Artificial intelligence has arrived in golf coaching. Using just your phone's camera, AI apps can detect your body positions, measure angles, compare your swing with models and suggest drills. They're available around the clock and cost a fraction of a lesson. But they have limits, and the feedback is only as good as the video and your understanding. Here's what AI coaching apps can and can't do.
How AI swing analysis works
AI apps use computer vision to recognise key points on your body, such as shoulders, hips, knees and hands, and sometimes the club. From these, they calculate:
- Posture angles at address. Read golf posture at address.
- Rotation of hips and shoulders.
- Head movement during the swing.
- Key positions, such as the top of the backswing and impact. Read golf swing positions.
- Tempo: backswing and downswing timing. Read golf tempo and rhythm.
What they do well
- Instant feedback after each swing.
- Objective measurements, such as head movement or spine angle.
- Progress tracking over weeks and months.
- Drill suggestions linked to detected faults.
- Convenience: practise and analyse anywhere.
What they can't do (yet)
- Understand your body: flexibility, injuries and past swing history all matter. Read golf swing with limited flexibility.
- Explain ball flight without launch data.
- Prioritise the way an experienced coach does, deciding which fault matters most.
- Read your emotions, motivation and learning style.
- Always detect positions accurately, especially with poor video.
How to film for the best results
- Two angles: face-on (camera facing your chest) and down-the-line (camera behind your hands, pointing at the target).
- Camera height: around hip to chest height.
- Stable phone: use a tripod or phone holder.
- Good lighting and contrasting clothing.
- Full body in frame, including the club at the top of the swing.
Read golf swing video analysis.
Using AI feedback sensibly
- Focus on one change at a time.
- Check ball flight: if your shots get worse, the change may not suit you.
- Share the video with your coach to agree a plan.
- Re-test regularly to confirm progress.
AI apps vs online lessons vs in-person coaching
| AI app | Online lesson | In-person coach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | Moderate | Higher |
| Feedback speed | Instant | Hours to days | Immediate |
| Personalisation | Limited | Good | Best |
| Ball flight knowledge | Limited | Depends on data shared | Full |
Read online golf lessons and golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Privacy
Swing videos may be uploaded to cloud servers. Check how your videos and data are stored and whether they're used to train models. Read golf apps and online tools.
Frequently asked questions
Are AI golf apps accurate?
They're increasingly good for body positions, but accuracy depends on video quality and camera angle.
Can an AI app replace a golf coach?
Not fully. Use it to support coaching and practice.
Can I use an AI app during a round?
No. Analysing your swing with a device during a round isn't allowed.
The bottom line
AI coaching apps are convenient, affordable tools for checking positions and tracking progress. Film carefully, focus on one change at a time and combine the feedback with ball-flight results and a coach's judgement. For more, read golf training aids and simulators.