CDW and the PGA

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.