Tag: golf technology

The Impact of Modern Golf Technology on Lowering Your Handicap

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Improving your golf game doesn’t have to be complicated. Today’s golf technology gives golfers of all levels the tools they need to make smarter decisions, understand their golf game, and enjoy it more than ever. With the VPAR app, everything you need is right in your pocket.

GPS & Club Recommendation

Not sure which club to pull from the bag?

VPAR’s GPS and detailed course maps give you accurate yardages from your exact location on the course. You can see hazards, plan layups, and choose the right strategy for every hole. Turn on the club recommendation feature and the app will suggest the best club based on your distance.

Live Leaderboards

Track your progress in real time, compete against friends, and see exactly where you stand as you move up the leaderboard. It’s fun, motivating, and a great way to add friendly competition to your game. Don’t let anyone beat you. Find that competitive edge by knowing where you stand at any point on the course. Be the golfer no one can beat!

VPAR Handicap

Not a member of a golf club but still want to compete on a level playing field? Score three rounds on VPAR to obtain a VPAR handicap and certificate. Track your progress and view all your qualifying rounds in one place within the VPAR app. Our handicap analysis is clear and easy to understand, showing how your game has been trending over your last ten rounds or even throughout the year.

There is nothing better than finishing a round and seeing your handicap go down. It gives you a great sense of satisfaction and a hunger to keep improving your game.

Using Statistics

Fill in your statistics on every hole and discover your strengths and weaknesses in your game over time. Whether its fairways hit, greens in regulation, or putting performance, these insights help you make better decisions on the course, leading to better results. It’s time to start understanding your golf game inside and out!

Everything in One Place

The VPAR app brings your entire golf journey together. From GPS to scoring, stats, leaderboards, and your handicap, everything you need to improve is organised neatly and ready wherever you are.

Start your journey to becoming a better golfer with VPAR and let golf technology help you lower your handicap one shot at a time.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.

Golf Equipment: Mini Golf Drivers and High-Lofted Fairway Woods

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

As golf technology evolves, the variety of golf clubs in golfers’ bags has never been greater. With more club options available and the rise of specialized fittings, players are fine-tuning their setups to match their personal swing characteristics. In 2025, one of the biggest trends in golf equipment is the growing use of mini golf drivers and high-lofted fairway woods. Both at professional and amateur levels.

Mini Drivers: Accuracy Meets Power

Mini golf drivers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for players looking for a reliable alternative off the tee. With a smaller clubhead than a traditional driver, mini golf drivers offer increased accuracy. At the same time they maintain the power and distance expected from a driver. Many golfers struggle with the inconsistency of a full-sized driver, and a 3-wood often sacrifices too much distance. Mini drivers provide the perfect middle ground. These golf clubs are particularly useful on tighter fairways, where keeping the ball in play is crucial. Pros and amateurs alike are realizing the benefits of mini drivers as a go-to fairway finder without giving up too much yardage.

The Rise of High-Lofted Fairway Woods

As mini golf drivers gain popularity, the traditional 3-wood is becoming less of a necessity. Therefore many golfers explore the benefits of higher-lofted fairway woods (like 5-woods, 7-woods, and even 9-woods).

Why Use High-Lofted Fairway Woods?

Easier to launch – The extra loft helps get the ball in the air more easily. Ideal for players with slower swing speeds or those who struggle with long irons.

More control and accuracy – Higher-lofted woods provide more backspin, helping to keep shots straighter and more predictable.

Soft landings – These golf clubs generate extra height and spin, allowing shots to land softly on greens. Perfect for long approaches.

Versatility – High-lofted fairway woods can be used from the tee, fairway, or rough, making them a great all-around club.

Who’s Using Them?

Source: Image by Pexels

If you’re an amateur golfer wondering whether it’s worth carrying multiple fairway woods, just look at the pros. Many of the world’s best players routinely carry 7-woods and 9-woods for specific shot selections and conditions on the golf courses.

Some notable names using high-lofted woods include:

Scottie Scheffler & Xander Schauffele – Both have been seen gaming 7-woods.

Tommy Fleetwood & Dustin Johnson – Yes, even these elite ball strikers use 9-woods.

Adam Scott, Joaquin Niemann, Ludvig Åberg, & Sahith Theegala – More pros than ever are trusting 7-woods for their height and stopping power.

Final Thoughts

Trends in golf equipment are constantly evolving. And 2025 has proven to be the year where customization is king. With mini drivers offering a new level of control off the tee and high-lofted fairway woods providing versatility and forgiveness, there’s no shame in adjusting your bag setup to suit your game.

Joakim is VPAR’s Events Manager.

With golf and hospitality in his blood, growing up in the industry was inevitable. His first taste of the professional golf world came through an internship at London Golf Club, an experience that led to a six-year career at the prestigious venue.

On the course, he enjoys a steady 14.1 handicap, embracing the art of bogey golf while still chasing the dream of single figures.

After an amazing time in club operations, he made the leap into the events and tournament world with VPAR, where he has spent the past two years helping deliver over 400 golf events across the UK and Europe. With each event bringing new experiences and incredible people, the journey is just getting started—let’s see what year three has in store!

Are LAB Golf Putters Worth The Hype?

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

golf putters

LAB (Lie Angle Balance) golf putters have gained attention for their innovative approach to solving the issue of torque in the putting stroke. Here’s a breakdown of their value and whether the technology might represent the future of putting:

What Makes LAB Putters Unique?

Lie Angle Balance Technology

LAB putters are designed to remain perfectly square to the path of your stroke, minimizing torque.

This design helps golfers who struggle with face rotation and inconsistent putting strokes.

Customisation:

LAB golf putters are often tailored to the player’s specific setup, including lie angle and weight preferences.

Alignment Features:

Many LAB models include unique alignment aids, which can improve aim for golfers who struggle with traditional putters.

Build Quality:

The materials and craftsmanship are premium, justifying the price to some extent.

Are They Worth the Money?

Yes, If:

You struggle with face stability during the stroke or have significant torque issues.

You’re looking for a highly customized putting experience.

You value innovation and are willing to invest in equipment that might genuinely improve your game.

No, If:

Your putting stroke is already consistent, and torque isn’t a problem.

You’re not comfortable investing £500–£750 in a putter without a trial period or fitting.

Is LAB Technology the Future?

Potential Influence:

LAB’s success may inspire other manufacturers to adopt similar anti-torque designs or more advanced customization.

The concept aligns with modern golf trends: using technology to optimize performance and consistency.

Market Adoption:

While LAB is currently niche, broader adoption will depend on continued performance validation and the willingness of players to adapt to their unconventional aesthetics.

Should You Try One?

If you’re intrigued, a fitting session or trial is crucial to see how the putter feels and performs for your stroke. LAB putters might not suit everyone, but for those they work for, the results can be transformative.

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)
If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!