Last Updated: Jan 17, 2024
What is the PGA Tour ShotLink System? Explained.
The ShotLink System is a revolutionary platform for collecting and disseminating scoring and statistical data on every shot by every player in real-time.
Written By: Zach Gollwitzer
Posted in: Golf Shot Trackers
Term Overview
A brief overview of the term including definition, usage, origins, helpful visuals.
The ShotLink System is a proprietary system used by the PGA Tour to track golf shots in real-time. With this system, the tour can track every shot a player takes during a round and turn this into advanced golf statistics such as strokes gained data.
These statistics are brought to you by the PGA Tour's ShotLink system.
The tour implemented its first electronic scoreboard in 1983. In 1987, this system became wireless, and in 1992, it evolved to a comprehensive scoring system. In 1999, the TOUR decided to rethink the system, which became the foundation for ShotLink, which powers many tour events to this day.
Table of Contents
What is ShotLink?
The PGA TOUR ShotLink System is a revolutionary technology launched in 2001, capturing real-time data on every shot during tournament play, transforming the viewer experience and bringing fans closer to the action.
History of ShotLink
The PGA TOUR's journey to ShotLink began in 1983 with an electronic scoreboard system. By 1999, recognizing the need for a more sophisticated system, the TOUR introduced ShotLink, which has since evolved into a world-class scoring platform over the last 20 years.
How Does ShotLink Work?
Before each event, golf courses are digitally mapped, enabling precise shot location calculations. ShotLink sensors, including radar, cameras, and lasers, capture flight and resting locations for every shot, providing instantaneous data to a global audience.
How is ShotLink Used?
ShotLink operates across multiple TOURs, delivering data to broadcast partners, international outlets, PGATOUR.COM, studio shows, players, coaches, media, mobile devices, and on-site partners. With over 2,500 executions annually, ShotLink enhances broadcasts and provides valuable insights for various stakeholders, including golf course architects evaluating course changes.
You can learn more about the history of ShotLink here.