By Leonard Finkel
In a continuing effort to bring golf fans new insightful information during competition, PGA TOUR Digital has signed StrackaLine LLC, Inc., to provide detailed data on green contours and pin placements from most FedExCup tournaments beginning with the 2015-16 season.
Debuting at this week’s season-opening Frys.com Open, StrackaLine data will be available through the primary leaderboard’s Shot Tracker on PGATOUR.COM as well as the PGA TOUR’s iOS and Android apps. Graphics will give users an understanding of the break and slope of a putt, as well as projected and actual putt trails.
“Anyone who plays golf knows the challenge of properly reading a green and judging the break and speed of a putt,” said Luis Goicouria, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Digital Platform/Media Strategy. “As a fan, it’s particularly difficult to fully appreciate what a player is facing as he lines up a crucial putt during a tournament. We’re excited to make this StrackaLine data available on our digital platforms to offer fans an exciting new element of understanding during PGA TOUR competition.”
“Putting with confidence is the key to making more putts,” said Jim Stracka, StrackaLine CEO. “StrackaLine has been giving TOUR players and their caddies the information they need to understand each green complex for several years now. We are excited to work with the PGA TOUR to make this information available for the fans to see as well.”
StrackaLine is a golf technology company founded in 2007 that utilizes 3D modeling laser scanners to survey the topography of putting greens. With hundreds of courses scanned already and more being added each week, StrackaLine is revolutionizing the way golfers read their putts. www.strackaline.com
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.