By: Andy Cole
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| Joey Kass hits a drive right into the net in his Statesboro driveway. "I setup out here three or four times a week. It's become kind of an addiction to me." |
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| Kass stares down the barrel of his club, preparing his swing. "It's not magic, just a lot of practice. That's why I'm out here. I treat it like an art." |
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| Kass lines the end of his club with the side of his ball. It sits on a 6' x 3' turf mat adjusted just so in front on his net. |
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| Kass' club practically kisses the ball before smacking it into the net. He likes the Kirkland golf balls, only found at Costco; he's a golfer on a budget. |
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| Kass also makes sure his hand is protected, keeping a strong grip on his club with his glove. "It may seem crazy, but it's kind of necessary for me. It's like a second skin when I'm on the green," Kass said. |
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| Behind the turf sits a small 3" x 2" box atop a tripod staring the ball down. It actually tracks Kass' swings allowing him to play any golf course in the world right from his driveway. |
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| All the analytics are reported immediately to Kass' phone, sitting with his clubs. "It gives me that real time feedback, and it's pretty reliable." |
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| The box uses radar technology to track the ball after it leaves the turf and before it hits the net. It can actually track exit velocity, speed and trajectory. |
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| The whole setup put Kass back $550, but he says it's worth it. "As a caddy and a golf fanatic, it's like having the power of Top Golf right in your hands. It's changed the game for me." |
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| Since buying the gadget two weeks ago, Kass says he's improved his game by 3 strokes. "It may not sound like much, but for the brief amount of time I've had this. To see that much progress is incredibly promising." |
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| Kass is able to record and archive his play each and every time he pulls out the new tech. So far, Kass says he's played 20 different courses all across the country. |
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| Kass is able to use all of his clubs by selecting them on his app. Kass says it does make a difference, even though it's the most tedious part of the whole process. |
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| The phone doesn't just relay real-time feedback, it can also video record his swing providing a replay for Kass to review. "That's the game changer. While it doesn't show me specifically how to improve, I can see the general tips compared to my actual swing." |
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| With heats creeping into the triple digits, Kass chooses to wait out the day and start swinging around 6 p.m.. The only tricky part about driving then is the long shadows that accompany Kass' body, the club and ball. |
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| As a working caddy, Kass practices his swing so one day he can be on the other side of the clubs. "It's not a main goal of mine, but it would certainly be an honor to play professional golf. It'd be a dream!" |
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| Kass has been keeping up with the latest in golf drama. LIV Golf is beginning to take a bite out of the PGA tour; LIV is controversially funded by the Saudi government. |
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| Kass says while he understands the outrage, he doesn't share in it himself. "I'm a golf fanatic, I'm going to be watching any kind of golf. And if I were a pro being offered hundreds of millions to play, I'd be willing to overlook where it's coming from." |
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| Kass wipes his face, now dripping with sweat, continuing about LIV golf. "I think what will end up happening is the PGA will be forced to unban all the players they've banned thus far. It can't continue like that. It feels wrong." |
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| Until the majors--whether it be the PGA or LIV--come calling, Kass can be found in his college house driveway. "I'm trying to hone my skills at home. Why wouldn't it? Not only can I play any course I want, I'm also getting better at my game, no matter what course." |
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| On average, Kass says he hits a couple hundred balls each time he sets up the system. "Practice makes perfect, right? I can't promise perfection, but I can try and get as close to it. And that's why I'm out here." |
