cup snub
Taking the backyard putting green plunge
4-wood vs 7-wood vs hybrid – GolfWRXers discuss
‘My first-hand experience with Bryson DeChambeau’
The Wedge Guy: More on learning – the grip
Justin Rose’s caddie calls into question U.S. player’s graciousness at Solheim Cup
Jessica Korda calls out social media ‘hate’ as rise in online abuse continues
Clement: This wrist position can add 30 yards to your drive
Steve Stricker shares positive news from Tiger Woods’ rehab
All Pro Tour player disqualified for peculiar rules infraction
Brandt Snedeker WITB 2021 (September)
Brandt Snedeker WITB accurate as of the Fortinet Championship Driver: TaylorMade SIM2 Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Blue Tour...
WITB GolfWRX Members Edition: KiwiNick
Recently we put out the call for our members to submit their WITBs in our forum to be featured on...
Kiradech Aphibarnrat WITB 2021 (September)
Kiradech Aphibarnrat what’s in the bag accurate as of the 2021 BMW PGA Championship Driver: Callaway Epic Max LS (9 degrees)...
Ian Poulter WITB 2021 (September)
Ian Poulter what’s in the bag accurate as of the BMW PGA Championship Driver: Titleist TSi3 (10 degrees @9.25, D2 SureFit...
-
19th Hole7 days agoPatrick Reed’s Twitter suggests that he’s fuming with Stricker’s Ryder Cup snub
-
Equipment6 days agoTaking the backyard putting green plunge
-
Equipment1 week ago4-wood vs 7-wood vs hybrid – GolfWRXers discuss
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago‘My first-hand experience with Bryson DeChambeau’
-
Instruction1 week agoThe Wedge Guy: More on learning – the grip
-
19th Hole1 week agoJustin Rose’s caddie calls into question U.S. player’s graciousness at Solheim Cup
-
19th Hole1 week agoJessica Korda calls out social media ‘hate’ as rise in online abuse continues
-
Instruction4 days agoClement: This wrist position can add 30 yards to your drive
Pingback: Golf Grip Pressure Guide - Get The Proper Grip Pressure Today - (MUST READ Before You Buy)
Jim
Dec 3, 2016 at 12:38 am
I would rather have immediate feedback. If I’m griping too tight the grip should say “ouch or you are squeezing me too tight”. Seriously if I could feel a click when squeezing too tight that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Many times I catch myself holding on way too tight. Out.
Grizz01
Nov 28, 2016 at 3:18 pm
This is really getting stupid.
Harry
Nov 28, 2016 at 1:35 pm
The tech is cool, but Bryson should let someone else figure out what small changes affect before it hurts his game.
Mr. Wedge
Nov 28, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Technology can be an invaluable tool. But sometimes it just goes overboard. This is one of those times.
Jeff
Nov 28, 2016 at 12:11 pm
I think it would be great to have the ability to understand your grip pressure on your good shots and on your poor shots. No different than video. As visual creatures, we give lots of credence to things we can see, and we discount the things we can not see. This is why high speed video is so helpful to understanding how great players hit the ball. Having insight into non-visible aspects of the swing, like grip pressure and weight distribution is necessary to truly understand the golf swing.
This could be very helpful in the short game, where feel is easier for average players to describe.
Also, the data is transferred via XAML – not XAIML – https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc295302.aspx
HarlyD
Nov 26, 2016 at 11:04 pm
Get a load of dat bat handle on his driver! Looks like a Louisville Slugger. What, 18 wraps of tape, or what?! Sheesh. Ain’t no feel in that thing!
Craig
Nov 28, 2016 at 1:24 am
Jumbomax XL grips
Guia
Nov 26, 2016 at 6:43 pm
This young man is trying his best to become a Robot.
Petewc
Nov 26, 2016 at 1:08 pm
He better start winning with these ideas or no one will care. Need results
M Smizzle
Nov 26, 2016 at 2:18 pm
It’s not about winning….
It’s about selling
Mike
Nov 26, 2016 at 12:41 pm
That’s pretty cool. They could put accelerometers in there as well to get tempo data. Very cool tech in my opinion
Mark
Nov 26, 2016 at 6:10 am
Dear Lord this man is danger of complete IT overload. Golf is a game of variables not computer readouts. Feel, natural ability and imagination are major elements. How did Snead, Hogan, Arnie, Jack etc ever get the ball in the air without all this tech? Talent perhaps?
Desmond
Nov 26, 2016 at 11:19 am
We are in an age of data – some always thirst for more. It may not directly help us, but some frontiersmen will use this to gather data that denies or confirm the validity of constant grip pressure, and we will learn. I’d just rather learn a swing. This data “stuff” is interesting, but I’d rather read the results of the study and apply rather than be the tester.
Boobsy McKiss
Nov 26, 2016 at 1:24 am
Unfortunately it is the future. We’re going to have sensors in our socks, shoes, underwear, shirt, hat, sunglasses, grips, shafts and clubheads. Even in our home everything is going to be connected to apps and databases, such as our refrigerator, light systems, toasters, oven, every water faucet in our house, walls (yes, walls), etc. Every moment in our lives is going to be recorded somehow, and that information is either going to be stored on Azure (Microsoft), AWS (Amazon), GCP (Google), or IBM Cloud. Sad but true. I have to agree with the Alfredo. We are on the edge of a major information overload in not just golf, but everything in our lives. Do we really need to pressure sensitive grips to enjoy the game?
Alfredo Smith
Nov 25, 2016 at 10:52 pm
Information overload. Simple is more. See target, aim at target, hit ball to target…
M Smizzle
Nov 25, 2016 at 12:43 pm
This could be a game changer. Bryson is a winner!
Desmond
Nov 25, 2016 at 11:34 am
I think Bryson will get an argument about constant grip pressure and its importance – some think it’s best to increase pressure throughout the swing.
In the late 90’s, I had a training aid with a sensor in the grip that beeped when pressure was too high — the forerunner …. I put this in the same eBay bin as well as the Hat that beeped when your head moved – that was a decent idea that did not take off.
M Smizzle
Nov 25, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Takes a pretty sorry person to get on golfwrx and just be a complete downer
Desmond
Nov 26, 2016 at 1:55 am
Lighten up, Francis, and see a shrink. You’ve got issues.
John
Nov 26, 2016 at 1:07 pm
This whole generation of “be positive” about everything has absolutely zero critical analysis abilit, they just accept everything
Degrees
Nov 28, 2016 at 11:57 am
You do realize this is not the “millennial” to be calling out for having “zero critical analysis abilit[y]” because he has a FRIGGING PHYSICS DEGREE, but sure, old man, from your La-Z-Boy, let’s yukk it up about these damn kids and their lack of critical thinking skills, when you have a young kid LITERALLY using his science degree to run an EXPERIMENT on a HYPOTHESIS he has.
I can’t understand why GolfWRX STILL allows anonymous internet comments in this, the Golden Age of the Troll, when most everyone compelled to post something reveals themselves as a COMPLETE NINCOMPOOP.
Feel the Bern
Nov 25, 2016 at 10:54 am
This is the future.