Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Toptracer Range to Make U.S. Major Championship Debut at 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive CC

(ST. LOUIS) – Toptracer, the most used ball-tracking technology in golf broadcasts around the world, will make its American major championship range debut at the 100th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12 at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.

The popular ground-breaking technology will be on display on a giant LED screen at the driving range. For fans watching at home, Toptracer will be featured in the CBS, TNT, Golf Channel and PGA.com broadcasts from the golf range, showing how players in the field prepare for their rounds and also practice.

This week on the practice range, golf fans can see real-time data, view the shape of each PGA Championship competitors’ shot, and compare it to other players for an exciting spectator experience. Cameras are strategically positioned on the entire length of the practice range to ensure that every shot hit is tracked.

Toptracer will also cover all 18 tee boxes, while two wireless fairway systems will track second and third shots on the course. A third fairway system will be dedicated to Hole No. 17—which will show the ball trajectory in a unique, virtual, 3-D format. Three tees will also be part of a state-of-the-art DirecTV 4K HLG HDR broadcast.

“The PGA of America is proud that the 100th PGA Championship will be home to the largest activation of golf ball tracking technology ever, as well as the first major in the country to implement Toptracer Range,” said PGA Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “Each year, we implement the most innovative technologies to provide an exciting, game-changing experience for fans attending the PGA Championship and for those enjoying the telecast at home.”

Founded by Swedish engineers trying to visualize golf ball trajectories for television viewers, Toptracer has been featured at every large-stage event golf has to offer. Toptracer is presented in more than 100 broadcast productions each year and at driving ranges in 15 states and seven countries.

“Our goal is to transform the way golf is watched and played, providing golfers a new way to play and practice,” said Ben Sharpe, president of Toptracer. “We are proud to team with the PGA of America to create a fun, interactive range experience for the fans at the 100th PGA Championship. The PGA recognizes how advanced technology can enhance the golfing experience and, ultimately, help grow the game.”

For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org.

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