AI in Golf Instruction: Useful Tool, Not a Substitute for Coaching

By Jacob Williams · November 20, 2024

Artificial intelligence can make golf feedback faster and easier to organize. It can identify visual landmarks, automate measurements, compare repeated swings, and help summarize performance data.

It cannot determine the right swing change from one clip without context. Useful instruction still depends on the golfer's ball flight, goals, physical comfort, equipment, practice environment, and ability to repeat the task.

What AI tools can help with

Current golf technology may use automated analysis to support tasks such as:

• Drawing or tracking body and club reference lines in video
• Comparing motion across repeated swings
• Organizing launch-monitor and shot-pattern data
• Highlighting changes in setup or movement
• Delivering saved video, notes, or practice reminders
• Tracking progress against a defined baseline

TrackMan, for example, describes AI-assisted motion analysis that automatically identifies reference features such as shoulder and hip lines, head position, and wrist path. That can reduce manual setup and make repeated comparisons more efficient.

The output remains evidence—not a complete diagnosis.

What AI cannot know from one swing

A short video or isolated data point may not reveal:

• The intended shot and target
• Strike location on the clubface
• The lie, wind, slope, or turf condition
• Pain, mobility, or injury history
• Whether a movement is normal for that golfer
• Whether the suggested change improves ball flight
• How the change affects short game or on-course decisions

Two swings can look different and produce functional results. Two similar-looking swings can produce different impact conditions. A useful recommendation connects movement, impact, ball flight, and the golfer's goal.

A responsible technology workflow

1. Define the question

Start with a specific problem: contact, start direction, curve, carry, strike pattern, or a repeated on-course miss. “Fix my swing” is too broad for useful analysis.

2. Collect consistent evidence

Use a stable camera position, the same club, a clear target, and several representative swings. When launch data is available, keep actual and normalized results clearly labeled.

3. Review the complete pattern

Compare video with strike, ball flight, and dispersion. Do not choose a change only because one body position differs from a model.

4. Test one adjustment

Use one clear cue or drill, then measure whether contact and shot pattern improve. If the change creates pain or a worse result, stop and reassess.

5. Keep the golfer in control

Understand what is being recorded, where it is stored, and who can access it. Avoid uploading another person's video or personal information without permission.

Where a coach adds value

PGA of America coaching materials pair technology with an initial assessment, a personalized plan, guided training, and progress tracking. The coach's role is to decide which information matters, explain it clearly, adapt the task, and connect practice to the course.

Golf Upgrades uses video and launch-monitor data when they make the lesson clearer. Coaching with Jacob Williams, PGA Associate is available at Sorrento Canyon Golf Center and Miramar Golf Course.

View Lessons & Availability

Sources

• TrackMan: Golf Performance Software and AI Motion Analysis
• PGA of America Coaching Center: Assessment, Technology and Progress Tracking
• PGA of America: Distance Coaching and AI-Assisted Feedback

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