Can the AI tech for Tiger's new golf league change golf?

[wenshidi]

I would be interested to learn if experienced golfers think that this tech will reach clubs in Thailand, and if it will have an impact.

[404cameljockey]

Really fascinating. I could say a lot about this but it looks amazing, that's for sure. A couple of things come to mind quickly:

It won't make the game more accessible to play as the YouTube poster says because the cost of play would be too high for any but the real hi-sos in Thailand. Playing from real grass? What about the divots? But as spectator sport, tour pros would of course play tournaments on it if it makes them money, and spectators could see all the players live. I have no doubt this could be a big success financially. But how many spectators could you get inside to watch it? Again, ticket price would be very steep I think, because as a live experience it could be interesting, and televising it I think would be a bit dull compared to what we already have.

My biggest question mark over the 'reality of the experience' is that, OK, the green reshapes itself for each hole (incredible), but what about the condition of each green; green speed/softness? Can that be changed? If not then every shot played in to the green will act the same way on every hole and every course, the only thing that changes is the green contours. And judging bite/backspin after landing would become too easy for pros after a while, they'd know ball reaction for every hole after playing just one. It takes a major factor in green approach out of the game.

But anyway, a stunning bit of technology, it seems.

[wenshidi]

I could see this taking off where real estate costs or climate make outdoor golf unfeasible. Maybe in Riyadh or in Asian locations where they do not like too much sun?

[404cameljockey]

There's a long article in today's Daily Telegraph about this (paywalled I'm afraid).
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/golf/2025/0 ... simulator/

"Purists will hate it but Rory and Tiger’s $50m simulator plan might save golf
New tournament ‘reimagines’ the sport banking on jaw-dropping possibilities of technology and big characters to find a new audience.

Rory McIlroy says TGL is “golf reimagined” and in a $50 million purpose-built stadium in South Florida on Tuesday evening there will indeed be the sense of Tomorrow’s World meeting the Ancient Game.

However, whether this will be a world that appeals, or even lasts very long, will remain a moot point right up until the inaugural season of this indoor simulation league concludes in March, a fortnight before the Masters."

etc.

[wenshidi]

Thank you, fascinating reading.

Here is link past the PW - https://archive.ph/LMvTZ

Comments are generally what I would have expected for the Torygraph. It would be interesting to see a review in the Grauniad for comparison.

[KanDoo]

I just watched some the opening event. Three holes was enough for me. It's a cross between a video game, pinball machine, and some sorts of MMA
announced affair. Lots of lights and sensationalism. I'm pretty sure I won't be watching any more of it.

[404cameljockey]

Thank you, fascinating reading.

Here is link past the PW - https://archive.ph/LMvTZ

Comments are generally what I would have expected for the Torygraph. It would be interesting to see a review in the Grauniad for comparison.

Torygraph, Grauniad (I use Garudian and laugh when people think Ive misspelled it), Daily Fail too. A true son of Britain and probably a Private Eye reader to boot!

Thanks for the link

[wenshidi]

I was a lot more impressed until I found this more than 2 year old video on screen golf in South Korea, which gave the whole thing a lot more perspective.

Screen Golf PHENOMENON in South Korea | Adventures in Golf Season 7


I know that there are plenty of retired Japanese in HH who came for the golf, but I am not so sure about South Korean presence. Not enough boomers in Seoul just yet?

BTW, i was amazed to see the Eye for sale in the market village bookstore, although I have to admit, I am more of Viz or Sport level kind of guy myself.

[404cameljockey]

Golfzon has always looked good and thanks for the video which is fascinating, I'd like to try it just once, but in Thailand it's not even needed of course! Asians 'preferring' to play indoor golf; maybe it's something to do with the horrendous cost of club membership, leaving most to just hit balls at their golf at gigantic driving ranges until they can take their next foreign holiday.

Eye in MV? Wow I never knew, must be in the second floor bookshop? I'll buy! Yes I was a VIZ fan too many years ago, but not read either for a long, long time.

[wenshidi]

Seoul was always a bit strange. All hofs and baseball cages and kisaeng houses.

I agree that it does seem a bit pointless to create a brand new digital golf area when there is already such a surplus of outdoor courses. I think that it is more likely that we see an Immersive Gamebox type biz open up in BP or MV. At least, it will be a step up from all the blind box scams that are popping up at the moment.