GBR Weekly | Saso Triumphs, Nelly Stumbles at Her Own Amen Corner, but Tech and Sponsors Confirm the Hype of Women's Golf
Unveiling Golf’s Technological Leap: A Glimpse into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open - ShotLink’s Revolution, Fantasy Gaming, and Other Exciting Partnerships Announced in the Golf Industry This Past Week
Hello, GBR family. This week, we bring you a wealth of news from the golf industry with a special focus on women's golf. Let's dive in!
Enhancing Fan Experience with Cutting-Edge Technology at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Ally Financial boosts the U.S. Women’s Open prize fund to $12 million and enhances course branding.
Saso Makes History With Second U.S Open Title.
Nelly Korda’s tournament chances take a hit after recording a 10 on the par-3 12th hole at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Lexi Thompson will not play a full LPGA Tour schedule after this year, marking the end of an era in women's golf.
MacIntyre Claims Maiden PGA Tour Victory At RBC Canadian Open.
R&A And Fanatics Announce New Multi-Year Retail And Merchandising Contract.
J.Lindberg’s Highly Anticipated Capsule Collection Exclusively Available Through Function18.com.
ShotLink Enhanced For 2024 U.S. Women’s Open
After a successful rollout at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, ShotLink technology returned to enhance fans’ experience at the 2024 edition of the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club.
The ShotLink system was available for fans attending the second major championship of the year or those who were unable to attend via a feature on the USGA’s app or website called “ShotCast powered by Cisco.”
Using “ShotCast powered by Cisco,” fans were able to view:
3D hole imagery
In-depth green views
Dynamic shot trails
Radar data
Video Highlights
This meant that fans could track any golfer in the field and get in-depth data on their scoring. Fans attending Lancaster Country Club were able to track events through ShotLink-fed leaderboards, ensuring that the scoring was always up to date based on what was happening out on the course.
There were more technology enhancements at the men’s and women’s major championships in the drive to improve the fans’ experience. For example, 5G technology was rolled out at the recent USPGA Championship, a first in professional golf.
Dave Giancola, Director of Digital Strategy and Innovation at the USGA, affirmed: “We are digital-first championships. So whether you’re on the couch or on the course, our products can take you to our championships and take you in-depth into the field.”
Lancaster Country Club did offer some challenges as the course had never been mapped out for ShotLink previously. The conversations about mapping the course began in August 2023 with the ShotLink technicians finally getting onto the course in March this year. After the initial renders were produced, the team returned six weeks before the championship to cover any final changes in course setup.
During the tournament week, ShotLink had:
120 4K cameras positioned around the course to track golf ball flights
20-25 miles of fiber optic cables running underground to carry data
90-105 masts positioned throughout the course acting as power centers for telecommunication equipment and sensors
36 military-grade radars
Once the tournament reached its conclusion on Sunday, all the equipment was taken down and removed from the site within 24 hours.
New for 2024: Fantasy Game Integration
This year, the USGA, in collaboration with Ally Financial, the title sponsor of the U.S. Women’s Open, introduced the USGA Fantasy Flip. This championship-season-long fantasy game is available for all eight televised USGA championships, offering both individual game plays and a comprehensive season-long competition. This new feature adds another layer of engagement for fans, allowing them to interact with the championships in an innovative way.
The Ally Financial logo was prominently shown on the tee boxes and throughout the course. Ally Financial became the presenting sponsor for the U.S. Women’s Open in a deal with the USGA announced in February this year.
The deal also saw the total prize fund increased to $12 million, with the winner walking away with a cheque for $2.4 million. Speaking to Playing Through (SBNation), Ally’s Head of Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Stephanie Marciano, talked about how important it was to take the U.S. Open to some of the best courses in the country as a further way of increasing the impact and prestige of the tournament: “If we were going to invest in golf, it would be something that was big, long-term, and provided us an ownership position”. Marciano added: “The ability to be the presenting partner of a major and the best in class major, and to be able to make sure that this investment helped elevate the purse, elevated resources, and allowed players to continue to play at the best courses, that mattered to us. Equity matters to us. So this partnership just made a lot of sense.”
We’ve covered elsewhere in GBR the growing financial commitment made to enhance the ladies’ game. With Ally Financial on board, not only is additional funding in place but there are also more innovative ideas to bring more people into golf.
Saso Makes History With Second U.S Open Title
At 22 years old, Yuka Saso claimed her second U.S Open after a dominant back nine display in the final round at Lancaster Country Club.
It didn’t look plain sailing for Saso after four-putting the sixth hole for a double-bogey. Still, she steadied her ship with a run of five solid pars on what is considered the toughest stretch of holes at Lancaster Country Club.
Saso’s final round came to life at the par-three twelfth hole, which was made infamous earlier in the week when Nelly Korda recorded a ten on the hole. There were no such problems for Saso as her tee shot landed ten feet from the hole, and she calmly holed the birdie putt to move her to within one shot of the lead.
Saso claimed joint lead with a birdie at the par five thirteenth before a fantastic birdie at the difficult fourteenth, where her approach from 190 yards ended up five feet from the hole. Saso added to her advantage with another birdie on the sixteenth, and even though she dropped a shot at seventeen, she made par at the last to claim a two-shot victory.
“I just tried to be very patient out there. I think that’s what you need to do to win a major like this. Just have fun playing with the playing partners and enjoy the challenge.”
“This year, I was able to represent Japan, and I think I was able to give back to my dad. I’m very happy that I was able to do it. It’s just a wonderful feeling that I was able to give back to my parents in the same way.”
Yuka Saso
Saso’s U.S Open victory his only her second win on the LPGA Tour, her first victory came at The Olympic Club in 2021, which that year was hosting the U.S Open. She also joins Gee Chun and Se Ri Pak, whose first two LPGA titles were major championships. In 2021, when Saso won at Olympic, she raised the Filipino flag, which she dedicated to her Filipino mother. Yesterday, she raised the Japanese flag, where her father is from. Saso has dual nationality but, since 2022, has opted for Japanese nationality to keep her dual nationality status intact. By virtue of this, Saso becomes the first player to win the U.S. Open under two different nationalities.
MacIntyre Claims Maiden PGA Tour Victory At RBC Canadian Open
Robert MacIntyre held his nerve in the final round of the RBC Canadian Open to claim his first PGA Tour title and become the first Scot to win on the PGA Tour since Martin Laird in 2020. MacIntyre began the last day of the tournament with what looked like a comfortable four-shot lead. But trying to capture your first PGA Tour victory isn’t easy. A bogey at the first, coupled with Canadian golfer Mackenzie Hughes reeling off three birdies early in his round, saw the Scot’s advantage wiped out immediately.
MacIntyre wrestled the lead back with birdies at the fourth, seventh, and eighth. Going into the back nine, MacIntyre added a further birdie at the eleventh but put the pressure back on himself with bogeys at the twelfth and thirteenth. MacIntyre now had his playing partner, Ben Griffin, bearing down on him, who recorded birdies at the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth, but MacIntyre once more kept his composure and the lead with his own birdie at the fifteenth. MacIntyre calmly parred his remaining three holes and kept Griffin at bay to capture his first PGA Tour victory and claim a spot at the U.S Open at Pinehurst 2.
The win was all the more special as MacIntyre had his father caddying for him throughout the week: “I wanted to win this for my dad, this is the guy who has taught me the game of golf and I just can't believe I have done this with him on the bag. This is just everything for me and family, my girlfriend, my team.”
His father, Dougie MacIntyre, was both elated and astounded when the victory was confirmed with him on board. “It’s unbelievable,” he exclaimed, “I’m a groundskeeper, not a caddie.”
The R&A and Fanatics Announce New Multi-Year Retail and Merchandising Partnership
The R&A has announced an exciting new partnership with global digital sports specialists Fanatics, which will span retail and merchandising operations for both The Open and AIG Women’s Open Championships.
Scope of the Deal:
Covers retail and merchandising for The Open and AIG Women’s Open.
Includes eCommerce, event sites, and a physical store near the Old Course 18th green in St Andrews.
Fan Experience:
Fans will have access to the widest selection of official merchandise and memorabilia.
Limited edition collections will be available, enhancing the fan experience.
Fanatics' Role:
Fanatics will manage on-site merchandising tents at Troon for the 152nd Open Championship and at the AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews.
They have already been involved in the re-launch of the official website for these championships.
Statements from Key Figures:
Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer for The R&A:
“Fanatics has a renowned reputation and expertise in e-commerce and marketing and so they were the natural choice for a new partnership in which we are aiming to elevate our retail and merchandise offering for The Open and AIG Women’s Open to fans worldwide, including the expansion to six languages and five currencies. We look forward to working with Fanatics in the years to come to bolster fan engagement and usher in a new era for the promotion of our professional championships on a global scale.”
Stephen Dowling, President of International at Fanatics:
“The Open is one of the most prestigious championships in all of sport, reaching fans in more than 190 countries around the world, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to serve fans both attending in person and showing their support from across the globe. Golf is rapidly approaching a new era, becoming ever more inclusive and accessible to new fans of the sport. We welcome this opportunity to create fresh, exciting products for fans both current and new, including brand collaborations and fashion-focused, lifestyle, and heritage product lines. Golf fans around the world can be excited about what will be available to them in the coming years.”
Context and Background:
Fanatics' Experience in Golf:
Long-standing partnership with the USGA.
Recently announced a long-term deal with the Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy-backed technology-based golf league, TGL presented by SOFi.
Fanatics' Broader Portfolio:
Provides eCommerce and retailing assistance to over 900 organizations, leagues, and teams.
Includes major entities like Formula One, The International Olympic Committee (IOC), NBA, NFL, UEFA, Chelsea Football Club, and Paris Saint-Germain.
J.Lindberg’s Highly Anticipated Capsule Collection Exclusively Available Through Function18.com
Golf Business News reported last week that Scandinavian clothing firm J. Lindberg’s capsule collection will be available from Today through selected retailers and Function18.com.
Along with J.Lindberg, Function18.com offers fashion-conscious golfers access to designs from leading fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Adidas, and Puma. The J.Linberg capsule collection features designs that will be worn by the United States men's and women’s golf teams during competition at the Olympics. The collection was first revealed at the PGA Golf Show in Orlando earlier this year. Hans-Christian Meyer, CEO of J.Lindberg said at the time: “We are ecstatic to unveil our complete J.Lindeberg USA Golf Collection in Orlando. It is a huge privilege to dress the United States golf teams for the summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Paris; this further demonstrates our dedication to producing sportswear of the highest quality.”
The collection will feature polo shirts equipped with ClimaCool moisture-wicking technology and UV50 protection to help keep golfers cool in Paris's summer heat and humidity. The collection also features bold designs, typical of J. Lindberg, in the red, white, and blue of the American flag. Golf was re-introduced to the Olympic Games in 2016, with Justin Rose taking gold. Xander Schauffele won the 2020 competition, and his gold medal now has the Wanamaker Trophy for company in his trophy cabinet after capturing the PGA Championship earlier this month.
More about the circuits
Akshay Bhatia honored his late friend Grayson Murray by writing “G$” on his wrist before the RBC Canadian Open. This gesture, symbolizing Murray’s nickname "G-Money," was accompanied by a heartfelt Instagram post where Bhatia admitted, “Oh, God, I didn’t think it would be this hard.” His emotional tribute underscores the profound impact Murray had on those around him. Bhatia’s public display of grief has encouraged others to speak openly about their own struggles and the importance of seeking help.
In a surprising turn of events, the charges against Scottie Scheffler by Louisville police at the PGA Championship were dropped by the county attorney. The situation has raised questions about the necessity and impact of legal actions within the realm of professional sports, leaving many to wonder if it should have escalated to this point. This incident has sparked debate about the fairness and transparency of legal proceedings involving high-profile athletes.
Lexi Thompson has announced that she will not be playing a full schedule on the LPGA Tour after this year. Thompson, known for her excellence on the course and as an ambassador for women's golf, has had a remarkable career that has inspired many. Her decision marks the end of an era in women's golf. Fans and fellow players alike have expressed their admiration and gratitude for her contributions to the sport over the years.
Nelly Korda faced a major setback at the U.S. Women’s Open when she recorded a 10 on the par-3 12th hole in the first round. This rare and difficult feat significantly impacted her chances in the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf and the mental strength required to compete at such high levels. Despite this disappointment, Korda remains a formidable competitor and continues to be a favorite in future tournaments.
Adam Scott is aiming to compete in his 92nd consecutive major championship, but he must first navigate the final qualifying round for the U.S. Open on Monday. Many in the golf community believe that Scott, given his consistent performance and dedication, deserves a special exemption from the USGA. Scott’s quest has garnered widespread support from fans and fellow golfers who recognize his remarkable achievement and enduring skill.
Europe Calling…
Record-Breaking Attendance at the British Golf Show. The British Golf Show, held at Wycombe Air Park from May 17-18, 2024, saw its highest attendance ever with 6,729 golfers. Organized by Elite Events and co-hosted by the PGA of GB&I, the event featured 115 exhibitors offering a wide range of golf-related products and services. Visitors participated in various on-site challenges, received prizes from sponsors like AB Golf, and enjoyed fully booked free golf lessons from PGA Professionals. AB Golf also conducted over 60 custom fittings. Alex Ayling, managing director of Elite Events, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and announced plans for the show's 2025 enhancements and a new northern edition at Leeds East Airport on July 5-6.
The Club Company, the UK's largest golf club operator, has acquired Greetham Valley in Rutland, making it their 17th golf club. Established by the Hinch family in 1991, Greetham Valley spans 276 acres and includes two 18-hole championship courses, a nine-hole par-three course, a floodlit driving range, and a putting green. It also features a refurbished 35-bedroom hotel, eight self-catering lodges, and extensive event facilities. Richard Calvert, CEO of The Club Company, expressed excitement about the acquisition, praising the Hinch family's legacy. The Hinch family stated that The Club Company is the perfect fit to continue Greetham Valley's success.
Tagmarshal and Club Caddie Partnership: Tagmarshal, a market leader in optimizing on-course operations and pace-of-play management, has joined forces with Club Caddie, a provider of innovative tee-sheet solutions. This partnership aims to enhance the golfing experience for both facilities and players by integrating Tagmarshal’s advanced pace and flow of play management and data analytics capabilities with Club Caddie’s tee-sheet management system.
IAGTO European Convention: The convention, held in Andalucia’s Malaga City in the Costa del Sol, attracted 780 delegates, making it the largest golf tourism sales event that IAGTO has staged in its 27-year history.
Golfbreaks and N1 Golf Partnership: This collaboration will see Golfbreaks’ branding displayed across the N1 portfolio of driving ranges, with both companies sharing the goal of encouraging more people to play golf.
‘Battle of Stars’ Charity Match: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola are set to headline in this charity golf tournament in Mallorca. This event unites celebrities and amateur golfers in the fight against ALS and multiple sclerosis.
That´s all for today, folks.
Have a lovely week!!!