The latest development in golf broadcasting has stunned golf fans…
Some will call it groundbreaking. Others? Utterly ludicrous. But if one single development has signaled the way in which technology is taking over our lives, how about an AI golf commentator?
The New Mexico Open, a 54-hole $100,000 tournament staged at the Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort, is aiming to revolutionize the way fans consume the sport.
Notah Begay III and Ryan Burr, both veterans on the mic, will be “joined” in the booth by the debutant Duff Foreman from September 14-16. Foreman isn’t a former player, nor an upcoming voice in the sport, but an autonomous broadcast personality who will chat “naturally” with Begay and Burr throughout a three-hour live broadcast.
Foreman is the creation of Gopher Hole Productions, a technology company which develops AI-powered personalities, though this is believed to be a first for golf production. The introduction of a data-driven AI commentator hopes to bring further insight into the broadcast on players and swing mechanics.
So what should we expect from Duff? Well, take a look at this surreal breakdown of Begay’s swing:
“Great golf deserves great storytelling,” Begay said. “The New Mexico Open is an event that showcases outstanding talent on a championship course that tests all aspects of a competitor’s ability. This broadcast gives us the opportunity to bring viewers inside the competition, introduce them to southern New Mexico and share stories they won’t find on a traditional golf telecast.”
Cory Armstrong, the executive editor of the Sun Country Section of the PGA of America, the body putting on the tournament, added: “Every generation has found new ways to bring fans closer to the game.
“Television transformed the way people experienced golf. Shot-tracing technology added another dimension. AI now gives us an opportunity to explore another way of explaining the game. We’re looking forward to seeing how viewers respond to Duff during the championship.”
The tournament, complete with AI golf commentary, will be streamed on regional platforms, as well as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook Live.