Categories
Equipment

Famous Sun Mountain Golf Brand gets a Makeover

Sun Mountain, the authentic golf bag, golf cart, travel gear and outerwear company behind many of the game’s most successful product innovations over the past four decades, has undergone a radical brand makeover designed to boost its global growth in coming years.

The new-look Sun Mountain follows the acquisition of the famous company in March last year by the Los Angeles-based Solace Capital Partners private equity firm and the adoption of an ambitious three-year strategic plan intended to maximise the brand’s full sales potential.

“We’re now in a position to drive the brand forward as never before and offer golfers an even greater choice of products in those categories where Sun Mountain is often the clear market leader or leading innovator,” said CEO/President Ed Kowachek, who has been with the company for 38 years. “Our aim has always been to provide golfers with game-changing gear that just keeps getting better and we’re on track to deliver more of the same in the years ahead.

“Thanks to an expanded in-house design team, golfers and our retail partners across Europe and Scandinavia can look forward to seeing even more new lines reflecting the quality of our functional Ahead of Time designs, high-end materials and manufacturing attention to detail in a wider selection of options,” he added.

Sun Mountain has been the #1 or #2 golf bag brand in the U.S. since 2007, with the record-breaking C-130 cart bag currently the top-selling model. First to introduce a bag with an integrated stand mechanism, its pioneering Eclipse model became a record seller.

It was also the first brand to launch a fully waterproof bag that became known in Europe as the H2NO, followed by other notable landmarks such as the E-Z Fit Dual Strap System a decade ago, the 14-way club divider and the Eco-Lite bags made using fabric from 25 recycled plastic bottles released in 2019.

H2NO Litespeed stand bag

The award-winning travel gear includes the ultra-manoeuvrable ClubGlider range and the compact Kube carrier that are market-leading club transport bags; while the trendsetting   3-wheeled push carts feature the popular Speed Cart V1R and PX3 models, plus a host of accessories; and the golfing outerwear range designed to extend the playing season for men and women includes the most technically advanced and stylish jackets, pants and pullovers.

For more details of the Sun Mountain ranges, visit https://www.brandfusion.co.uk/ourbrands/sun-mountain.

Text: Sun Mountain

Categories
Brands Equipment

Callaway Golf and Jon Rahm announce long-term partnership extension

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in golf equipment design, performance, and innovation, and Jon Rahm, one of the best players in the world, announced a new long-term partnership extension.

Rahm joined Callaway in 2021 and earned his first major championship win at the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, which moved him to Number One in the World Golf Rankings. He won three more times in 2022 and has continued his remarkable run of form this season. Jon leads the PGA TOUR with four wins in 2023, highlighted by his second major championship in April at Augusta, where he delivered a masterful performance to secure the Green Jacket.

Jon Rahm also on the road with Callaway in 2024

Rahm will continue to play a full bag of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, wear Callaway headwear, TravisMathew apparel and footwear, and support Topgolf’s global golf entertainment venue business. Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) will leverage this partnership towards the Company’s strategic goal of strengthening its position as the leader in golf equipment globally, as well as its leadership positions across the modern golf ecosystem.

“I’m so happy to continue this incredible relationship with Callaway and I truly have played the best golf of my career with their equipment,” Rahm said in a provided statement. “From the driver to the golf ball, they continue to set the bar higher with every new product line, and I’m looking forward to many more great years with their team.”

“We’re so proud to have Jon on our staff, and we couldn’t be more excited about this extension of our long-term partnership,” said Topgolf Callaway Brands President & CEO, Chip Brewer. “Jon is an amazing talent, and he’s driven to be one of the very best to ever play the game. Equally important, he is a man of strong integrity and a brand ambassador who shares our passion for making a positive impact on our global sport. It’s a pleasure to work with him, and we look forward to focusing our considerable resources on his continued success.”

This extension includes an equity position for Rahm in Topgolf Callaway Brands, a position that both aligns the Company’s interests and demonstrates Jon’s confidence in the strategic direction of the Modern Golf family of TCB Corp Brands.

Categories
Apparel Equipment Highlights Tours

Team Galvin Green Four-Ball heads to Hoylake in style

Galvin Green, the premium hi-tech apparel brand, has scripted striking outfits for four of its leading Tour ambassadors taking part in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool this week, including three players on the cusp of making Europe’s Ryder Cup team in September.
They are led by Englishman Jordan Smith – fresh from a strong showing at the Genesis Scottish Open where he finished in a tie for 12 th. Two-time DP World Tour winner Jordan currently occupies 12 th place in the European Ryder Cup standings, followed by former Ryder Cup star Dane Thorbjørn Olesen in 15 th and Sweden’s Alexander Björk in 20 th spot. They will be joined by England’s Laurie Canter, one of the LIV Golf trailblazers.
Here are the colourful, high-performance garments that the four are set to wear as they take on the challenging Hoylake links, in addition to the market-leading Galvin Green outerwear and mid-layers they might need.

The Open Championship 2023: The looks of Galvin Green

Jordan Smith will step on the first tee on Thursday wearing the bold MADDEN short-sleeve shirt featuring a free-flowing wave print in the Navy/White colourway along with the matching NOAH trousers in Navy. Smith’s full-line up of performance-driven designs include:
The MAXIMUS shirt inspired by a still, calm ocean in Sharkskin and NOAH pants in Black; the tri-tone MO shirt offering a contemporary look in the Cool Grey/White/Navy colourway and navy NOAH trousers; MADDEN shirt in the refreshing Cool Grey/White colourway with matching NOAH trousers in Sharkskin.

(Photo: Galvin Green)


Thorbjørn Olesen, winner of the Thailand Classic earlier this year, will be looking to elevate his season with a strong showing at Royal Liverpool wearing the following outfits:
The distinctive MARKOS shirt in a gleaming water-themed print to deliver a supremely eye-catching look paired with the NOAH trousers in the Ensign Blue/Navy and Navy colourways respectively; MADDEN design in the bright Blue/White option and NOAH in White; the MAXIMUS in Sharkskin and NOAH pants in Black; plus the MO shirt in the vibrant Cool Grey/White/Sunny Lime colour and NOAH in Sharkskin.

(Photo: Galvin Green)

Alexander Björk, who has played in Galvin Green apparel since turning Professional in 2009, will sport a selection of athletic looks that include:
The MARKOS shirt in a mesmerising Navy/Orange colourway paired with the NOAH trousers in Navy for a super stylish appearance; vivid MO shirt in Black/White/Sharkskin and black NOAH trousers; distinctively bright MANOLO shirt in a fun print of small lighthouses and tee pegs, along with the NOAH trousers in Sharkskin; plus the MADDEN style in a super vibrant Orange/White colour complemented by the contrasting NOAH trousers in Navy.

(Photo: Galvin Green)

Laurie Canter, who successfully booked his place at the 151 st Open through winning the Final Qualifying event at Royal Porthcawl in challenging conditions, will wear the following outfits:
The MARKOS shirt in Blue/Navy and matching NOAH pants in Navy; MALCOLM shirt in a stylish Black/Sharkskin/Red colour combination that is inspired by the natural beauty of coastal golfing venues and NIXON trousers in Black; trendy MICO shirt designed to project a bird’s eye view of the ocean from above and NIXON pants in Sharkskin; as well as the MADDEN in Navy/White and matching NOAH trousers in Navy.

(Photo: Galvin Green)


“We’ve assembled these top-quality outfits to ensure our Tour Ambassadors look the part and perform at their best on the biggest stage,” said Conor Petters, Marketing Manager UK & Ireland. “Wearing our hi-tech clothes will hopefully give our players the edge to play at their peak and help secure a Ryder Cup spot further down the line in some cases,” he added.
All VENTIL8 PLUS shirts and trousers provide excellent moisture transportation properties and breathability to keep the body dry, while offering UV 20+ protection in warmer temperatures. Easy to maintain, the garments also dry quickly and without the need to iron. To explore the Galvin Green looks that will be worn at Hoylake, visit www.galvingreen.com.

Categories
Equipment

Sun Mountain brightens up its travel bag range for 2023

Sun Mountain, the market leader in premium golf bags, has added a splash of colour to its bestselling Club Glider Meridian and updated
Kube travel covers to offer even more choice across its popular golf
luggage range aimed at making travel a seamlessly easy task.

Sun Mountain: New colors and exciting designs

Sun Mountain designers have also upgraded the hardwearing protective shell on the compactfolding Kube bag to provide a more striking modern look. Offering a great option for golfers with limited storage space at home, the latest colourways include Sand/Camouflage; Concord/Plum/Violet; Spruce/Harbour/Ochre; Navy/Blue/Cadet and Steel/Black/Rush Red.

“The Sun Mountain travel covers for this season will appeal to all travelling golfers looking for a high-quality and long-lasting product that really stands out from the crowd.”, said Nigel Freemantle, Managing Director of Brand Fusion International, the exclusive distributor of the brand in Europe. “The premium golf luggage bags have become world reknowned for making travel so much easier and these colourful designs elevate the latest range to another level.”,he added.

The ClubGlider from Sun Mountain

Providing exceptional manoeuvrability from leaving the front door to arriving at the final destination, the Club Glider Meridian is constructed from robust ballistic-style nylon and dense foam padding to deliver added protection and keep belongings safe.

The pioneering design features pivoting caster wheels and an exclusive folding leg mechanism that can be extended and retracted in one easy motion to fully support the weight of the bag and eliminate excessive bending and lifting. It has an RRP of £299.

The Kube Travelcover from Sun Mountain

The Kube folds down smaller than most aircraft cabin bags (23x33x38cms) and weighs little more than 3kg. It features a rubberised pull and carry handle, easy glide wheels for seamless transportation, plus a reinforced padded club head area offers greater protection for golf clubs when travelling.


Two internal pockets allow for extra clothing or equipment to be added, while two external and two internal compression straps nothing moves around during transit. The KUBE cover has an RRP of £219.Sun Mountain 2023 Travel Bag Range – 2 Completing the collection is the Club Glider Journey (£239) made from durable 1200 denier polyester for a more lightweight build and the ClubGlider Tour (£299) model constructed in vinyl for an individual look.

For those seeking more space when travelling with a staff bag or two mid-sized stand bags, the ClubGlider Pro (£349) is a perfect option.
For more information on the Sun Mountain travel bag collection, plus golf stand and cart bags, visit www.brandfusion.co.uk.

Text: Sun Mountain

Categories
Equipment Panorama

Jon Rahm hoping to follow in footsteps of greatness with custom TRAVISMATHEW Cuater shoes at PGA Championship

Heading to Oak Hill Country Club in good form following four PGA Tour wins in 2023, including The Masters at Augusta National in April, the Spaniard will once again be wearing a custom-painted pair of The Ringer golf shoes.

Vamos Rhambo

The shoe will be in a different colourway to the bespoke custom design white and green pair he wore at Augusta, with this week’s white design detailed with a blue and gold colour combination that pays homage to the PGA Championship logo and the word ‘Vamos’ along the outside of shoe, in reference to his “Vamos Rahmbo” tagline.

As part of his partnership with TRAVISMATHEW, Rahm will be wearing the custom Ringer shoes at Oak Hill this week as he looks to join an illustrious group of players to have won three major championships – with his first two arriving since partnering with TRAVISMATHEW in 2021, which has coincided with his rise to world number one.

Rahm sees the shoes as a gamechanger

Rahm said: “I think the game changer is the shoes I am wearing. They are a lot more comfortable. I have done some great work with the Cuater and TRAVISMATHEW team and I think it has allowed me to be a little bit more stable and up my ball speed and swing speed without being concerned. I can keep that speed up from the first tee shot on Thursday to the last one on Sunday a little bit more consistently.”

TRAVISMATHEW’s premium Cuater performance golf shoe, The Ringer delivers ultimate comfort with lightweight support, breathability, and moisture management in an attractive, waterproof style. The shoes come with layers of moulded foam for ultimate comfort to give golfers the most secure and responsive fit on the market.

Several other top professional golfers also wear Cuater footwear, including Ryder Cup hopeful Sam Burns. The five-time PGA Tour winner will be hoping to continue US dominance at the PGA Championship this week by becoming his country’s eighth consecutive winner of the tournament.
In celebration of the PGA Championship, TRAVISMATHEW is running a Cuater promotion, with anyone purchasing a pair of Cuater shoes gifted a free pair of Cuater socks.

For more information on Cuater click here.

(Text: TRAVISMATHEW)

Categories
Equipment

Uneekor acquieres majority share in Evnroll Putters


Uneekor is delighted to announce the acquisition of a controlling interest in US-based premium putter brand Evnroll. The deal sees Creatz Inc., parent company to the South Korean golf technology company Uneekor, acquire a 70% share and controlling interest in Evnroll putters with immediate effect.

Uneekor and Evnroll at the highest level of game improvement

“We feel that Evnroll, as a 100% US milled and technology driven putter line, is a great fit for Uneekor’s precision analytics in the launch monitor space,” said Eddie Lee, chief sales andmarketing officer of Creatz Inc., “Together, Uneekor and Evnroll will represent the highest level of game improvement encompassing the full spectrum of performance-enhancing technology from tee to green.”


Evnroll Founder and Chief Designer, Guerin Rife, will retain a 30% shareholding and remain CEO, Chief Designer of the company going forward. “Our mission remains unchanged,” said Rife. “Evnroll was founded on delivering forward looking, real innovation and technology that enhances every aspect of putter design and performance.
Uneekor has the same vision for full swing analytics.”

Lots of simularities

“There is definitely an air of excitement around the place,” added Rife. “We’re excited for the futureand what this positive injection of resources and knowledge will do for both our businesses.” Evnroll Putters first came to the golfing world’s attention in 2016 with a range of stunning 100% US milled putters featuring Designer Guerin Rife’s ground-breaking, patented ‘SweetFace Technology’; an innovative and unique mill pattern engineered to deliver uniform performance across the entirehitting area of the putter face for unprecedented accuracy and zero dispersion.


Since then the brand has won a host of accolades, awards and elite tournaments across the globe on their way to becoming the second ranked brand in sales in the Korean putter market. Withcorporate offices in golf’s global heartland, Carlsbad, California, the acquisition will see Uneekor further expand its footprint in the US golf Market.

Optix technology from Uneekor

For more than 14 years, Uneekor has been developing and producing ground-breaking launch monitors, simulators, performance software, and accessories, passionately developed with unrivalled technologies by a team of top engineers.

Uneekor’s patented high-speed OPTIX infrared technology delivers the most advanced ball and clubhead data ever achieved. Together with their 16 million shots per day ball data they have generated a sophisticated algorithm that delivers precise unmatched ball and clubhead analytics for both indoor and outdoor fitting and practice. This technology combined with Evnroll’s expertise in fitting promise some exciting future advancements in the portable putting analysis market.

Written by Uneekor

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade survey: clear majority against golf ball change

The announcement by the USGA and R&A to introduce a Modal Local Rule (MLR), which would limit the maximum length of golf balls for elite tournaments, has found more opponents than supporters in the professional sector. TaylorMade has now surveyed almost 45,000 everyday golfers from over 100 countries on their opinion of the possible split between professional and amateur golf – and the opinion picture is quite clear.

81 per cent of respondents said they were against the proposed rule change and the division it would create between the professionals and amateurs and believed it would not be good for the game of golf. 77 per cent of respondents to the TaylorMade survey also believe that there is no need to restrict the hitting distances of the pros at all.

Will golf ball changes divide pros and amateurs?

While the R&A and USGA officials are interested in regulating only the stroke lengths for professionals, as they would otherwise “become a significant problem for the next generation” thanks to ever-improving training and equipment possibilities, as USGA boss Mike Whan points out, many people, however, fear a drifting apart of professionals and amateurs if they play different balls. Almost half (48 percent) of the respondents affirmed that it was extremely important for them to be able to play the same equipment as the pros, and only 17 percent did not attach any importance to this.

The context of this survey on the part of the equipment manufacturer Taylormade is also that the majority of the respondents are good and experienced players who have a great interest in professional golf. 87 percent of the participants stated a handicap of under 20, 33 percent even a handicap of under 10. Almost three quarters of the respondents (73 percent) played golf for more than ten years, more than half (51 percent) for more than 20 years.

The results of the survey speak for themselves. (Photo: TaylorMade)

However, almost four-fifths of the participants (79 per cent) said they mainly play golf for recreation and only one-fifth play competitive golf. Accordingly, 85 per cent of participants believe that the Modal Local Rule (if it is actually introduced) would have no impact on their own playing behaviour. Some consider the rule proposal “fair”, ” needed” and “good”. However, the overwhelming opinion in the survey is that the proposed change to golf balls is “stupid”, “unnecessary”, “ridiculous”, “wrong” and “confusing”.

TaylorMade to provide feedback to USGA and R&A

“The goal of our survey was to give golfers the opportunity to voice their opinion on this proposed ruling as we absorb the MLR and its potential effects on the everyday golfer,” David Abeles, TaylorMade CEO, said. “The overwhelming amount of responses show the passion, knowledge and care for the game our audience possesses. Each response and data point is being reviewed as we will utilize this feedback in our preparation to provide a response to the USGA and R&A.”

Categories
Equipment

Motocaddy introduces world’s first remote control GPS Trolley

Motocaddy, the world’s biggest-selling powered trolley brand, has introduced the game’s first remote-controlled electric trolley with touchscreen GPS, to offer golfers the ‘ultimate caddie’ experience by blending responsive control with performance enhancing features.

The revolutionary M7 GPS – part of the award-wining, compact-folding M-Series range – features a fully integrated, super-fast GPS system with accurate green visuals; front, middle and back distances; plus hazard information across more than 40,000 pre-loaded courses worldwide.

A bunch of new features

In another ground-breaking move, owners of the new M7 GPS qualify for a free 12-month trial of the exclusive cellular-powered Motocaddy Performance Plan. The no-obligation upgrade allows golfers to unlock a selection of stunning hi-tech game management features. These include access to full-hole mapping with the ability to move the target for ultimate shot planning; a detailed dynamic Green View showing the shape of the green and greenside hazards with drag and drop pin positions; score and statistic tracking; performance analysis through the free Motocaddy GPS App; real-time course updates to ensure access to the latest mapping; and notifications of software updates with ‘on-the-go’ downloads.

It also incorporates all the benefits of the award-winning M7 REMOTE, including rechargeable handset, removable anti-tip rear wheel and the brand’s cutting-edge Downhill Control technology. “The new M7 GPS delivers the ultimate caddie experience to give users an edge,” said
Motocaddy Marketing Director, Oliver Churcher. “It offers everything a golfer needs to transport their clubs around the course effortlessly, whilst providing pinpoint yardages and GPS mapping through its super-responsive touchscreen.

“The revolutionary electric trolley GPS technology pioneered by Motocaddy in 2017 has advanced a great deal in recent years. Today, our cellular-powered Performance Plan combines with the most responsive remote-control technology on the market to take the trolley experience to an exciting new level,” he added.

The M7 GPS includes a super responsive, crystal-clear 3.5” LCD touchscreen display usable in all weather conditions, even whilst wearing a glove. Other features include a clock and round timer, an indication of the par and handicap of each hole, shot distance measurement, automatic hole advancement, score tracking and a battery indicator.

When connected to the free Motocaddy GPS app, golfers can also receive a wide range of optional smartphone notifications direct to the screen – alerting them to a call, text message, email or range of app alerts, including WhatsApp and Facebook. A preview of message alerts can also be read on-screen.

A smartphone can be securely placed in a golf bag pocket and charged using the trolley’s patented USB charging port. In addition to the cellular and Bluetooth® capabilities, other connectivity features include super-fast Over‐the‐Air course and system updates via the built-in WiFi connection.

The pocket-sized-remote-control

The pocket-sized remote-control handset can move the trolley forward, left, right and in reverse, plus pause and resume. It can also switch instantly from remote to manual control mode and back again if the user wants to control it from the handle like a regular trolley via the speed button. In addition to including automatic Downhill Control technology, there is an
emergency stop and a handset lock function. The LCD touchscreen also includes an additional battery meter indicating the capacity of the handset.
Equipped with a wider wheel-base than standard M-Series models, the M7 GPS also boasts all terrain tyres for impressive handling across the course. Like all Motocaddy M-Series trolleys, it also folds down easily to a compact size for easy storage and transportation.

Powered by a next generation High Power 28.8V system, the M7 GPS has nine speed settings with speed indicator, plus a super-lightweight waterproof Lithium battery (IP66 water and dust rating) that can be charged without being removed. It also features Motocaddy’s exclusive EASILOCKTM bag-to-trolley connection system that removes the need for a lower bag strap.

The new M7 GPS electric trolley is available with ULTRA Lithium battery at an RRP of €1,799.

For more information about Motocaddy trolleys, plus other Motocaddy products including bags, batteries, rangefinders and accessories, please visit www.motocaddygolf.com or follow @MotocaddyGolf.

(Text: Motocaddy)

Categories
Equipment

Drivers for beginners: an overview of the new models for the 2023 season

The beginning of the year means that numerous new club series from the various manufacturers come onto the market. From beginner models to clubs suitable for the professional level, everything from putters to irons to drivers are included. To help you keep track of this amount of products, here’s a summary of five of the new models that hit the market in 2023.

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver is a new driver model that aims to provide maximum support to golfers. It features a high amount of carbon compared to other materials and is covered with a polyurethane layer called “nanotexture”. This protects the carbon and provides normal spin values. It also has a “Thru-Slot Speed Pocket”, which ensures that deep hits on the face suffer little loss of length. The HD version comes standard on the draw and has weight in the heel and back of the head to prevent slice and provide plenty of forgiveness. The women’s version comes with an even lighter head. Overall, the Stealth 2 HD Driver is designed to make playing off the tee easier by allowing minimal length loss on off-center hits and minimal slice probability.

Adjustable no
Lofts 9°, 10,5° and 12° (RH and LH)
Ladies version yes 10,5° and 12° (only RH)
Price 649,00 €

The Cobra Aerojet Max Driver

Part of the eponymous Aerojet Series, the new Cobra Aerojet Max Driver features an aerodynamic design that allows for increased clubhead speed and ball speed, according to Cobra Golf. The new PWR Bridge Weighting allows for a floating weighting technology with an internal bridge structure. The trajectory is stable and high with a low draw tendency due to the placement of the 12g weight in the back and the 3g weight in the heel. The draw tendency can be increased by swapping the weights. The driver is also available for ladies – in a black satin finish with a shiny carbon crown and sole.

Adjustable yes
Lofts 9°, 10,5° and 12° (RH and LH)
Ladies version yes 10,5° and 12° (RH and LH)
Price 579,00 €

 

The Callaway Paradym X Driver

The Callaway Paradym X Driver is a beginner golf club that contributes to high forgiveness and length through its innovative use of Forged Carbon material. The 360° carbon chassis has saved weight and can be used for more forgiveness and length. The Paradym X Driver is the most forgiving model in the series and is particularly suited to players who prefer or require a draw bias. An external 5g weight in the back of the club increases ball launch and reduces spin for increased carry distance.

Adjustable yes
Lofts 9°, 10,5° and 12° (RH and LH)
Ladies version yes 10,5° and 12° (RH and LH)
Price 649,00 €

The Ping G430 Max Driver

The new Ping G430 Max Driver is part of the new G430 Series and promises more distance while being more forgiving. It is the most fault-tolerant model in the series. All three driver models are equipped with new technologies designed to deliver higher ball speeds, such as the VFT (Variable Face Thickness) face design and the portmanteau of spin and consistency “spinsistency” (for consistent spin). The G430 Max’s flexibility allows it to be used for all levels of play and is particularly highlighted by its combination of distance and forgiveness. Additionally, a custom option is available for players with low swing speeds who can use lighter weights, shafts and grips to create more ball speed.

Adjustable yes
Lofts 9°, 10,5° and 12° (only RH)
Ladies version yes/unisex
Price 625,00 €

The Srixon ZX5 Driver

The Srixon ZX5 Driver is a powerful and customizable driver suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Thanks to the new Rebound Frame technology, the driver has better power transfer at impact and optimized face technology for more distance off the tee. The adjustable hosel makes it easy to adjust loft, while loft options range from 9.5 to 10.5 degrees. It features a sturdy titanium head and weight at the rear of the sole to provide more stability in the swing. With a larger footprint and flattened shape, the driver supports higher swing speeds and straighter tee shots.

Adjustable yes
Lofts 9,5° and 10,5° (only RH)
Ladies version no
Price 599,00 €

 

Categories
Equipment

ARCCOS UNVEILS NEW APPLE WATCH APP WITH MAJOR UPGRADES

Arccos – the pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf – has today unveiled a new Arccos for Apple Watch app update highlighted by UX enhancements that provides golfers with the ability to start an Arccos Caddie round on the world’s #1 selling smart watch without ever touching their iPhone.

A completely re-developed caddie app

The preferred shot-tracking hardware for almost 20% of Arccos members, Apple Watch also allows Arccos Caddie members to view A.I. Rangefinder distances, receive personalized club recommendations, add penalty strokes, see shot history and holes scores, and make any necessary edits.

“From a product standpoint, we have completely re-developed the Arccos Caddie app for Apple Watch architecture from the ground up,” said Dave LeDonne, Arccos’ Vice President of Product. “With well over half a million rounds played by Arccos members on Apple Watch last year alone, this redesign makes the experience dramatically better,” he added.

Additional app functionality includes the ability for players to mark the hole locations on the green with a simple click of a button on the watch device when standing directly next to the pin. This provides more accurate short game and putting insights along with highlighting areas for player improvement via the powerful Strokes Gained analytics insights.

More than 650 million shots for Arccos members

To access the new experience – which is optimized for Apple Watch Series 5 and newer – members simply open the Arccos Caddie app for Apple Watch, confirm the course and tees being played and press start round. The app then syncs with the smart sensors in the grip of each club to pinpoint exactly when and where a shot has been played.

Arccos members have now recorded more than 650 million shots during 13.5 million rounds in 162 countries worldwide. The largest on-course dataset in golf has collected over 700 billion separate data points to power Arccos’ industry-leading Strokes Gained engine that allows a player to select their personal handicap goal, then provides personalized analysis for every game aspect and each club in the bag.

Golf’s first Artificial Intelligence platform, Arccos automatically tracks your shots while delivering in-round insights and personalized Strokes Gained analytics for every game facet and each club in your bag. The system is highlighted by an A.I.-powered rangefinder, smart club distances and caddie advice for every golf hole on earth. These innovations helped new Arccos members who played at least 10 rounds lower their handicap by an average of 5.71 strokes in their first year of membership.

(Text: Arccos)