CGN Feature: How Technology is Reshaping College Golf Training

How Technology Is Reshaping College Golf Training

In modern college golf, technology like TrackMan and isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Programs across the country are using these tools to improve training, course management, and recruiting in ways that were impossible a decade ago.

TrackMan: Real-Time Feedback, Real Results

TrackMan has become a staple on college ranges because it delivers the kind of feedback you can actually build around—club path, spin rate, ball speed, launch angle, you name it. It takes the guesswork out of the swing.

“TrackMan has changed everything,” Notre Dame coach John Handrigan told Golf Digest. “We used to rely on ball flight and feel. Now we know why the ball is doing what it’s doing.”
(Golf Digest, 2021)

For players, that means tighter gapping, optimized launch conditions, and more efficient range sessions. You’re not just hitting balls anymore—you’re solving problems.

Recruiting Meets Data

This isn’t just a training tool—it’s a recruiting weapon. Coaches aren’t just looking at tournament scores anymore. They want numbers: ball speed, carry distance, wedge spin. At Oklahoma State, for example, every player gets tested on data points year-round.

“It’s not just about how you look on video,” head coach Alan Bratton told Golf Channel. “It’s about what the numbers say.”
(Golf Channel, 2022)

The benefit? Coaches can build hyper-specific development plans from Day 1. No wasted time, no generic drills—just targeted growth.

Culture Shift: Think Like a Player, Train Like a Pro

This tech doesn’t just improve your swing—it sharpens your mindset. Players start tracking progress more intentionally, holding themselves accountable, and training with purpose.

Stanford head coach Conrad Ray put it like this: “We want our players to think like engineers and compete like athletes.”
(Stanford Athletics, 2023)

That’s the culture great programs are building: informed, efficient, and competitive.

The Bottom Line

The schools leaning into this tech are gaining real advantages. TrackMan andaren’t replacing coaching—they’re making it smarter. And for players, they offer a clear roadmap to getting better, faster.

In a game this competitive, data might not guarantee wins—but not having it guarantees you’ll fall behind.