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Augusta National Embraces Technology to Grow the Game and Improve the Fan Experience
If you are not familiar with the Masters app, you’re missing out on the best digital experience in golf. Augusta’s award winning application is the benchmark against which all other golf apps are compared. Many quite negatively. Golf fans sing its praises for four days every April.
But did you know that Augusta National, with its strict attention to tradition and lock step rules, is the leader in both in expanding their reach to the next generation of golfers and bringing new technology to the golf world? For ten years Augusta has hosted the national finals of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition, inviting golfers as young as 7 to have a lifetime experience on their hallowed grounds. Five years ago they began hosting the Augusta Women’s Amateur Championship. The top amateur woman from around the world, whether or not they make the 36 hole cut get to play the course the week before the Masters. How many of us would give a body part to get to play Augusta ever, much less the week before the major championship? These two events demonstrate to even a casual observer of Augusta’s commitment to grow the game.
Behind the scenes ANGC does so much more. Patrons (the rest of the world calls them fans but this is one of those ANGC traditions) are strictly prohibited from bringing cameras and phones to the property on tournament days. Instead, the Masters sends out countless photos and videos to keep their fans engaged. Where do they post them? The 1.5 million Masters’ followers on X saw Tiger’s birdie on the 1st moments after he holed the putt. And the Masters doesn’t just post to X. They have another 1.5 million followers on Meta. 250,000 on YouTube.
What came as a surprise to this 52 year old is that genteel Augusta has 500,000 subscribers (or is it followers? I have zero frame of reference) on TikTok! ANGC produces content solely for their TikTok audience. Obviously the average TikTok users are part of a much younger generation. Their content isn’t your typical “look at me I’m dancing in public” content either. A drone flyover of Amen Corner earlier this week garnered millions of views.
While those who use the app already appreciate their ground breaking ability to watch every shot taken by any golfer they choose throughout the event, this season the Masters has brought forth two more innovations to improve the fan experience.
The days of the slow motion view of the player’s tee shot with the guys in the booth breaking it down will look like SD TV in the 4k era. This year, in connection with GolfTec, viewers will see “optimotion technology”. This 3D enhanced product allows the audience to see precisely how the golfer moves to a degree and how much weight shifts at what precise moment on the backswing, prior to impact, etc. This is probably the future of golf instruction which will make amateurs better players and enjoy the game more. Growing the game.
The most interesting innovation this year is the collaboration with IBM watsonx. This use of AI will allow users of the Masters app to see every stat and every projection for every shot by every golfer on the course. Using 8 years of data and lasers located on the property, the AI can generate the precise probabilities for any circumstance. For example, a tee shot from the first group today came to rest on the pine straw left of the first fairway. “Hole Insights”, taking into consideration the hole location, immediately projected that the player had a 52% chance of parring the hole and a 48% chance of making a bogey. I’m amazed. This is something that I will be playing with the rest of this weekend. Additionally, the AI will also generate narration (in both English and Spanish) for any clips a fan wishes to view. This should definitely appeal to a wide audience. Growing the game.
During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.
Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.
Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.
The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.
Golf: always full of surprises!
Check back often to stay informed on everything happening on and off the course.
Welcome to the Future of Golf
Forget everything you know about traditional golf tournaments. The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) is here, and it’s ready to redefine the sport. Imagine the world’s best players, cutting-edge technology, and non-stop action packed into two electrifying hours. Sound good? Let’s dive into what TGL is all about and how you can watch and join in the excitement.
TGL, presented by SoFi, is the brainchild of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. This revolutionary league blends real-life golf with virtual gameplay, creating a high-tech, fast-paced experience like nothing you’ve seen before.
- Six Teams of PGA TOUR Stars: The league kicks off with six stacked teams, each featuring four world-class players.
- Prime-Time Matches: Forget those day-long tournaments—TGL matches are played in just two hours, making them perfect for prime-time TV.
- High-Tech Venue: Matches take place at the state-of-the-art SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, complete with massive screens and an innovative short-game complex.
How Does it Work?
TGL takes place in a hybrid environment that combines the best of virtual and physical golf:
- Virtual Long Shots: Players hit drives and approach shots into a massive 64’ x 53’ simulator screen.
- Live Short Game: Once on the green, the action shifts to the “GreenZone,” a real-life short game area designed to simulate different course conditions.
- Shot Clock: Players have just 40 seconds per shot, keeping the pace fast and thrilling.
- Mic’d Up Players: Hear the strategies, banter, and personalities of the players in real-time.
Each match features 15 holes, broken into team-based “triples” and individual “singles” sessions. Scoring is straightforward, making it easy for fans to follow.
The TGL roster reads like a golf hall of fame. Here’s a breakdown of the teams:
- Atlanta Drive GC: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover—a powerhouse team blending experience and firepower.
- Boston Common Golf: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott—loaded with precision and consistency.
- Jupiter Links GC: Tiger Woods, Tom Kim, Max Homa, Kevin Kisner—Tiger’s team is as exciting as it gets.
- Los Angeles Golf Club: Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose—a mix of youth and veteran savvy.
- New York Golf Club: Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young—a lethal combination of flair and focus.
- The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry—bringing a global flair to the competition.
With these players on deck, you can expect drama, skill, and jaw-dropping moments every match.
TGL isn’t just golf—it’s an experience. Here’s why fans are buzzing:
- Fast-Paced Action: Two hours of high-intensity golf—no downtime, no filler.
- Star Power: Watch the biggest names in golf go head-to-head.
- Immersive Technology: Feel like you’re part of the action with virtual and live elements.
- Prime-Time Drama: Matches are perfectly timed for evening viewing, making it easy to tune in with family and friends.
The TGL’s inaugural match takes place tonight, January 7, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST. Here’s how you can catch the action:
- TV: Tune in live on ESPN.
- Streaming: Watch on ESPN+ or your preferred streaming platform.
- Global Options: Fans around the world can check local listings for viewing options.
Want to take your fandom to the next level? Here’s how:
- Find Your Team: Take the “Find Your Team” quiz on tglgolf.com and pledge your allegiance.
- Shop Merchandise: Rep your team with official TGL gear.
- Join the Conversation: Follow TGL on social media for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
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