GBR Weekly | PGA Announces Viewing Enhancements For FedEx Cup Playoffs, Toptracer's Record Week At The British Open
Catch up on GolfForever's new partnership with the LPGA, Troon International's expansion in Asia, the passing of one of the golf industry's most important club designers, and PXG's new releases.
Hi, GBR community,
It’s been a busy week in golf, and we are once again on hand to furnish you with the latest insights, keeping you in the loop about what you need to know.
For your reading pleasure, we have:
Enhanced viewing options for the FedEx Cup playoffs - The PGA Tour has announced new collaborations with YouTube influencers as part of a package to delve deeper into the upcoming playoffs.
Bumper week for Toptracer - A record week at the British Open highlighted by The Postage Stamp challenge.
GolfForever’s new LPGA partnership - New coaching initiatives announced to help coach amatuer players more effectively.
Troon International’s Asian expansion - New partnership announced with Singapore-based SMARTSCORE
Remembering Helmstetter - Richard Helmstetter was the brains behind some of the most iconic clubs in golf. We look back on his legacy.
PXG’s new releases - two new irons and updates to its popular wedges will be available from August.
Vegas wins again on the PGA Tour - A year besieged by injuries and seven years since his last victory, Jhonattan Vegas is a PGA Tour winner again.
Choi captures first senior major - K.J. Choi claims his second senior title at the Senior Open Championship.
Reading recommendations - Is golf at the Olympics a big deal? How good a golfer is Donald Trump?
PGA Announces Viewing Enhancements For FedEx Cup Playoffs
The PGA Tour is gearing up to offer an array of enhancements to the FedExCup Playoffs, which will begin on August 15 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis and conclude on September 1 at the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
Josh Carpenter, writing in Sports Business Journal, highlights how the enhancements are designed to engage a broader audience through innovative content streams, advanced technology, and a new golf influencer-driven event, with the aim of making the playoffs more accessible and exciting for fans.
Innovative Content Streams and Influencer Involvement
The Tour is introducing a fresh twist to its ESPN+ PGA Tour Live coverage by enlisting popular YouTube personalities and creating unique streaming opportunities. Wesley Bryan, a seasoned tour player, and his brother George will host a special segment from 12-2 pm ET on Thursday and Friday of the tournament.
They will be joined by Grant Horvat, who currently has 755,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, for on-the-ground reporting. This initiative aims to merge the traditional golf audience with a younger, digitally savvy demographic, expanding the sport's reach.
Creator Classic at East Lake
Additionally, the Tour is launching the "Creator Classic," a nine-hole stroke play competition featuring 16 influential golf content creators. Scheduled the day before the Tour Championship, this event will be live-streamed on the Tour's YouTube channel and broadcast on platforms like Peacock and ESPN+.
Enhanced Broadcasting and Technology
The Tour is reintroducing its moving drone tracer technology, first seen during the Travelers Championship.
NBC, taking over from CBS for the playoffs, will use drone tracer technology to enhance coverage, particularly at the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship. The drone's augmented reality graphics will provide detailed insights into course elevations and other crucial aspects, notably at Castle Pines Golf Club, known for its challenging terrain.
NBC's "Golf Channel Live" will be on-site for all three playoff events, offering in-depth coverage and previews. Former player and now-broadcaster Smylie Kaufman will host "The Smylie Show" podcast, adding another layer of analysis and entertainment.
Digital Innovations
Continuing its push towards digital integration, the PGA Tour will showcase its PGA Tour Vision app alongside the Apple Vision Pro during the playoffs. This app provides users with a comprehensive viewing experience, including shot trails for every shot, a full leaderboard, highlights, and live course statistics. The app’s inclusion of all 18 holes across the three courses offers fans an immersive way to follow the action.
“With the YouTube golf creators, that’s a burgeoning area for our sport and we want to make sure we’re bringing their audience to us and us to them. The important part, at the end of the day, is that we listen to what our fans say. How did these new offerings resonate? What did they like and what can we improve? That’s crucial to our planning for next year.” - Laura Neal, PGA Tour, EVP/Brand Communications.
Toptracer Enjoys Record Open Championship
Toptracer had a hugely successful week at the British Open, reporting its highest levels of engagement with fans attending Royal Troon and worldwide at the 1,000+ Toptracer venues.
We covered the initiatives that Toptracer had lined up before the start of the British Open, along with the newly announced five-year partnership with The R&A here a few weeks ago.
One of the most popular challenges Toptracer offered was taking on the fiendish “Postage Stamp” 8th hole at Royal Troon, with Toptracer recording some truly impressive stats for the Postage Stamp challenge:
523,364 tee shots hit both at Toptracer’s stand in the tented village at Royal Troon and around the world at Toptracer ranges during championship week
56 holes-in-one were registered
6 holes-in-one registered by the same golfer in Japan
3,430, the highest number of attempts recorded by one player
1,000 shots. Seven golfers recorded over 1,000 attempts each during Championship Week
It wasn’t just the Postage Stamp challenge where Toptracer had a significant engagement.
The indoor hitting bays that Toptracer set up in Royal Troon’s tented village witnessed 40,265 shots hit by the golfing public attending the Open. By comparison, the pros hit 34,710 shots around Royal Troon, from Justin Leonard’s opening tee shot on Thursday morning to Xander Schauffele’s final winning putt on Sunday evening.
Toptracer technology was also on display at the Open driving range, where professionals logged an impressive 68,942 shots during practice sessions before and after rounds. The data was displayed on a large screen at the side of the range so fans could follow the flight of the ball along with metrics like ball speed and carry distance.
The increased engagement highlights the growing interest in the technology Toptracer offers, where golfers can utilize the system for serious practice, skills challenges, and course simulations.
“We are thrilled with the incredible level of participation and engagement during our multiple activations through The Open. Our partnership with The R&A has allowed us to bring the excitement of The Open to golf fans around the world, and the record-breaking numbers reflect the passion and enthusiasm of the global golf community and their affinity for both our technology and The Open.” - Scott Blevins, General Manager at Toptracer.
GolfForever Partners with LPGA Professionals
GolfForever, a leading at-home golf fitness training system, has announced a new partnership with LPGA Professionals, the world's largest association of women golf instructors. The collaboration aims to revolutionize golf training by integrating fitness and well-being into coaching practices.
The partnership introduces LPGA teaching professionals to the GolfForever Certification program. This program helps instructors identify and address physical limitations affecting their students' swings and enhances a coach’s ability to improve student performance, both on and off the course.
Since late 2023, GolfForever has provided LPGA Tour and Epson Tour players with Swing Trainers and personalized plans via their app. This partnership includes live activations, fitness seminars, and golf fitness content with LPGA players alongside GolfForever Warmup Stations at select LPGA Tour stops. The company will also be present at the LPGA Professionals National Championship in Tampa, hosting driving range demos and participating in the welcome reception.
GolfForever's impact is already evident, with top golfers like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, 2023 Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson, and others using the system to enhance their game.
The GolfForever Swing Trainer, a versatile training tool, is a key component of their offerings. It helps players improve strength, mobility, and movement patterns crucial for a powerful golf swing.
This partnership highlights the importance of fitness in golf and showcases the potential for innovative collaborations to drive the sport forward. As GolfForever and LPGA Professionals work together, they are poised to help golfers break through physical barriers and achieve new performance levels.
"The LPGA is an incredible and valued partner, and we look forward to working more closely with the amazing LPGA teaching professionals to help golfers everywhere move and perform better." - Jon Levy, Vice President of Communications & Strategic Partnerships, GolfForever.
"We are excited to partner with GolfForever to provide our LPGA Professionals with the tools and resources needed to remove their students’ physical limitations and enhance their performance and overall well-being." - Nancy Henderson, Chief Teaching Officer, LPGA.
Troon Expands Its Reach In Asia With SMARTSCORE Partnership
Troon International, a global leader in golf and club-related leisure services, has recently announced a strategic partnership with South Korean company SMARTSCORE.
This collaboration marks a significant step in Troon's expansion across Asia, bringing their expertise to five premier golf courses in the region. The courses included in the new partnership are:
Artitaya Bangkok, Thailand
Artitaya Chiang Mai, Thailand
Artitaya Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Borneo Country Club, Malaysia
Kingsrock Country Club, South Korea.
The three new clubs in Thailand represent Troon's first foray into the Thai golf market. Additionally, the inclusion of Borneo Country Club in Malaysia adds to Troon's existing presence in the country, where they already manage the Ocean and Valley Courses at the Els Club Desaru Coast.
The partnership with Kingsrock Country Club is Troon’s second venture in South Korea, following a recent management agreement with the new Gold Hill Country Club near Seoul.
This alliance is a significant development for Troon, as it seeks to bring its renowned standards to these golf clubs through comprehensive technical and advisory services. The goal is to implement innovative solutions and best practices, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
This partnership strengthens Troon International's foothold in Asia and highlights the region's growing importance in the global golf industry.
SMARTSCORE, based in Seoul, South Korea, is a cutting-edge golf IT platform known for its expertise in golf course operation solutions, score management systems, and big data analytics. The company boasts a strong presence in the Korean market, with over 500 golf courses and three million app users. This partnership with Troon is expected to significantly enhance SMARTSCORE's global competitiveness.
“This partnership with SMARTSCORE is an exciting opportunity for Troon International to further expand our presence in Asia. By combining our advisory expertise with SMARTSCORE’s innovative IT solutions at these brilliant golf clubs, we can offer unparalleled support, driving them to the next level of operational excellence and customer satisfaction.” - DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International.
“We expect this to be a significant moment for SMARTSCORE Group to gain global competitiveness, and we hope to become leaders in the global golf market, including Asia, together with Troon.” - Sung-Hoon Jung, Chairman of SMARTSCORE Group.
Helmstetter Passes
Thursday, 25th July, saw the passing of Richard Helmstetter at the age of 82.
Golf Digest’s Mike Stachura’s article provides great insight into one of the most revolutionary golf club designers in the history of the game, whose legacy lives on in club design today.
Helmstetter was behind the design of some of Callaway’s most iconic golf clubs after joining the company in 1986 after founder Ely Callaway had courted his services.
Helmstetter went about setting up arguably one of the greatest R&D departments seen in any golf company, with some of the notable additions being:
Alan Hocknell—took over the responsibility of heading Callaway’s R&D and is now the vice president of Titleist’s advanced research and innovation.
Austie Rollinson - became the principal visionary behind Odyssey Putters and is now senior director of putter R&D at Scotty Cameron.
Mike Yagley - headed Callaway’s R&D for golf balls and is now VP of innovation and AI at Cobra Puma Golf.
Helmstetter’s Greatest Hits
If you are still unsure of Helmstetter's impact on the world of golf and golf club design, his back catalog of designs is worth looking at. Very few golfers haven’t had a Hemstetter-designed club in their bag at some point.
In his time, Helmstetter was responsible for:
S2H2 Woods
Big Bertha
Great Big Bertha
Callaway C4 Driver
Odyssey 2-Ball putter
With the Great Big Bertha launch in 1995, Helmstetter helped usher in the new age of titanium-headed drivers. Titanium was stronger and lighter than steel, meaning heads could be made bigger and offer increased performance through the spring-like effect created between the clubface and the ball.
While ultimately not a success, the C4 driver, constructed from carbon fiber, provided a glimpse of the future of driver head design. Carbon fiber was lighter in weight and stronger than titanium, which would help designers reposition weight within the head and create faster ball speeds off the face.
Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cobra use carbon fiber extensively in their driver designs today.
Helmstetter had seen short game guru Dave Pelz use a training putter featuring a “three-ball” design. Seeing the potential in the Pelz design, Helmstetter bought the design rights, which formed the foundation for the Odyssey 2-Ball putter, one of the most successful putter designs of all time.
“Richard Helmstetter was a legend and a true innovator in the golf industry. He was so passionate about his work, and for making the game more enjoyable for golfers. More importantly, he was a great man; he cared deeply about the next generation of club designers, mentored so many colleagues, and treated everyone warmly and with respect.” - Chip Brewer, president and CEO at Topgolf Callaway Brands.
New Releases On The Way From PXG
PXG announced yesterday (Monday 29th July) three new releases, which are all scheduled for release on 7th August. The announcement confirms the launch of:
PXG 0311 GEN7 Irons
PXG Black Ops Irons
PXG Sugar Daddy Wedges
The 0311 irons have formed the backbone of the PXG iron range. Now entering its seventh edition, PXG is promising more explosive power and feel from the thinnest face it can legally produce within a traditional-styled head, which continues to promote shot-shaping capabilities.
The Black Ops irons are billed as PXG’s first pure game improvement iron that will be suitable for a wide variety of golfers. The Black Ops are likely to be a multi-material construction with PXG also making the face as thin as possible to provide exceptional distance.
The Sugar Daddy Wedges feature three-times forged and 100% CNC milled heads. PXG offers a variety of grinds and bounces to offer golfers a wide range of flexibility.
As with all PXG clubs, customization is the key to maximizing their potential. Golfers can get the full PXG custom fitting experience at one of PXG’s 24 stores across the U.S. or via a PXG-authorized fitter.
Victory For Vegas
It’s fair to say that life hasn’t been easy for Jhonattan Vegas in recent times. However, things are looking a lot better after he completed his victory at the 3M Open, TPC Twin Cities, Minn on Sunday evening.
Vegas had been playing on medical exemptions following a disastrous 2022/23 season, during which he was unable to play due to complications arising from surgery to remove a fragmented bone segment from his elbow.
Vegas hasn’t fully healed, and the final round saw him struggling with continuous pain in his shoulder.
Battling with shoulder pain, Vegas made a nervy bogey at first. However, he went on to record birdies at four and six before making another bogey to finish his front nine in level par.
Another bogey was recorded on thirteen, followed by a birdie on fifteen, which steadied the ship again for Vegas.
Needing a birdie at the last, Vegas’s pulled approach shot finished 96 feet away from the hole. A three-putt would have put Vegas into a playoff, but he lagged his putt within three feet of the hole, and the subsequent holed putt for birdie meant Vegas had won his first PGA Tour event in seven years.
Vegas’s one-shot victory over Max Greyserman secures his full playing rights and puts him inside the all-important top 70 players with one regular tournament to play before the FedEx Cup playoffs begin.
“My boy was asking me, ‘When am I going to have a picture with a trophy? There was a big cloud on top of my head because I need to have a win for him….This is a big win for them and they're going to enjoy it more than I am, for sure.” - Jhonattan Vegas, 2024 3M Open Champion, referring to having his family at the side of the 18th green as he claimed victory.
Choi Wins At Carnoustie
K.J. Choi claimed his first senior major championship at the Senior Open Championship with a two-shot victory over Australian Richard Green at Carnoustie.
Choi began the final round with a one-shot lead and, after a steady front nine, pulled clear of the field with a four-under-par back nine to claim victory.
By winning the Senior Open Championship, Choi has claimed his second victory on the Champions Tour after his win in 2021.
“This event is historical in Korea, first-time champion in Senior Open. Very proud this week.” - K.J. Choi, 2024 Senior Open Championship Winner.
What We Are Reading
With the Olympics now fully underway in Paris and the Champion Golfer of the Year, Xander Schauffele, defending the gold medal he won in Tokyo in 2020, Jack Milko's writing on “Playing Through” provides some food for thought on where Olympic golf resides in the hierarchy of golf accomplishments for players.
Bryson DeChambeau has had a great year. He captured his second U.S. Open and nearly won the PGA Championship. However, playing golf with former U.S. President and Republican nominee Donald Trump will surely be a highlight. The round filmed for DeChambeau’s YouTube channel is breaking all sorts of records on the streaming platform.