Tiger Woods should be shaking in his boots. If only he’d attended the University of Calgary he’d have been able to take part in research using the latest Motion Analysis Technology by TaylorMade, part of the 3D Golf Laboratory in the Faculty of Kinesiology’s Human Performance Laboratory.
“The 3D Golf Laboratory with MAT-T is the only one of its kind in Canada, and one of only 10 in the World,” said Research Technician Geoff Smith.”Many of the others are in the US in expensive golf clubs, whereas we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to test one here in Calgary. We’re looking for student golfers to come and take part in our research.”
It’s a win-win for student golf enthusiasts. The 3D lab provides the services for free to students as part of its function to complete research, whereas members of the public are billed up to $150 an hour.
MAT-T provides a 3D analysis of your golf swing. Nine high speed video cameras track the position of multiple reflective sensors attached to a test subject’s clothing. Monitoring every single variance in light as the person moves can provide a detailed 3D movie showing the stance and swing taken. Mapping also allows pre-recorded pro-tour golfer profiles to be placed on top of your profile, presenting you with ideas for improvement.
“The equipment was developed for club-fitting,” said Ian Wright of TaylorMade. “We also wanted to explore possibilities for instruction or research, hence our involvement with the U of C. The equipment performs its analysis of a player’s style and based upon this we can help recommend the type of clubs most suitable for your use.”
The technology has only been around for a couple of years and at the U of C since Dec. 2004.