If you’ve never been to the PGA Show in Orlando in January, try to find a way to attend at least once. It’s where new golf gear is introduced; everything from golf clubs and bags to apparel and footwear to high-tech gadgets like GPS units, laser rangefinders, and this year’s biggest boom – launch monitors. It seemed like many GPS and rangefinder companies were trying to get a slice of the launch monitor pie. More specifically, the consumer market – guys like me who want one for their backyard or basement. With dozens to choose from, I found one company that offered everything you need to set up a hitting bay at home, from hitting nets and mats to a variety of launch monitors, all priced within reason.
IZZO Golf has an interesting history. The company was founded in 1991 by T.J. Izzo, who created a dual-strap carry system designed to eliminate back pain caused by carrying a traditional golf bag. Izzo’s innovation became very popular and was recognized by the United States Golf Association (USGA) as one of the most important innovations in modern golf equipment.
IN 2000, Izzo sold his company, and the new owner, Bruce Dan, quickly expanded the product offerings. Soon, Izzo golf bags, training aids, and rangefinders were popping up in golf shops and big box stores around the country. They began producing rangefinders and GPS units for Callaway. If you come across a SWAMI GPS or rangefinder, that’s their flagship brand.
When it came time to put together a home hitting studio, I immediately thought of Izzo. First on the list was a hitting net, and they have several to choose from. I chose the EZ-UP model, which truly lives up to its name. It’s lightweight, portable, and can be assembled or disassembled in minutes. It comes with a carry case and two weighted water bags to keep it anchored indoors. From the recommended 8-foot hitting distance, it’s hard to miss – but not impossible, as I found out. My fault, not the net’s!
Next was a hitting mat, and again, there were several choices. With not much space available, I chose a small 1’ x 2’ mat with synthetic turf and a tee holder. This mat has a durable, shock-absorbing rubber back that stops it from slipping on slick surfaces and absorbs the shock of the golf club hitting the mat. It’s like you’re hitting off of grass!
The biggest choice was the launch monitor. Essentially, there are three models under two different brand names: Swami and Izzo. Depending upon how much data you are looking to glean, there’s one that will deliver all of the technical info you want, with prices ranging from $199.99 for the Swami Launch Master Lite and Launch Mate Mini to $499.99 for the Launch Master Pro and the Launch Mate Tour.
All Izzo and Swami launch monitors use Doppler radar technology, the same technology used by high-end companies like Trackman and Flightscope. As you would expect, the more data you want, the more it’s going to cost you – but it won’t break the bank! The basic models (Swami Launch Master Lite and Launch Mate Mini) give you carry distance, club speed, and smash factor. Step up to the Launch Master or the Launch Mate, and you’ll get all that and see your average distance and longest shot as well as ball speed, loft angle, and the number of shots you’ve hit. Up one more level to the Launch Master Pro or the Launch Mate Tour, and you’ll have all of the comprehensive swing information you’ll need: carry and total distance, swing speed, ball speed, smash factor, launch angle, attack angle, spin rate, and apex height. It delivers your carry distance and total distance in a clear, audible voice, and full metric tracking shows a complete view of your swing and ball flight. The club and loft
settings are completely adjustable, and changing clubs is as easy as waving the club in front of the screen. And, unlike most monitors at this price point, the Launch Mate Tour has integrated weather sensors that factor in temperature, humidity, and elevation, providing unmatched accuracy in any condition. The unit is compact and travel-ready with a rugged protective case, and is powered by a long-lasting USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Izzo continues to do something remarkable: offer high-quality, durable products at affordable prices. Everything purchased together – the EZ-Go Hitting Net, the hitting mat, and a launch monitor can be set up for between $450 and $750. These days, that’s about what you’ll spend on either a high-end driver or putter. For more information or to make a purchase, visit their website. www.izzo.com.