Range technology company Toptracer is to deliver its biggest-ever presence at next week’s Open Championship, enhancing the viewing experience for golf fans both on-site at Royal Birkdale Golf Club and for those watching the action on TV around the world.
Fans will be able to follow every shot with Toptracer technology through worldwide TV broadcasts, while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at players’ warm-up routines on the practice range. Visitors to Royal Birkdale can also experience the game-changing technology firsthand, with multiple simulators available across the Championship grounds, including at the PGA Swing Zone.
The global broadcast of The 154th Open will be exclusively traced by Toptracer technology. In addition, for the first time ever, fans on site will have access to live shot data through QR codes via Toptracer Go on each tee box during practice rounds. Statistics will include ball speed, carry distance, launch angle, landing angle, height, spin and curve.
Tournament Range is also back and more equipped than ever. It will include a massive LED screen for fans to follow the players’ range sessions and for those who want to dive deeper, Toptracer Go will be available to track every golfer on the range at once.
Located in the heart of the Spectator Village, The R&A’s Swing Zone is an interactive fan engagement experience offering complimentary 15-minute golf lessons to visitors of all ages and skill levels on 10 Toptracer simulators – its most ever. The sessions give golfers the chance to work on their swing with Toptracer Indoor technology enhancing every aspect.
Additionally, the Toptracer indoor technology will touch most parts of the grounds through five simulators at the HSBC Golf Zone, two simulators at the Dunes House, one simulator at the Patrons Pavilion, one simulator at the Mastercard Club for its cardholders and one simulator in the Player Clubhouse, which is new this year.
“We are hungry and humbled to be the trusted golf technology partner for The R&A at the game’s most historic major championship,” says Scott Blevins, President and GM of Toptracer. “What we have on display for our platform at Royal Birkdale is unprecedented, so we hope the fans take advantage and interact with The Open like never before.”
For fans unable to make it to Royal Birkdale, Toptracer is bringing The Open experience to its ranges around the world with a Global Challenge. The grand prize includes two tickets to the final round of The 155th Open at St Andrews, along with the opportunity to play the iconic Old Course the following day.
To enter, players simply need to complete a round on Toptracer’s virtual Royal Birkdale course. The newly created 15th hole – a 241-yard par 3 – will serve as the designated ‘closest to the pin’ challenge. If multiple players record a hole-in-one, the grand prize will be awarded to the golfer with the highest number of aces.
“What Toptracer can bring to a major championship setting is remarkable in terms of technology and fan experience,” says Henry Keeling, Director of Commercial Partnerships at the R&A. “We are privileged to have them as a partner and look forward to what should be an unforgettable week at Royal Birkdale for The 154th Open.”