Robo Golf

Several months ago I learned about Sphero (hat tip to Brad Feld), the world’s first robotic ball that is controlled by smartphone apps, and it keeps popping up in my thoughts.

The company has a golf app that is pretty cool.  Essentially, you use movements of your smartphone to control the movements of the ball.  Brilliant.  I don’t know if I’d pay $130 for one, but I do know that I’d want it if I were a kid.

Here's "Office Golf" -

And here's a ridiculous version of "night golf" -

With all the talk in the golf industry about needing to make the game easier and more fun, the Sphero product has me wondering about what other software-based inventions could arise.

How about a ball whose spin can be controlled by a mobile app a la Tiger Woods Golf.  Or, a ball that actually listens to commands like “get down!” or “go!” 

How about a clubhead with a laser in it to show where you’re aimed.  Or, a putter that uses GPS to calculate the distance to the hole and then shows with lasers how far to take the club back and through (a la the lines on a putting mat).  Or, an interesting product someone emailed me about recently involves a putter that reads greens. 

Personally, I’m a golf traditionalist so I likely wouldn’t use products like this outside of testing them and having a little fun.  But I certainly think it would be interesting if stuff like this existed.  With software advancements at their current trajectory, it’s simply a matter of time in my mind before there’s an intersection with golf. 

Sure, the products I described would essentially create a real-life golf video game experience, but who cares?  For most, golf is all about having fun.  If a product like the Sphero gets more people playing and enjoying the game, I’m all for it.

Augusta National vs. Technology

Masters week is finally upon us (!!!) and Augusta National has me a little confused.

We all know that Augusta is as private as private gets in the golf world.

Which is why I was surprised when I first learned that they had agreed to open their course to EA Sports this year.  Anyone can now see and learn every nook and cranny of the course from their living room couch. 

This is the place that doesn’t like showing their front nine on television during the tournament, after all.

I was further surprised that Augusta would attach their highly-protected name/brand to Tiger Woods in the form of the game’s title: “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters.” 

It seems, almost, risky.

And, it’s not like they’re doing this for money.  This is the club, after all, that dismissed its tournament sponsors (and thus commercials) to de-leverage attacks from women’s advocacy groups.

On top of providing this virtual experience, Augusta announced that they would provide comprehensive tournament coverage this year that includes an iPad app (which I’m buying) and a 3-D channel.  Whoa!

"Looks like they're joining the 21st Century," I thought.  I'm impressed, I think.  Golf fans now have an opportunity to thoroughly experience and enjoy one of their beloved game's most sacred places. 

Then, a couple of weeks after the game’s release, Ian Pouler and Graeme McDowell used their Twitter skills to post videos of the drive up Magnolia Lane and the view from the clubhouse.  Augusta was not amused and firmly reminded everyone of its “no phone” policy for players. 

Wait – what?  I can understand their no-phone policy for spectators, and to a degree for members too, but PGA Tour players?  What if they need to call their wife/kid or check an important email from their swing coach?  They’re on the job, after all, unlike everyone else who is trying to escape the job.

I found the dichotomy of these events interesting.  Confusing. 

Then, yesterday, it came to a head.  I saw a headline on ESPN about Anthony Kim being told that he couldn’t listen to his iPod on the range.  I thought – “Wow, the club that is embracing technology themselves is still enforcing anti-technology rules that mess with players’ practice routines.  How hypocritical – this is their livelihood!”

Then, Anthony Kim smacked clarity directly in my face.  

He concluded his iPod story by saying – “it’s those little things that make it a lot more special than other tournaments.”

Bam!  Confusion gone. 

Augusta may be open to giving those of us at home cool ways of experiencing their club through video games, 3-D TV and so on.  But, if you’re ever fortunate enough to walk through their gates, you are their guests and you follow their rules.

THIS is what makes the Masters “a tradition unlike any other.”  Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Kim.  Suddenly, all of the pics that are still showing up on Twitter seem almost tainted … disrespectful.

Augusta may have rules/policies that are strict and old-school, but that’s why it’s great.  For four days every year, it uses technology to transport golf fans like me back in time to a pre-tech world that doesn’t much exist anymore … when privacy was treasured, respect was assumed and tradition was valued.

In that context, Augusta’s strategy and execution seem, well, brilliant.

With that, I hope everyone has a wonderful Masters week.  My pick, as always, is Davis Love III.