THANKS TO ALL THIS NEW TECH I CAN ALREADY FEEL MY GAME COMING BACK

which have a mixture of ‘spikes’ for extra grip, and don’t slip during my swing. No wonder Jordan Spieth, the number three golfer in the world, is such a solid ball striker. The surer footing gives me extra confidence.

NE W BALLS, PLEASE

Golfers use any piece of kit that gives them an advantage, and the Oakley Crossrange Prizm glasses are a prime example. The Prizm’s tech produces a high-contrast view that helps the shorter grass stand out from its surroundings. Even if I do look a bit Joe 90 when wearing them, they’re light and comfortable. The optics also reduce glare when I’m on the greens, so I’m able to see putting lines easier.

I narrowly lose this match but shoot level with my 14 handicap and, thanks to all this new tech I can already feel my game coming back.

Two weeks later and I’m in the middle of a competitive two-ball match against a strong eighthandicapper. I’m hoping the new TaylorMade TP5x balls – five layers with a tri-fast core and dual spin cover – will shift my game up a gear. My first three drives with the M3 driver and TP5x balls produce a beautiful, penetrating ball flight. Irons shots are straighter and I’m hitting more greens.

This is a great match for me, with back-to-back birdies on the 4th and 5th, and several pars, then down the stretch we duel it out. After the 17th, we’re level and I’m feeling confident that my tech will see me through. After a booming drive and crisp iron shot, I have a 12-foot putt for the win. I’ve shot 78, and a full seven shots below my handicap, and the gear here was a huge part of getting me there.

next month

Can fitness tech help you train for and complete a marathon? T3 slips into its running shoes to find out…