Ever-advancing technology is constantly creating new innovations that touch our lives in diverse and fascinating ways. And if you fancy yourself the next Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, you have a lot to be excited about. From golf simulators to apps that help you bring your score down, here are some of the most exciting advances that are happening in golf technology.

Smart Balls, Smart Clubs, Smart Game?

We’re not quite there yet, but we’re beginning to see a new future for our current, “dumb” golf accessories. Companies such as Chip-ing are working to create golf balls with built-in wireless transmitters, meaning you’ll never have to deal with a lost ball again (unless of course you sink it into the water hazard). Meanwhile, products like the Smart Golf and SwingSmart work with the golf club to analyze your swing and give you pointers.

Will these products replace good old-fashioned golf lessons and training? Maybe, maybe not, but they do offer some features you just can’t get elsewhere. Imagine slicing your ball into the woods, only to pull out a tablet or your phone and see on a course map where it landed. Or pulling up to the tee and being given tips on which club to used based on an app’s knowledge of how you play in certain conditions. It’s tough for any golfer not to get excited by the possibilities.

Get Golf Tips from Your Wrist

Wearable technology isn’t exactly brand-spanking-new technology, so it’s still very much finding its footing in the tech world. While many gape over advancements made to Android Wear, the Apple Watch, and Fitbit wristbands, Garmin–yes, the GPS manufacturer–has been working on smartwatches made just for improving your golf game. With the Garmin Approach line of watches, you can now keep score, see how much distance is between you and the hole, and even view a map of the course you’re playing.

Again, smartwatch tech is still growing and it’s clear there’s a lot that needs to be improved upon. But from what we can see so far, it’s going to be an exciting future. As other golf necessities and accessories gain smart features, perhaps we’ll soon be seeing a greater digitized picture of our golf games. Think the Internet of Things, built for the fairway.

A Game of Golf in the Comfort of Your Home

Happen to have 30 grand or so on you? OK, probably not, but if you did, you could be the proud owner of the Full Swing golf simulator, an indoor golf simulator touted by all the pros. With a projected screen that emulates real-life courses, this video simulation takes up half the room and uses cameras and infrared lightwaves together to track your shots. It’s a like a very expensive video game for golf fanatics.

Although the Full Swing system is out of the reach of many golf fans, the technology is very promising and there’s little doubt that something like it could become more attainable for the average golfer. Modern video game systems all have motion tracking capabilities, and while the technology isn’t quite there yet, it shouldn’t be long before you can easily play a full 18 in your living room.

It’s a brave new world for golf, and we’re sure to see some exciting developments in the coming years, and that’s not even considering improvements made on the materials used in golf balls and clubs. But even with all these advancements, one thing is for sure: the best way to improve your game will always be practice, practice, practice. And that’s something technology won’t do for you!