An ambitious initiative led by a researcher from the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) is underway, aiming to modernize golf swing training by integrating artificial intelligence (AI).
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SNOQUALMIE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 13: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain hits his approach shot on the fifth hole during the final round of the Boeing Classic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge on August 13, 2023 in Snoqualmie, Washington.
SNOQUALMIE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 13: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain hits his approach shot on the fifth hole during the final round of the Boeing Classic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge on August 13, 2023 in Snoqualmie, Washington.
Combining AI's Capabilities With Portability
Nicholas Gans, a principal research scientist at UT Arlington and division head for the UT Arlington Research Institute (UTARI), spearheads this innovative project that combines AI's capabilities with portability, enabling golf enthusiasts to refine their skills from the comfort of home or the greens.
The project receives essential backing through a grant of almost $53,000 from the University and Fort Worth-based IGSC.AI LLC, highlighting the collaborative nature of this venture.
Gans's initial efforts are regarded as a foundational proof of concept, laying the groundwork for a potentially transformative advancement in golf training.
Gans explained the mechanics of the envisioned system, which hinges on a camera-based setup capturing the nuances of body posture and motion during a golf swing.
These captured data points are subsequently juxtaposed with an ideal swing, accentuating the unique selling point of this endeavor - accessibility.
Gans noted that "the big difference is that anyone can use this system at home or take it out to the driving range, practice area or golf course to give that golfer instant feedback."
Underpinning this technology are sophisticated learning algorithms engineered to dissect the golfer's movements during the swing. The system employs these algorithms to provide both guidance and real-time feedback, essentially functioning as a personal AI coach.
'No Need for a Professional'
Crucially, the system benchmarks the user's swing against expert exemplars, pinpointing areas that warrant improvement. Gans said there's no need for a professional as "you can train your swing at home."
The inspiration for this innovative concept stems from former UT Arlington student Charles Brown, who sought to modernize golf instruction. Collaborating with UTARI, a hub for pioneering research and technology development, Brown embarked on a mission to make golfing more accessible to enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Brown, an advocate for bridging learning gaps in diverse disciplines, leveraged his background of assisting elementary school students in enhancing their reading and math abilities.
Drawing parallels between learning difficulties in academics and golfing, Brown recognized the challenges novices face in grasping the fundamentals of the golf swing. Reflecting on the project's genesis, Brown noted that "this project began with me wanting to teach my son the game."
Having observed recreational players encountering significant hurdles, he aspired to streamline the initiation into golf without undue frustration. His aspiration crystallized into a vision of a tool that could expedite the development of fundamental swing techniques.
"It's tough to learn something if you don't have a grasp of the fundamentals," Brown said in a statement. "Dr. Gans and I are convinced that AI technology can solve this problem."
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