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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.
Check back often to stay informed on everything happening on and off the course.
Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.
Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.
Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.
At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.
Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!
Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.
As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.
After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.
“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.
Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.
The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.
Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.
One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.
As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.
Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.
Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.
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