Sweet Stuff by Terry Ross

by Terry Ross

Swing Caddie recently introduced its most advanced launch monitor—and the innovation and advances in their new SC300I model take this professionalgrade tool to an all-new level—especially with the cutting-edge software that it now can be paired with.

The SC300I is slightly smaller and sports a sleeker all-black design than the previous SC300 model--but with a similar orange and black LCD display—and has several technological improvements that are readily apparent when testing it on the driving range.

As in the previous model, the new SC300I shows all your essential shot metrics in a compact 6-3/8” X 4-1/2” X 1-1/8” frame that fits easily in a golf bag. Valuable information such as carry and total distance, swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, apex (shot height) and smash factor--can be finetuned to your specific club and loft angle on the device or with the handy remote that comes with it. The rechargeable battery has also been improved and now lasts 20 hours on a full charge instead of 12.

The display shows all the statistics without moving to another screen, which is a nice feature. You can also have your distances called out after every shot (three languages can be selected) with the adjustable voice feature.

The device uses Doppler technology and calibrating atmospheric pressure on each shot to track a variety of measurements (just like the super expensive models from Trackman, etc.) and provides accurate feedback-- giving you the statistics on every swing.

The LCD display is easy to read even in the bright sun. It also has some valuable practice tools in its two modes: practice and target--which are great for mixing up sessions to gain valuable feedback while trying to hit to a selected distance—just like on the golf course. All these features can be controlled with the handy remote.

In the target mode, you can set a distance and test your consistency over a 10-shot round. All the stats are displayed after each shot, in addition to a score of 1-10 depending on how close you get to the preset distance goal.

The SC300I has noticeably quicker response than its predecessor and greater accuracy with the new and improved processors in the unit. It also is better at tracking all kinds of shots—hooks, slices and low stingers, and has better detection of shots overall with its improved tracking sensors. The unit also works well for a home practice setup inside or in the yard—and will measure shots hit into a net with surprising accuracy.

While the SC300I is on par with the $25,000 Trackman as a stand-alone unit for under $500--things go to an entirely new level when it is paired with the free MySwingCaddie app (IOS and Android) that has been drastically improved and refined for this new model.

It gives you the ability to connect the SC300I directly to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to see spin rates of shots in real time, track and save all your shot data-- and even export it to a spread sheet to print out and give to a club fitter or instructor. It even shows graphs of shot height patterns. With this feature you can also keep months or even years of data on every practice shot to compare and look for trends.

The latest version of the app—built especially for the SC300I—even offers the ability to record practice swings with a data overlay of key metrics, draw graphic lines and circles for analysis and to play back in slow motion to fully analyze every practice swing. These are saved automatically by the app and are a great reference for game improvement or for showing an instructor.

For a player, club fitter or teacher, this unit gives as much accurate information as you would want in a small, easy to use package that will not break the bank.

For more information on the new Swing Caddie SC300I and a special offer for Golf Vacations Magazine readers, go to: https://www.swingcaddie.com/sc300/

For those looking to get some nourishment and stay on the healthy side of the food equation before, during or after a round of golf, Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna is now offering portions in handy snack bags that can be carried in a cooler or even a golf bag for when the hunger pains strike.

Safe Catch tests every tuna for mercury and the tuna is a lean source of protein and offers essential amino acids and B vitamins to keep you going without weighing you or your swing down.

Every tuna is hand-selected to a mercury limit (10x) -- lower than the FDA action limit. That is why Safe Catch Elite meets Consumer Reports “Low Mercury” criteria set for pregnant and nursing women and young children. These products are also the only tuna endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.

The tuna is hand filleted and packs nothing but sashimi grade tuna steaks— not with fillers or artificial additives. The handcrafting of premium fish into noticeably elite tuna steaks makes Safe Catch a healthy and deliciously differentiated tuna with its Artisan cook process. The company follows the recommendations of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program. All Safe Catch seafood is wild caught, only using sustainable fishing practices. The 3.0 oz pouches provide a refreshing treat, are a handy size, filling and much healthier than a candy bar or hotdog.

For more information on Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna snacks: visit the company website at: https://safecatch.com/buy-safe-catch-

With more players practicing at home over the past year, it is no wonder that new products that help players improve their game from the comfort of their own home or the backyard are more popular than ever.

Putting is probably at the top of the list when it comes to home golf practice activities, and perhaps the frontrunner of training aids for this is the Perfect Practice Putting Mat.

Even with all the putting-improvement aids on the market today, this product stands out—it is made of high-quality materials—including a fine wood frame for the putting cup(s) and ball return—and the putting mat itself is made of a unique Crystal Velvet material featuring Tru-Roll Technology that can have your ball rolling 10-14 on the stimp meter, depending on what is under the mat. Hard floors roll closer to 14 whereas thick carpets tend to roll closer to a 10. The Perfect Putting Mat will work on all kinds of flooring—carpet, wood and tile—the key is getting a flat surface so that putts will roll true.

The mat has an array of great features— especially for anyone who is serious about improving their putting. It is 9.5 feet long and has some helpful printed measurement markings at 2,4,6 and 8 feet--and an alignment “train track” marking to help with a straight-back straight-through putting stroke.

The mat itself gives you a true roll—and the two holes are elevated to encourage a firm, uphill stroke--and to trigger the automatic return that brings the balls right back to where you are putting, which is nice. The Perfect Putting Mat has one regulation hole and one that is half size to help focus— (“aim small—miss small”)— and to groove a stroke that will deliver the ball to the center of the cup.

The mat can be easily moved to any location in the home, office, gym or even the backyard--and rolled up for easy storage. Another nice feature is that you can unroll it to less than the full length for a smaller area and still get some excellent putting practice, so it is very versatile as to where you can use it.

Dustin Johnson, the world’s former top-ranked professional golfer, is the chief endorser for the Perfect Practice Putting Mat and says that he uses it daily.

by Terry Ross

“Every golfer should have a Perfect Practice mat in their home or office,” said Johnson. “It’s the best way to improve your stroke and boost your confidence on the greens. I use mine daily when at home and have already seen the benefits.”

According to the company, over 100 professionals are using the mat for practice, including Marc Leishman, who raves about the alignment tools on the mat, while Vijay Singh calls it the best mat he has used in years.

The Perfect Practice Putting Matt also has an excellent set of instructional videos and a 5-day system to improve 5 strokes by using the mat with some particularly good drills.

For more information: https://rainorshinegolf.com/products/