I’ve been a tech enthusiast ever since I pieced together my first computer from a kit back in the 1980s. That old Zenith/Heathkit still holds a place in my heart as one of my all-time favorites. It was a magical piece of technology. I even feel a nostalgic pang for the long-gone Panasonic KX-P 1080, a nine-pin dot matrix printer that once served me well.
The 2025 PGA Show was a treasure trove of new technology, showcasing an array of innovations from both established giants and up-and-coming companies. Several gadgets caught my attention, and here’s a glimpse at a few standout pieces.
Starting with Shot Scope, based in Edinburgh, they’ve truly outdone themselves with their range of watches and rangefinders designed to help golfers improve their game with precision. Their V5 watch is a remarkable piece, offering full hole maps and distances across more than 36,000 courses worldwide. It provides essential distances to the green’s front, middle, and back, along with crucial data about each hazard. The best part? Access to all this information comes without any subscription fees.
What really impressed me is the V5’s smart design; it includes sixteen tracking tags that automatically record each shot, providing thorough post-round analysis accessible through their app. Unlike older models that required manual tagging, the V5 streamlines the process. Shot Scope’s range also includes several watch models with varying features and a selection of laser rangefinders, from the high-end ProZR to the budget-friendly Pro L2.
Turning to Garmin, they’re a known player in the smartwatch arena. While Apple’s smartwatch holds reign for many, Garmin is a preferred choice among golfing enthusiasts. Garmin presented exciting products at the show, including the S50 model, arriving at a more accessible price point than my own S70. Sporting an AMOLED display, this watch boasts 43,000 preloaded courses, and with a Garmin Golf Membership, you get full-color CourseView maps too. It doesn’t stop with golf; the watch has a suite of health and wellness features.
Furthermore, Garmin introduced the G20 Solar, a handheld GPS device promising virtually unlimited battery life thanks to solar charging. Preloaded with 43,000 courses, it offers precise distance metrics and syncs with the Approach CT10 club tracking sensors.
They also showcased their CT10 sensors, automatically capturing shot data when paired with Garmin compatible devices. For those prioritizing golf essentials, the Approach S44 delivers essential distance information for courses without the extra fitness functionalities.
Another fascinating exhibit was from FlightScope, highlighting their Portable Launch Monitors and rangefinders such as the Mevo+. This device is jam-packed with data for swing improvement and even offers simulated play on iconic courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach. They also introduced a rangefinder that incorporates launch monitor data to provide personalized club recommendations, adapting to distance, weather, and environmental conditions — essentially, your digital caddy.
Finally, I encountered VertaCat, a company that produces golf carts tailored for individuals with unique needs, aiding accessibility on the course. Enhancing accessibility in golfing aligns much more with nurturing the sport than merely showcasing millionaire pros. It serendipitously complemented my chance meeting with Dennis Walters at the PGA Show. Walters, despite being paralyzed in his twenties, has inspired many worldwide with his trick shot performances, emphasizing perseverance and overcoming adversity. While Walters isn’t directly affiliated with VertaCat, encountering both in one day was a meaningful coincidence.
In-depth interactions with such technologies and innovative minds at the PGA Show reaffirmed how tech can enrich and extend the reach of golf, making it accessible and electrifying for a new generation of players.
