PGA Tour Technology Open and Slow Play
Golf holds the lead in the boring category of sports to watch and has a new “slow play” image that has been resurrected. Today’s golf technology can help erase that distinction. Let’s look at how technology can increase viewership, speed play and lose the boring distraction along with creating another tournament for the PGA tour. We will call it the “Technology Open — the E-Sport To Watch!” (TOEW)
In the TOEW, the golfers will be allowed the use of any piece of technology that is not related to the golf clubs or balls. Examples of the technology they can use includes Range Finders, GPS devices, apps on the phone, drones and others. Items that can’t be used include non-standard clubs, balls, swing trainers or medications. Yes, had to throw in medications.
In the TOEW, the use of the devices selected by the golfer will be simulcast to the broadcast channel. Watching the player use the device, you will also get a first-person view of what they see when they use the device. The target they look at on the range finder will be shown on TV. If they use an app on their phone, the imagery will be shown on TV. This will allow the viewer to see how the professionals use the technology to help their game.
The use of technology will speed play. The time that is spent discussing the shots and finding the distances in antiquated yardage books is slowing down the game. Allow the players to use a range finder or other device to get their exact distance. Armed with that data, they can select a club that will get the ball closer to the hole and contribute to a faster pace of play.
In addition to speeding play and increasing viewership, the various golf tours could benefit from a tournament sponsored by the technology manufacturers. While one company may not have the finances to become the “lead sponsor”, there are enough companies that sell golf technology that could benefit from a tour event. This event could be PGA, LPGA, Champions or KornFerry.
The golf tours have always allowed the players to take advantage of new technology in clubs, shoes, balls, and other items, it is time for them to embrace technology to increase viewership, speed play and add dollars to the tours.
P.S. If anyone from the tours (PGA, LPGA, Champions, KornFerry) reads this and wants their logo on the site, I am happy to do so. I could not figure out the “license” terms of use.