Indoor Golf and the rise of gamification in a traditional sport
The Rise Of Gamification In Golf: Both on the course and indoors
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live. It has changed the way we do sports as well. With the evolution of digital technology and the introduction of tech in sports in the past year, we feel that many of the technological advancements across the sports world are likely to stick once the pandemic passes.
Some of the key technological advancements that have been observed for athletes and spectators include improved AI analytics, time-tracking systems, GPS data tracking, video technology, and virtual imaging via mobile apps, wearables, and other innovative devices.
In this article, we are looking into The Rise Of Gamification In Golf and discussing the innovations and the use of technology in modern-day golf.
The Indoor Golf Industry
This concept of combining indoor golf simulators with lounge bars was originally invented by two brothers from Watford, UK. But let’s go back a few years.
TopGolf
In 2000, Steve and Dave Jolliffe developed Topgolf. Originally known as "Target Oriented Practice Golf," the brothers Jolliffe used proprietary radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and dartboard-style targets to track distances and designed a new game, Topgolf, which is redesigned the driving range experience.
TopGolf - Re-inventing the driving range through technology
A few years later they introduced event space, larger kitchens, and restaurants, and making locations 3 to 4 times the original's size, Topgolf became one of the world's leaders in the indoor golfing industry with 50+ locations, adding about 8 per year to the portfolio.
Konnect Golf
Many golf enthusiasts turn to technology to enhance their understanding and competence in sport and create indoor golf venues for urban golfers. One of those certainly is Konnectgolf in New York.
Keeping up with the technological innovations in the heart of Manhattan, golfers can have the “social experience of golf in a short time frame”.
Golf Simulators
Early indoor golf simulators first appeared in the early 1970s. Indoor golf is a synonym for all activities in golf which can be carried out indoors. Venues include indoor driving ranges, chipping areas, putting greens, and machines. A golf simulator allows golf to be played on a graphically or photographically simulated driving range or golf course.
The technical advancements have turned a practice tool into a way players can experience a full round of golf without ever leaving a room.
An indoor Golf simulation at Frilford Heath Golf Club
The computer calculates the expected trajectory of the golf ball from data gathered on the swing, and the image of the golf ball flight is then simulated on the screen via a projector.
Golf simulators need to present club speed, club path, clubface angle at impact, ball speed, ball path, horizontal and vertical launch angle, and spin. There are several types of measurement systems used in golf simulation to achieve this, such as simulator mats, sonic sound systems, optical sensor arrays, radar and camera ball tracking systems.
“We want (golfers) to take lessons. We want them to get better equipment, and get fit. We want them to do all these things to improve their game, but if all they do is make smarter decisions through data and (Artificial Intelligence) then they’re going to play better. It’s almost guaranteed,” says Tom Williams, vice-president of Arccos.
18Birdies KRC Research
Mobile golf technology startup 18Birdies, conducted a KRC Research commissioned a study on the subject of the current state of golf participation. Interviewing 1,769 Americans age 16 and older the study revealed that there is a large proportion of non-golfers who are interested in learning the sport:
4 out of 10 non-golfers are interested in learning and playing
67% of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1994/6) and 73% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012/15) non-golfers stated they want to learn to play
The research showed an increased interest in mobile technology and its use in golfing:
61% of golfers would play more if their smartphone had an app that keeps score
63% of non-golfers are more likely to play with the help of smartphones
86% would benefit from technology that could track distances
Both golfers and non-golfers agree that golf is a good way to meet new people and network. They look for ways to make the game more fun and the majority would play more if they could bet with others and play side-games on the course.
Research also showed that different formats of tournaments and gameplay would lead to increased participation, which includes scramble formats and shorter rounds.
18Birdies launched one of the most famous golf mobile apps.
Among other features, AI Coach is the most fascinating one by far. The AI Coach automatically detects the key, fundamental flaws in your swing, and prioritizes what you need to work on to improve. Now that you know what to work on – the AI Coach then recommends a full lesson plan that consists of easy-to-digest drills that target exactly what you need to improve.
“The biggest thing technology can do is improve the overall experience and tailor it to the modern lifestyle. Especially in the most important demographic: the Millennials.
How do we use technology to understand their behavior and then help golf courses to deliver experiences on a golf course that fits their schedule and lifestyle? At the same time, technology is all about connectivity and integration.
Now, using technology and connecting golfers and golf courses, you remove barriers like ‘golf is not accessible’ or ‘I don’t know where to play or who to play with.’ It’s the democratization of information so now golfers can figure out what works for them. We’re no longer saying everybody is the same.” says Eddy Lui, CEO of 18Birdies.
Fantasy Golf
Fantasy golf is one of the fastest-growing activities in the fantasy sports industry and can generate more engagement, interaction, and competition for members of a private club.
For those not familiar with the term, a fantasy sport is a type of game, often played using the Internet, where participants assemble imaginary or virtual teams composed of proxies of real players of a professional sport.
In fantasy golf, the participants each assemble a team of real-life golfers and then score points based on those players' performance in golf tournaments, with games typically following the US PGA Tour and the European Tour.
