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Augusta National Embraces Technology to Grow the Game and Improve the Fan Experience

Published

10 months ago

April 11, 2024

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.

Related Topics:Growing the Game Masters technology

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5 Pristine Public Courses To Start Your Florida Tour!

Warm up on these pristine public courses in the Sunshine State.

Published

1 week ago

February 13, 2025

Bobby Markowitz

Florida is a favorite among golf lovers with 1,154 courses and 101 sunny days each year. The state also boasts the most rounds played, the most new courses opened, and the most courses under construction or in planning.

Several of its major cities offer top-notch golf experiences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best public golf courses in Florida:

Orlando

Orange County National Golf Center
Features two championship courses, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, and a 9-hole short course called “The Tooth.” Renowned for its exceptional practice facilities and hosting the PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day.

Tampa

Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort
This Larry Packard-designed course is a favorite among PGA Tour players, known for its challenging layout and natural beauty. It hosts the Valspar Championship annually.

Naples

Old Corkscrew Golf Club
A Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course, it offers a scenic and challenging experience with firm greens and abundant wildlife. It consistently ranks among Florida’s top public courses.

Miami

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne: Located just 10 minutes from downtown Miami, this unique public course offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It features challenging bunkering, mangrove thickets, and seven saltwater lakes.

Port St. Lucie

PGA Golf Club: Located in Port St. Lucie, about an hour north of West Palm Beach, this club offers three distinct 18-hole courses: the Dye, Ryder, and Wanamaker. It will host the 2025 PGA Professional Championship.

Why Play Florida?

Diverse and Exceptional Courses

Iconic Venues: Florida boasts several legendary golf courses that offer unforgettable experiences:

Unique Course Characteristics

Varied Landscapes: Florida golf courses offer remarkable diversity:

Links-style experiences
Coastal views with ocean breezes
Courses with dramatic elevation changes
Layouts featuring water hazards, strategic bunkers, and challenging greens

World-Class Amenities

Most top Florida courses provide:

Luxury resort accommodations
Professional-level practice facilities
Top-tier caddies and service
Stunning natural scenery

Pro Tip: Bring your best game and be prepared for challenging, memorable golf experiences across Florida’s diverse courses.

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10 Golf Podcasts For Hackers To Download

Tips, Stories, and Entertainment

Published

1 week ago

February 10, 2025

The Golf Hacker

For amateur golfers seeking to enhance their game, stay updated on golf news, or simply enjoy engaging discussions, podcasts offer a convenient and informative medium. Based on recommendations from reputable sources and golf communities, here are some top golf podcasts tailored for non-professional enthusiasts:

They-call-it-golf-because-all-the-other-four-letter-words-were-taken

On The Mark

Hosted by CBS commentator Mark Immelman, this podcast features weekly interviews with instructors, coaches, players, and other golf experts. With over 700 episodes, it provides in-depth discussions aimed at helping golfers improve their skills.

No Laying Up

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, No Laying Up offers a mix of tour coverage, player interviews, and discussions on various golf topics. It’s known for its insightful commentary and engaging content.

The Chipping Forecast

Featuring European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, this podcast provides a blend of tour insights and personal experiences, offering listeners a unique perspective on the professional golf scene.

Chasing Scratch

This podcast chronicles the journey of two amateur golfers striving to achieve a scratch handicap. It’s relatable for many non-professional players and offers both entertainment and insights into the challenges of improving one’s game.

The Sweet Spot

Hosted by golf coach Mark Crossfield, this podcast delves into various aspects of the game, from equipment reviews to swing techniques, providing practical advice for amateur golfers.

Rick Shiels Golf Show

Hosted by Rick Shiels, a former golf teaching professional from Bolton, this podcast covers a wide range of topics, including equipment reviews, interviews with golf personalities, and discussions on current events in the golf world.

Beef’s Golf Club

Hosted by popular golfer Andrew “Beef” Johnston and comedian John Robins, this podcast offers a light-hearted take on the game, discussing various golf topics and sharing personal anecdotes.

Golf Is Ruining My Life

This podcast explores the highs and lows of being a golf enthusiast, sharing stories and experiences that many amateur golfers can relate to.

Hack It Out Golf

Featuring instructors Mark Crossfield, Greg Chalmers, and Lou Stagner, this podcast discusses various aspects of the game, offering insights and tips to help golfers improve.

The Rough Cut Golf Podcast

Hosted by Peter Finch, this podcast features discussions with various guests, covering a wide range of golf-related topics, from equipment to personal experiences.

These podcasts offer a variety of content tailored to amateur golfers, from instructional advice to entertaining discussions. Whether you’re looking to improve your game or simply enjoy golf-related conversations, there’s likely a podcast on this list that suits your interests.

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Unique Football & Golf Parlays For The Weekend!

Have fun with Super Bowl and WM Phoenix Open combo bets!

Published

2 weeks ago

February 8, 2025

Kelly Hodgeson

As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans, and the WM Phoenix Open taking place from February 6-9 at TPC Scottsdale, sports enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to combine their passion for football and golf through parlay betting.

Super Bowl LIX Betting Lines

As of February 7, 2025, the betting lines for Super Bowl LIX are as follows:

Point Spread: The Kansas City Chiefs are favored by 1.5 points over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Over/Under Total Points: The total points scored by both teams is set at 49.5.
Coin Toss: Heads (-105) or Tails (-105)
First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600), A.J. Brown (+800), Patrick Mahomes (+2000)

WM Phoenix Open Betting Odds

The WM Phoenix Open features a competitive field with the following notable odds:

Scottie Scheffler: 3-1
Sam Burns: 22-1
Nick Taylor: 55-1
Sungjae Im: 22-1
Jake Knapp: 125-1
Hole-in-One Prop Bet: Yes (+120), No (-150)

Fun Parlay Betting Combinations

Here are some intriguing parlay combinations that blend outcomes from both the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open, along with their potential payouts on a $100 bet:

Favorites Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Kansas City Chiefs to cover the 1.5-point spread (-110).
- Golf: Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top 5 (-150).
- Coin Toss: Heads (-105).
- Parlay Odds: +450
- Payout: $100 bet wins $450.
Underdog Upset Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win outright (+120).
- Golf: Nick Taylor to finish in the top 10 (+500).
- Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
- Parlay Odds: +1300
- Payout: $100 bet wins $1,300.
High-Scoring and High-Performance Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Total points over 49.5 (-110).
- Golf: Sam Burns to finish in the top 5 (+450).
- First Touchdown Scorer: A.J. Brown (+800).
- Parlay Odds: +2500
- Payout: $100 bet wins $2,500.
Longshot Parlay:
- Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles to win by more than 7 points (+275).
- Golf: Jake Knapp to finish in the top 10 (+1100).
- First Touchdown Scorer: Patrick Mahomes (+2000).
- Parlay Odds: +7500
- Payout: $100 bet wins $7,500.
Quick Thrill Parlay:
- Coin Toss: Tails (-105).
- First Touchdown Scorer: Travis Kelce (+600).
- Hole-in-One: Yes (+120).
- Parlay Odds: +1400
- Payout: $100 bet wins $1,400.

Combining bets from the Super Bowl and the WM Phoenix Open can add an extra layer of excitement to your sports weekend. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!