Best way to hit at range from grass

[GSchofield62]

What have you found to be the best way to hit from grass at the range? I know it can be hard to see the laser. Does the ball have to be in the middle of the laser dot to be accurate? Or is there an acceptable range in front behind and to the sides?

[Morini]

I think it will be very very difficult. I wanted to do it one time, just to see how spin changed from mat, but I gave up. Even GC2 struggles with grass, and it has comparatively huge field of view and takes tons of images.

Part of the problem is getting the ST level and at the right height. That can be overcome. The same for dealing with sunlight. But the all the grass, dirt and divot that goes flying will give you a very low read rate.

I did get chipping working one time (I was interested in spin). The next time I tried, I couldn't get a single one to read.

[3on3putt]

With the ball needing to be on the red dot, you would have to move the unit after each shot (assuming you're taking a divot). If you had it on some tracks so it could just slide back and forth while staying level and aligned, then you could hit, nudge it back, hit, nudge it back, repeat. Certainly going to a high-quality range with really nice level turf would help as opposed to a goat track range with patchy, uneven ground. And of course there's the issue of how flying grass and dirt might photo bomb the readings.

[Morini]

It doesn't have to be on the red dot. That is just a recommended spot to get a good chance of catching the ball. The slider is a good idea but likely moot as the photo bombing grass and dirt will result in very few reads.

Now, what is the purpose of hitting off grass?

[bubbtubbs]

With the ball needing to be on the red dot, you would have to move the unit after each shot (assuming you're taking a divot). If you had it on some tracks so it could just slide back and forth while staying level and aligned, then you could hit, nudge it back, hit, nudge it back, repeat. Certainly going to a high-quality range with really nice level turf would help as opposed to a goat track range with patchy, uneven ground. And of course there's the issue of how flying grass and dirt might photo bomb the readings.

Given the number of no-reads I get at my local pro's indoor Skytrak setup, it would be an exercise in patience using one outdoors.

[3on3putt]

Given the number of no-reads I get at my local pro's indoor Skytrak setup, it would be an exercise in patience using one outdoors.

If you get a lot of no-reads there, it's likely due to his setup. When set up correctly, you can expect very few no-reads. I might get 1 out of every 100 shots at the most. Lob wedge is about the only club that ever does it for me.

[Morini]

Yes, properly set up, and with the ball placed in perfect position, anything over 5% would be high. 1% is exceptional.

[bubbtubbs]

I have a vapor fly pro 5w that it almost never reads, so I just substitute a 19* hybrid instead when I go. Probably has something to do with the swoosh and flourescent bit on the club toe confusing the camera.

The main reason I'm not in the Skytrak camp though is the subscription. I like the unit and can live with shot delays and a few shot repetitions, but having to subscribe to access software I'd purchase outright just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I'll mention some of the forum setup tips to Dan next time I go - probably a few months at this rate.

Thanks.

[pwade3]

You have to be careful of dirt hitting and damaging the lens cover. It happens, trust me! 😡