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Carl’s Golfland opens new TrackMan Range, entire range equipped with TrackMan

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Welcome to the new age of hitting balls at the local public driving range.

IMG_3880Carl’s Golfland in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan now has its entire golf range equipped with TrackMan radars that detect eight parameters of golf ball data. That does not mean every hitting bay has individual TrackMan monitors, rather it’s an entire system. Using radar detectors above and in front of the hitting bays (as pictured above and below), a nifty underground fiber system, a central server, and an app on your phone, TrackMan can provide feedback on every shot hit by every golfer at the range.

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The concept may seem weird or farfetched — and this is the first “TrackMan Range” in America — but there are already TrackMan ranges in Switzerland and Germany, and another one that’s soon-to-be-opened in Dallas, Texas. And after testing out the process personally at Carl’s in Michigan, I can confirm the concept is real, and it’s effective.

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Here’s how it works for the player/customer:

  • Hook up to the TrackMan Range WiFi (password was “trackmanrange”)
  • Download the “TrackMan Range” app for the iPhone or Android (sorry to those who have neither, although iPad capabilities are coming soon, I’m told)
  • Select your Bay Number
  • Select a target (this is optional, but to access all 8 data parameters instead of only 5, you’ll need to select a target)
  • Select the club you’re hitting (this is also optional, but to access club averages at the end of your session, this step is necessary)
  • Start hitting

Personally, it took no more than two minutes from when I first downloaded the app to when I received TrackMan’s feedback on my first shot.

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The eight categories of feedback are: Carry, Total Distance, Ball Speed, Peak Height, Launch Angle, Launch Direction, Side Spin, and Proximity to the Pin. Soon — I’m told as early as the first day of the New Year — the TrackMan Range system will allow for different games and skills contests, including average proximity to the pin among all range-goers, and “capture the flag” among a group/friends, which is also based on proximity to the hole.

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For Carl’s Golfland, investing in the TrackMan Range was the “next step in its goal to be the best,” according to Neal Feldman, Vice President of Carl’s Golfland, and it will “change the way golfers go to the range.” Also, the range at Carl’s Bloomfield Hills location was recently given a $1.6 million upgrade — it now includes a grass range, heated hitting bays, wedge targets, a completely re-done turf outfield equipped with “bunkers and greens,” and a topography that now allows golfers to see where their ball lands much easier than before the renovation. The new TrackMan Range, however, comes at no expense to the golfer; range buckets are the same price as before the addition of the system, and the TrackMan Range app is free.

Call it a “Top Golf for serious golfers,” or just call it a place to get real TrackMan data without dishing out major cash; either way, the new TrackMan Range at Carl’s Golfland is a real-life look into the future of practice for golfers.

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

10 Comments

10 Comments

  1. John Grossi

    Nov 1, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    I see it as a great idea. Touring pros use trackman for a reason, and now it’s available to the average player with no upcharge.

  2. Sheeplover

    Oct 31, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Got it on driving range at Smorum Golf Club, Denmark. Works fine on my Samsung A5.

  3. larrybud

    Oct 31, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    This pretty much puts a half to my skytrak purchase since I just want to dial in iron distances!

  4. Fraker

    Oct 31, 2017 at 11:21 am

    Do you know where the TrackMan Range is coming to in Dallas?

  5. Josh

    Oct 31, 2017 at 9:01 am

    Checked it out yesterday, really cool to utilize. App was pretty straightforward to use. Was really fun to use it with the wedges and try and hit shots between 50 and 120 yards. numbers i was getting were comparable to what i expected. for no current additional cost its just a cool additional feature that makes the range session even more intuitive

  6. Travis

    Oct 31, 2017 at 8:37 am

    Just curious as to what kind of #’s Trackman is charging for a system like this… Kinda reminds me of my time at Parker Hannifin, we’d constantly develop products that either no one had money for or had the need to have. Novel widget, but is it needed in the market?

  7. SteveB

    Oct 31, 2017 at 2:01 am

    No need trudging on a golf course all by yourself playing lonely solo golf. Just go to Carl’s Golfland and hit range balls and fantacize obsessively, endlessly. Trackman has eliminated the need for a golf course for those who are socially handicapped with no playing buddies. Delusional golf on radar.

    • The dude

      Oct 31, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Fail

    • John K

      Nov 1, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Actually quite the opposite. Helps you build your game on the range so you are less fearful of joining others. It’s a great addition to Carl’s Golfland’s range!!

    • C

      Nov 2, 2017 at 9:39 am

      You seriously don’t see any positives to this? Maybe you’re the one with no buddies on the course.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.

They wrote:

“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”

Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
  • jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
  • jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
  • Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.

@DTorres asked:

The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?

Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.

We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
  • bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
  • CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down. 

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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