Occasional Shot Distances are Incorrect

Question: 

Most of my PW shots are accurate.  However, why does my PW occasionally go 30 yards too far?  Is there wind on the courses?

 Answer: 

No, the wind in the game is still.   It is essentially a calm day.

One possible explanation is the difference between measured and estimated spin.

Each shot has an internal quality check to verify if the spin was measured correctly.  If the camera doesn't have high confidence that the spin measurement is correct, then it will estimate the spin based upon the current selected club (shown in the lower right corner) of the game.

If the selected club in the game is different from the club you are using, then the estimated spin may be a poor estimate and the carry distance will be off.

For example, if you are hitting a PW, the real spin will probably be between 8,000 and 9,500 RPM.  Depending upon the golfer and the specific shot.  If the camera is unable to accurately measure the spin, it will fall back to estimating the spin.  If your club is currently set to PW, then you will get a reasonable estimated spin.  if your club is set to a significantly different club, then you will get a poor estimate for spin.  The worst-case scenario would be the driver.  If your club is set to Driver, then the estimated spin will be around 2,500 RPM.     A PW with spin of 2,500 will carry significantly further, producing an inaccurate shot shape and distance.

Recommendation: When at the range, select a target and a club close to what you would for your club.  When on the course, set the club to match the club in your hand.  While on the course, the game will estimate the club selection based on the distance to the pin.  When on the course, the game’s estimate of your club usage will be fairly close.

Tip:   Use the Taylormade TP5 and TP5x golf ball with the orange and black triangle or diamond pattern on the golf ball.  This gives the smart cameras for RSG Pro and RSG One the best chance of accurately measuring the spin.   We do not recommend using the Taylormade TP5 golf balls with the novelty patterns, such as University logos or other patterns because the pigments in the ink may not be clearly visible in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum.

TP5 Diamond pattern

TP5 Triangle pattern

Here are some examples of the Taylormade TP5 with attractive novelty patterns that are not recommended because the pigment or the pattern around the ball will not be read properly for spin measurement.

Another reason shots may travel too far is that the Elevation setting may be set too high.  It is recommended to start with the elevation set to Sea Level while taking initial test shots.  If your elevation is too high, it might produce longer carry distances:

Elevation control can be found on the lower right: