In 2001 the PGA came out with a data-collecting system called ShotLink. ShotLink was developed by IBM, who was the PGA's Official Technology Partner at the time, and it captures data and information pertinent to players (such as historical ball placement on certain holes). It collects information and stores it in a database for future reference about players. The information captured by this device allows for a greater viewing experience for fans by giving them precise information in real time. It also allows PGA officials to create more challenging golf courses. The statistical information captured by ShotLink allows officials to view how many shots a player needed on a certain hole. For instance, if most players made a lot of birdies or better for a par 5 hole, then officials might change the pin placement to make the hole more difficult. This information allows the sport to continue to be competitive and also creates a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Recently at the beginning of the year CDW was named the PGA's Official Technology Partner. CDW has sponsored a couple of players but also wants to improve the ShotLink program. It hasn't really gone into detail about how it plans to improve the system just yet, but the company has helped players improve their game. The company wanted to sponsor young emerging players as a way to capture the attention of the younger generation. CDW sponsored Sean O'Hair (of the PGA) and Paula Creamer (of the LPGA) who are relatively young and emerging as great athletes. I recently saw on the Golf Channel that CDW has helped these golfers by analyzing their swings during certain situations on certain golf courses. They analyzed their swing and compared it to some of the great golfers in the past such as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Arnold Palmer just to name a few. CDW then gives the golfers information about how to improve their swing and also gives them ideas on how to approach each hole by showing them what some of the great golfers did in the past.
Even though CDW hasn't released much information about how they are going to approach improving the ShotLink system, I thought of some ideas that might make the data-capturing device more useful. ShotLink needs volunteers to go out and take measurements using lasers and hand held devices. They should implement a system that enables the information to be collected without volunteers, such as using Doppler technology to capture real time information and stats about each shot (such as TrackMan which was covered in an earlier blog).
I'm not sure how CDW plans on improving the high quality and reliable system, but I guess as technology continues to advance so does the constant need for improving old systems. It's good to know that the PGA tour continues their commitment to enhance the viewer's experience using technology.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Golf Ball
Advancements in golf ball technology and manufacturing has made the golf ball market huge. The golf ball market is worth over $550 million in annual sales. Every year there are over 850 million golf balls manufactured and shipped. Golf ball technology has improved drastically with new insights on aerodynamics and physics. There are a lot of players in this market but I just wanted to focus on one--Callaway Golf Balls. I was watching the Arnold Palmer Invitational the other day and saw a commercial from Callaway that got me interested on this topic.
The golf ball is constructed many ways and there are many varieties. The two main types are 2-piece design and 3-piece design. Now there is also a 4-piece design. The 2-piece design is made mostly of plastic and rubber and used by the casual golfer. This design also enables the golf ball to last a lot longer than the 3-piece design. The 3-piece golf ball is made up of a plastic covering, windings of rubber thread, and a core that contains a gel or liquid. Usually professional golfers will use the 3-piece design. The golf ball is covered in dimples and there are different patterns that can be used here as well. Usually the more dimples there are, as long as they are 0.15 inches in diameter, the better it flies. The size and depth of the dimples will also cause the ball to either spin more or fly higher.
Technological advances in materials and aerodynamics allows the golf ball to be like a custom fit glove. A golf ball can be specially designed for each player who, for instance, might want more spin on the ball or who want more distance on the ball. The golf ball is allowing the recreational golfer to become a better player.
Callaway Golf has made the dimples on the ball into a hexagonal pattern. They say this will eliminate drag and improve distance, they also state that it makes your shot more consistent. This design is supposed to eliminate flat spots on the ball during flight so that it can go further.
Callaway also uses Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) technology that will make the golf ball more durable. They also use a dual core which will help the golfer control the spin on the ball. They also construct their golf balls with a 4-piece design as well as the 2 and 3-piece.
Callaway golf is advancing golf ball technology and allowing players to choose the right ball for their type of play. Callaway can create a market of one by targeting consumers directly and by using a pull technique in their advertising. Why do they continue to advertise like a buckshot and try to capture the mass when they can specifically target an individual who has a genuine interest in a 2-piece design or a 3-piece design or someone who wants more spin on their ball. How can they possibly track and target each consumer? The internet allows for easy tracking and targeting capabilities. If someone was learning about each golf ball and their differences, for me instance, than they are going to spend a lot of time in that section. The more time they spend on a certain page should send Callaway a direct signal that says this consumer is interested in the 3-piece design. This signal will then transmit an advertisement to reload using AJAX and show the consumer a new banner ad that could possibly give them a discount if they purchase right now. The banner ad should also allow the consumer to purchase the product directly from the ad. This could work for golf clubs, balls, and even merchandise.
So why aren't they doing this? Maybe cause they don't have enough bandwidth (I waited for 5 minutes for one page to load!).
The golf ball is constructed many ways and there are many varieties. The two main types are 2-piece design and 3-piece design. Now there is also a 4-piece design. The 2-piece design is made mostly of plastic and rubber and used by the casual golfer. This design also enables the golf ball to last a lot longer than the 3-piece design. The 3-piece golf ball is made up of a plastic covering, windings of rubber thread, and a core that contains a gel or liquid. Usually professional golfers will use the 3-piece design. The golf ball is covered in dimples and there are different patterns that can be used here as well. Usually the more dimples there are, as long as they are 0.15 inches in diameter, the better it flies. The size and depth of the dimples will also cause the ball to either spin more or fly higher.
Technological advances in materials and aerodynamics allows the golf ball to be like a custom fit glove. A golf ball can be specially designed for each player who, for instance, might want more spin on the ball or who want more distance on the ball. The golf ball is allowing the recreational golfer to become a better player.
Callaway Golf has made the dimples on the ball into a hexagonal pattern. They say this will eliminate drag and improve distance, they also state that it makes your shot more consistent. This design is supposed to eliminate flat spots on the ball during flight so that it can go further.
Callaway also uses Reaction Injection Molding (RIM) technology that will make the golf ball more durable. They also use a dual core which will help the golfer control the spin on the ball. They also construct their golf balls with a 4-piece design as well as the 2 and 3-piece.
Callaway golf is advancing golf ball technology and allowing players to choose the right ball for their type of play. Callaway can create a market of one by targeting consumers directly and by using a pull technique in their advertising. Why do they continue to advertise like a buckshot and try to capture the mass when they can specifically target an individual who has a genuine interest in a 2-piece design or a 3-piece design or someone who wants more spin on their ball. How can they possibly track and target each consumer? The internet allows for easy tracking and targeting capabilities. If someone was learning about each golf ball and their differences, for me instance, than they are going to spend a lot of time in that section. The more time they spend on a certain page should send Callaway a direct signal that says this consumer is interested in the 3-piece design. This signal will then transmit an advertisement to reload using AJAX and show the consumer a new banner ad that could possibly give them a discount if they purchase right now. The banner ad should also allow the consumer to purchase the product directly from the ad. This could work for golf clubs, balls, and even merchandise.
So why aren't they doing this? Maybe cause they don't have enough bandwidth (I waited for 5 minutes for one page to load!).
Monday, March 10, 2008
The New Improved Golf Channel
The Golf Channel recently added a new device to give precise real time information for viewers. The device is called TrackMan and it uses Doppler radar technology to get a 3-dimensional view of every golf shot. It provides precise information for ball launch, ball speed, ball landing and even the way the ball spins. The Golf Channel started using this technology this year and will allow them to show viewers a visual analysis of a golfer's tendencies, ball flight, and side-by-side looks at how different players approach the same hole.
The device is simple to set up and doesn't even need a marker for the ball. This will give viewers better insight about each golfer and how they approach each hole. It also won't interfere with some of the rules the PGA has in place. Viewers will get a better understanding of each shot and will give them detailed and accurate information about each shot.
I believe that implementing this device for PGA tours will give viewers a more enjoyable experience. Getting information about each shot and each player is important to the viewer. They want to see how they won the tournament, how they approached each hole, and some of the mistakes that they made. With such precise and real time information, data can be transferred to mobile devices so that users can select and obtain only the information they want. Someone might want to look at how Tiger Woods approached each hole, or someone might want to see how Vijay Singh approached each hole, or they might want to see how they both approached the same hole. This device will allow real time update for people who might be on the road or traveling and will give the audience a whole new experience for watching golf.
Here's a video about TrackMan.
The device is simple to set up and doesn't even need a marker for the ball. This will give viewers better insight about each golfer and how they approach each hole. It also won't interfere with some of the rules the PGA has in place. Viewers will get a better understanding of each shot and will give them detailed and accurate information about each shot.
I believe that implementing this device for PGA tours will give viewers a more enjoyable experience. Getting information about each shot and each player is important to the viewer. They want to see how they won the tournament, how they approached each hole, and some of the mistakes that they made. With such precise and real time information, data can be transferred to mobile devices so that users can select and obtain only the information they want. Someone might want to look at how Tiger Woods approached each hole, or someone might want to see how Vijay Singh approached each hole, or they might want to see how they both approached the same hole. This device will allow real time update for people who might be on the road or traveling and will give the audience a whole new experience for watching golf.
Here's a video about TrackMan.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
High Definition Golf
Imagine seeing the beautiful grass of the golf course, addressing the ball, and swinging your club and watching how far your ball goes right inside your living room. Interactive Sports Technologies is making this possible. I know the outdoors and beautiful scenery makes golfing even more enjoyable, but if the weather turns sour only the most dedicated players will still be out in the field.
The High Definition Golf simulator is the best simulator in the market. They will come to your house and install the system in the room of your choice. The simulator uses sensors to capture data.
It can detect the club head speed and angle to 1/10th of a degree!
Data Capture
Imagine a new generation arcade filled with these types of simulators. An advanced car racing simulator, motorcycle simulator, football passing simulator, basketball simulator, etc.. Then imagine being connected to other arcades where you can compete with complete strangers or compete with a friend out of town. Are you picturing it? Maybe a little picture-in-picture will help you out.
The High Definition Golf simulator is the best simulator in the market. They will come to your house and install the system in the room of your choice. The simulator uses sensors to capture data.
It can detect the club head speed and angle to 1/10th of a degree!Data Capture
- HD Golf’s proprietary Spectrum Sensor Technology™
- High resolution digital video based motion detection analysis system
- Unique ability to measure ball launch, club head path and face angle to 1/10th of a degree
- System designed to distinguish 1/10,000 of an inch tolerance
Critical Data from Ball Launch
Swing Path and Impact Position are measured, not calculated
- Ball speed
- Ball launch angle – vertically
- Ball launch angle – horizontally
- Ball spin – backspin and spin axis
- Club head speed
- Club head face angle at impact
- Club head path through impact zone
Imagine a new generation arcade filled with these types of simulators. An advanced car racing simulator, motorcycle simulator, football passing simulator, basketball simulator, etc.. Then imagine being connected to other arcades where you can compete with complete strangers or compete with a friend out of town. Are you picturing it? Maybe a little picture-in-picture will help you out.
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