Does the Masters Have the Best App in Sports?

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The Masters is frequently characterized as a timeless sanctuary, harkening back to an era when golfers rarely hit the ball 300 yards. Despite its well-known prohibition on mobile phones and strict adherence to etiquette, it sets itself apart from contemporary sports events by resisting long-term television deals, going against the norm of modern broadcasting trends.

Furthermore, these aspects are impressive on their own, but what truly sets the Masters apart as a pioneer in sporting events is the unseen layer of data and technology that lies beneath. Beneath the traditional scoreboards and payphones, there exists an expansive system of data that could very well be the best sports application available. All of this advanced technology is backed by IBM, one of the seven official sponsors of the Masters tournament.

Each spring as a devoted golf enthusiast, the act of downloading the Masters app feels like a cherished tradition. A swift peek at my phone, tucked away amidst work papers or nestled between pages of a magazine, instantly transports me to a realm adorned with blossoming azaleas and lush emerald fairways. Remarkably, the app seems to enhance its offerings year after year.

For the second consecutive year, Hole Insights 2.0 comes back, leveraging AI technology to deliver comprehensive shot analysis. It goes beyond simple statistics such as clubhead speed and carry distance. Instead, it offers daily evaluations of hole performance, forecasts based on current play trends, and historical insights drawn from tournament data dating back to 2016. This extensive information enables a more profound comprehension of the game’s intricacies, particularly at tournaments where strategic thinking plays such a crucial role.

The Apple Vision Pro offers an enhanced experience by providing a captivating 3D view of renowned golf courses, such as Augusta National. Users can explore the course’s intricate details, appreciate its stunning elevation variations, and even watch multiple live streams at once. This unique blend of data and visuals enables fans watching from different locations to truly feel immersed in the action.

This data isn’t only for enthusiasts; it’s also valuable for players seeking practical insights about their performance at Augusta National and strategies for navigating the course more effectively. However, this is a veritable Pandora’s box, as the possible data points and analytics IBM can offer are nearly limitless. Since 2016, they have been tracking every shot at Augusta National, allowing them to instantly provide a shot distribution for any player. For now, only those players collaborating with IBM have full access to this vast amount of data. The Masters Tournament itself plays a role in deciding what can and cannot be disclosed. However, future developments might expand access to this data. As the app and the event continue to advance, they do so hand in hand.

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2025-04-12 00:25