High-tech golf gizmo boon for local players

Local golfer Anita Chau has been busy perfecting her swing thanks to new technology at the Hastings Golf Club.

The 21-year-old has been using the Flightscope technology since mid 2015 and has seen a dramatic improvement in her game.

Talent development project coordinator for Sport Hawke's Bay Marcus Agnew said Flightscope was a great asset for the Bay.

Having travelled the world extensively working as a sports analyst Mr Agnew was very impressed with the quality of the technology available at Bridge Pa.

"It was really exciting to see that system here in the Bay, the software is very impressive."

Flightscope is not just for pros but anyone wanting to improve their performance.

It provides immediate feedback on your swing, shows exactly what the golfer is doing and what needs to be done.

"I had a couple of whacks, straight away the ball tracker told me exactly where it went and how I could improve," Mr Agnew said.

Ms Chau said the system saves your data and shows your progression.

"It factors in all the variables and helps fit a golfer with the perfect club," she said.

This year Ms Chau will be working towards a masters in sport science at Auckland University of Technology.

"My future ambition is to become a professional golf coach."

Playing off a handicap of two, Ms Chau has already represented Hawke's Bay at the junior interprovincials in Rotorua and hopes to begin PGA training this year.

She said golf pro Brett Allen has been a major influence for her.

Coming from a golfing mad family Ms Chau picked up a club at an early age and the game just "came naturally".

Her brother Jonathan Chau is already a PGA trainee.

As the only golfer at high school she was never able to form a team.

She hoped with the acquisition of the new technology more women would look to take up the sport.

"We are definitely lacking in females."

Mr Agnew said with a great environment and courses, plus the Flightscope technology there was no reason the sport couldn't take off in the region.

"It's [Flightscope] exactly the sort of thing we need for sport here in the Bay."