"If they do this at the Masters we RIOT!" Golf fans RIP latest piece of tech
PGA Tour viewers were treated to a new piece of technology - "Predicta-ball" - during the WM Phoenix Open, but not everyone is a fan.
Golf fans were treated to a new piece of technology during the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open.
It's called "Predicta-ball" and it uses radar technology to track the golf ball through the air. It is also coupled with ShotTracer.
Once the golf ball reaches its apex, the landing circle decreases in size and shows viewers exactly where the ball will land.
I have to be honest and agree with what the majority of golf fans are saying about this. What, exactly, is the point of this?
Watch it in action here:
Big fans of "Predicata-ball" here. Good name, great tech. pic.twitter.com/8Rpra3Ium1
— Skratch (@Skratch) February 11, 2023
There is no denying that in 2023 golf broadcasters are trying to use technology to improve the viewing experience.
For example, CBS has been interviewing players on the course. Though not everyone is keen. Rory McIlroy has said he will need some convincing.
Max Homa was happy to oblige at Torrey Pines and absolutely cracked up Trevor Immelman with a subtle Patrick Reed dig when he found his golf ball embedded.
Recent Nike signing Tom Kim was the latest player to have a chin wag with the commentators and analysts during his third round.
Golf nerds absolutely loved his conversation with caddie Joe Skovron before he hit a world class approach.
Mic’d up Tom is the best Tom
Listen in to @JoohyungKim0621 and Joe Skovron draw up the perfect approach @WMPhoenixOpen. pic.twitter.com/m8ERUM6sKk— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 11, 2023
It has to be said, though, that "Predicta-ball" is not for everyone.
Comments included:
"It's very clever, but I'm struggling to see how it improves watching golf."
"Nope. I don't like it."
"I'd rather just wait the three seconds and see for myself and not have a graphic taking up a quarter of the screen."
Related: Jordan Spieth amazes his caddie with bunker shot
"If we are not there already... the viewer will one day be able to turn on/off the graphics they want."
"It takes all the suspense out of watching live."
"Who cares where the ball is going to land if that isn't where it actually finishes."
"Sure, let's add more stuff on the screen that distracts from the actual experience of watching the golfer and the ball."
What do we make of "Predicta-ball"?
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) February 12, 2023
"Good tech, nice try, but this needs to end."
"What's the point? Just to show that it's possible? It doesn’t change the viewing experience at all."
"Completely unnecessary and adds nothing to the game."
"It stinks"
"Takes away some of the excitement of watching the shots. Great tech. Use it for the indoor simulators. It's a no from me!"
"Hate it. It ruins watching golf. The excitement is in watching the ball fly and seeing where it lands. This technology takes the excitement out of watching golf. Get rid of it!"
"If they use this at the Masters we will riot!"
What do you think? Don't hesitate to Tweet us and let us know.
Next page: Xander benefits from second opinion
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
