PGA Tour Unveils Cutting-Edge Technology at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

PGA Tour Unveils Cutting-Edge Technology at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Pebble Beach, CA — The PGA Tour is stepping into the future of golf broadcasting with a series of innovative technological advancements debuting this week at the highly anticipated AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. As the season’s first Signature event, it promises not just breathtaking views but also a glimpse into the future of sports coverage.

On Thursday, the Tour introduced groundbreaking tech from Weather Applied Metrics (WAM) during its PGA Tour Live broadcast. This sophisticated technology, already utilized in Major League Baseball parks and select NFL stadiums, was also featured in NBC’s Super Bowl coverage just days prior. WAM’s capabilities allow for precise measurement of wind flow and speed at various heights, providing golfers and viewers with insights into how wind conditions can affect the trajectory of a golf ball—crucial information for players navigating the iconic Pebble Beach course.

“More new graphic/tech implementation this week,” tweeted sports journalist Josh Carpenter, highlighting the integration of WAM technology into the tournament’s broadcasts. “The tour is working with Weather Applied Metrics to show wind patterns/speed.”

In addition to PGA Tour Live, major networks like Golf Channel and CBS are set to incorporate this cutting-edge technology into their coverage, enhancing the viewing experience for fans at home. Upcoming events, including the Cognizant Classic and the Players Championship, are expected to leverage WAM’s capabilities, particularly in challenging areas like the notorious “Bear Trap” at the Palm Beach course.

But the innovations don’t stop there. The Tour’s Drone AR technology, first introduced in the summer of 2024, made its debut on PGA Tour Live, offering viewers a unique aerial perspective of the action. Previously reserved for linear broadcasts, this technology promises to elevate the viewing experience, providing fans with a bird’s-eye view of the course and its challenges.

Another exciting development is the “Shot Shapes” feature, which analyzes players’ preferred shot patterns—whether they favor a left-to-right cut or a right-to-left draw. This data-driven approach allows broadcasters to tell richer stories about players’ strategies and tendencies. At the recent Farmers Insurance Open, CBS showcased this technology by illustrating Justin Rose’s shot preferences, providing fans with deeper insights into the game.

Moreover, the PGA Tour has rolled out new putt path data and graphics on its Tourcast web platform, enhancing the analytical tools available to fans and broadcasters alike. These enhancements are set to make their way into upcoming linear broadcasts, further enriching the viewing experience.

As the PGA Tour embraces these technological advancements, fans can look forward to a more immersive and informative experience, making golf not just a game of skill but also a showcase of innovation. With the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am setting the stage, the future of golf broadcasting is brighter than ever.