Elevating TGL: Revolutionizing Golf with Data-Driven Precision

TGL’s initial challenge was integrating cutting-edge technology with live sports. While our most critical work was around ScoreSight, TGL’s scoring and data platform, we also helped bring the product to life by enhancing player performance, optimizing gameplay elements, and elevating the broadcast experience. Through a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, real-time data monitoring, and good old data analysis, our team ensured TGL's launch was dynamic and engaging to lay the foundation for future success.

Launching TGL provided an unprecedented opportunity to bring different technologies together to build a best-in-class simulator, venue, and sport. Of course, this also presented a variety of complex data challenges, which started with ensuring the accuracy and richness of real-time data feeds and optimizing the gameplay experience based on nuanced analytics. In addition, the team had to determine how to monitor data outputs at the pace of play, create a fair and comfortable gameplay experience for players, and utilize real-time data feeds to create compelling storylines and analytics that resonated with both lifelong fans and those new to the sport of golf.

We employed a multifaceted approach, combining advanced analytics and innovative tool development to meet TGL's needs:

• Real-Time Data Monitoring: With the understanding that analytics are only as accurate as the underlying data, we developed an application that enabled quick and effective monitoring of live data feeds. This tool facilitated instant detection and resolution of data anomalies, ensuring smooth match operations during the heat of live coverage around the globe and accuracy of analytical outputs.
• Aligning TGL Performance with PGA TOUR Standards: Our team conducted detailed comparisons of TGL's gameplay data with PGA TOUR benchmarks, focusing on approach proximity, putt make percentages, and player performances. By ensuring that TGL's field of play mirrored the conditions and severity of PGA TOUR courses, we aimed to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for any of their players transitioning to this new and innovative league. This data-driven approach maintained the TOUR’s competitive integrity and ensured that players could perform at their best.
• Enhancing TGL’s Competition: Performing statistical analysis on gameplay elements, such as the hammer usage, hole difficulty, common shot locations, and playoff chances, we worked with TGL to add strategic variability and excitement to the matches. Our analysis aided decision-making around updating gameplay rules, creating courses, and informing team strategies to promote competitive matches. By increasing strategic elements and maximizing high-stakes moments, these updates ensured that each match remained unpredictable and thrilling for both players and viewers alike.
• Dynamic Insights for Broadcast Commentary: To further captivate fans and elevate the broadcast experience, we provided pre- and live-match statistics for broadcast coverage. Our team delivered comprehensive data insights at both the shot and match levels, tracking metrics like closest-to-the-pin, longest drive, and team performance. These real-time stats were provided to ESPN sportscaster Matt Barrie and the broadcast team, enhancing on-air storytelling and keeping viewers engaged with compelling and contextual storytelling throughout the competition.

Our involvement led to significant improvements during Season 1:

• Real-Time Data Monitoring: The newly developed Python tool accelerated data-monitoring processes, highlighting discrepancies in real time. This significantly reduced manual oversight, shifted focus to in-depth analysis, and enhanced the overall reliability of live match data.
• Hitting Surface Optimization: Through an in-depth examination of approach proximity, combined with player feedback, our team, working closely with TGL, identified player performance degradation when hitting from the front tees, largely attributed to depth perception changes. A decision was made to adjust the hitting area settings to allow players to hit from further back on a higher percentage of shots into the simulator. This adjustment dramatically improved the realism of the golf simulation for the players, ultimately improving their overall performance.
• Playoff-Clinching Scenarios: With two weeks and six matches remaining in the regular season, we created a data model to simulate the 4,096 permutations of season-ending results. Passing these scenarios through a large language model (LLM) agent, we provided TMRW Sports and the broadcast team accurate information to determine how each team could clinch, or be eliminated from, the playoffs. As the results of matches were decided, and the clinch scenarios became clearer, the model was refined to update team ownership and the fan base about each team’s playoff path. With the added complexity of regular season tiebreakers, team strategies were adjusted to secure or hold onto any advantage in the standings.
• Enhanced Broadcast Experience: The integration of live match statistics into broadcasts significantly elevated the viewer experience. In-depth analysis of hole statistics and features prior to each match prepped the broadcast team with talking points ahead of live coverage. Dynamic real-time insights allowed commentators to highlight key moments, analyze player and team performances, and create engaging narratives for fans watching across the globe.

With many anticipating the return of TGL in Season 2, we are working alongside TMRW Sports to use advanced analytics to inform changes to the competition, venue, and fan experience.

• Hole Difficulty Rankings: Utilizing existing ScoreSight metrics, we created a formula to rank the difficulty of each TGL hole. Pairing this analysis with the hole’s win percentage — how often the hole was won versus tied — helps TMRW Sports create courses with closer outcomes and more intriguing matchups. These rankings are being leveraged to address the need for hole redesign and new hole creation. 
• Season 2 GreenZone Enhancements: We assessed approach shots around the green to recommend layout adjustments that would foster more dramatic and strategic finishes. Ahead of Season 2, this heat map analysis of approach shots highlights the need for subtle changes to hole layouts to provide more favorable outcomes and exciting play in the arena. As TMRW Sports redesigns the GreenZone in the offseason, their team is leveraging this analysis to inform where to expand the green, change the underlying undulation, and place hazards around the green.

As CapTech & TGL turn their focus to season 2, we have already began work on how AI can unlock new opportunities and experiences, and we look forward to sharing more about them in the future.

Our partnership with TGL goes beyond mere technical support; it's about leveraging data to innovate and enrich the sport. By continually providing strategic insights and enhancing the competition and broadcast experience, we have established ourselves as a valuable strategic partner. As the league looks forward to future seasons, we stand ready to explore new questions and deliver solutions that will further elevate the sport and captivate audiences worldwide.

Our strategic data-driven solutions have not only set the stage for TGL's successful debut but have also paved the way for ongoing innovation and excitement in the world of tech-driven golf competitions.