Two new partnerships forged by NBC Sports Group’s golf division with Topgolf and Full Swing Simulators are poised to bring golfer-pleasing and profit-building technology to clubhouses and practice ranges across the U.S. and around the world.
As part of a broad partnership with Topgolf – which also includes naming Toptracer the exclusive shot-tracking technology for NBC Sports’ PGA TOUR Telecasts – GOLFNOW will promote Toptracer Range, a fast-growing tech product engineered by Topgolf, which is helping modernize the golfer experience at local golf facilities.
“Topgolf has long been committed to bettering the industry through technology, whether by enhancing the guest experience at our venues, improving PGA TOUR broadcasts through innovations like Toptracer, or helping driving range operators transform their facilities into entertainment destinations with Toptracer Range,” said Ben Sharpe, president of Toptracer.
Toptracer technology tracks the flight of a golf ball within a camera feed, as well as provides real-time 3D ball flight data analytics such as ball speed, apex, curve and carry that is integrated into virtual graphics.
“This partnership allows Topgolf and NBC Sports to combine our strengths to modernize how fans engage with golf,” said Mike McCarley, president of GOLF, NBC Sports. “We’re thrilled at how it will make for high-quality PGA TOUR coverage, but we’re equally excited to showcase technology like Toptracer Range for golf courses, and help evolve the golf experience for the future.”
GOLFNOW and Topgolf’s sales teams will collaborate to introduce Toptracer Range to golf facilities worldwide, providing them with the opportunity to use the same ball-tracking technology that traces the shots of the game’s best players on television. Toptracer Range helps traditional facilities attract both avid and novice players by transforming driving ranges into practice and entertainment destinations. It combines tech and fun to create a superior experience that is perfect for all skill levels, allowing friends and family to compete in a variety of games or play virtual golf on simulated courses.
This initiative complements the recent integration of Topgolf into GOLFNOW’s website and mobile application, which currently allows more than 3.5 million registered users to book reservations at select Topgolf venues through its world’s largest online tee-time platform.
Full Swing Simuators’ technology, endorsed by Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and other tour stars, also will be promoted by GOLFNOW’s sales force to its golf course partners as a complementary option to the traditional round of golf. Through its tee-time marketplace – the largest in the world – GOLFNOW will integrate the sites of Full Swing installations into its website and mobile reservation applications. This will enable a seamless booking experience for golfers interested in visiting golf facilities enabled with Full Swing Simulators technology.
“Today’s player continues to look for different ways to enjoy the game when they can’t be outside on the golf course, and we are eager to introduce Full Swing technology to our forward-thinking golf course partners as a revenue-generating option,” said Will McIntosh, executive vice president, Strategy, GOLF.
Full Swing also will become the Official Simulator Partner of GOLF, including GOLF Channel productions, Revolution GOLF and GOLFNOW. A Full Swing simulator is being used this week inside the GOLF booth at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show.