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Spotted: President Obama Uses Game Golf

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Game Golf, the digital tracking application that records every shot played during a round of golf, has a brand new fan. And not just any fan. United States President Barack Obama was spotted this week with the GAME GOLF tracking sensor clipped to his belt, using the platform to track his performance.

Obama2

According to sources at Active Mind Technology, the company responsible for developing the platform, it is hopeful that President Obama will publicly post his stats for interactivity among its users.

GAME GOLF was officially launched at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this past January, and has quickly garnered acclaim for it’s innovative use of technology to capture the true distances and direction of shots hit with each club in a golfer’s bag. Additional features, like Game Golf’s new Shot Performance Analysis tool, can help golfers visualize their tee shot and approach shot tendencies to formulate a better tee-to-green plan, according to the company.

Obama Vacation

For more information about Game Golf, read our own GolfWRX editorial review to find out more.

Obama-GameGolf4

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Rusty Cage is a contributing writer for GolfWRX, one of the leading publications online for news, information and resources for the connected golfer. His articles have covered a broad spectrum of topics - equipment and apparel reviews, interviews with industry leaders, analysis of the pro game, and everything in between. Rusty's path into golf has been an unusual one. He took up the game in his late thirties, as suggested by his wife, who thought it might be a good way for her husband to grow closer to her father. The plan worked out a little too well. As his attraction to the game grew, so did his desire to take up writing again after what amounted to 15-year hiatus from sports journalism dating back to college. In spite of spending over a dozen years working in the technology sector as a backend programmer in New York City, Rusty saw an opportunity with GolfWRX and ran with it. A graduate from Boston University with a Bachelor's in journalism, Rusty's long term aspirations are to become one of the game's leading writers, rising to the standard set by modern-day legends like George Peper, Mark Frost and Dan Jenkins. GolfWRX Writer of the Month: August 2014 Fairway Executive Podcast Interview http://golfindustrytrainingassociation.com/17-rusty-cage-golf-writer (During this interview I discuss how golf industry professionals can leverage emerging technologies to connect with their audience.)

53 Comments

53 Comments

  1. marty

    Aug 20, 2014 at 9:35 am

    Is he gonna draw another line in the sand trap in a iraq?

  2. mike

    Aug 16, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    hope those twig arms don’t snap

  3. Dan

    Aug 16, 2014 at 9:00 pm

    That this must have a lot of data considering the # of rounds he’s played

  4. Chris

    Aug 16, 2014 at 4:47 am

    Spotted…POTUS NOT WORKING AS USUAL.

    • SutmpJmperY2K

      Aug 16, 2014 at 7:08 pm

      Here we go with the divisive “non-golf” BS…

  5. Golf Please

    Aug 14, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    I play golf with 3 friends. Two of us are Republicans and two of us are Democrats. We remain good friends and still go on buddy golf weekends together because we made a rule years ago that we DON’T DISCUSS POLITICS! Can we do the same here please at golfwrx ?

    • Jeremy

      Aug 14, 2014 at 7:22 pm

      Amen. GWRX, seriously, in posts like these it’s in everyone’s best interest to just include a line saying that comments will be moderated and overtly partisan, political, offensive ones won’t be tolerated. Lots of other websites do this.

  6. Jimmy Jackson

    Aug 14, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    Golfwrx is now preventing free speech.

    • Crabby

      Aug 16, 2014 at 3:52 am

      Nobody’s First Amendment is being violated its just that many folks, who actually come to this site for GOLF-related discussions, would rather keep the vile partisan rhetoric off of here.

  7. Kyle

    Aug 14, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    Meanwhile in Ferguson, MO….

    • Desmond

      Aug 14, 2014 at 4:27 pm

      Can’t wait to use my Game Golf Demo

      • Robeli

        Aug 14, 2014 at 4:52 pm

        Please don’t wet your pants from excitement.

  8. BigPun

    Aug 14, 2014 at 9:16 am

    Kind of like how I feel about Nike equipment because of Tiger Woods. No chance I’ll use Game Golf now.

  9. Alex

    Aug 14, 2014 at 8:02 am

    I’m just surprised that nobody has mentioned the FLATSO on his putter. Wonder if it’s helped his putting at all…

  10. Michael C

    Aug 14, 2014 at 5:44 am

    How about a Presidential WITB!

  11. John

    Aug 14, 2014 at 1:21 am

    This makes me not want to buy one.

  12. Bob

    Aug 14, 2014 at 12:46 am

    I only read this to confirm that there was no hope for a flame war to erupt about Obama. So pleased to see that my expectations were met.

  13. Pingback: Spotted: President Obama Uses Game Golf | Spacetimeandi.com

  14. Jeff

    Aug 14, 2014 at 12:09 am

    The WITB thread exists on Hackers Paradise, http://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-39856.html

    Don’t worry though, I’m gonna take all their pics and make one here as soon as I can.

  15. rgb

    Aug 13, 2014 at 11:55 pm

    Tried Game Golf — great idea but remembering to tap every stroke was impossible. Had to return it. Also tried Zep but found out after I got it home I had to select each club on a phone before each shot. Went back too. Now looking at https://arccosgolf.com/ – its Game Golf without the tapping, apparently. Won’t get it though until they come up with a Windows phone-based program.

    • Mike Connolly

      Aug 14, 2014 at 7:43 am

      You build the tagging into your routine, after one or two rounds it becomes second nature. It is designed this way for two reasons from what I read 1) the tagging itself is behavioral technique that allows you to focus/get in the zone i.e. tag and go – major reason why GMAC, Jim Furyk, Lee Westwood, US Golf Channel and the PGA of America to name but a few are behind this product 2) any interaction with your phone on the course (i.e.) no device would not be permissible under the rules of golf. As such the US PGA and British PGA have approved this device to be used in tournament play.

      Otherwise it would not be allowed.

      That is part of the problem with the other devices you mentioned.

      Anyways – happy golfing y’all!

    • NellyT

      Aug 15, 2014 at 5:06 am

      Early signs Alzheimer’s RGB? GG is far superior and being a Techie nut I’ve looked into the Arccos product, much bigger, more expensive to replace if it goes wrong and does not conform to the rules of golf (just about sums it up).

      GG probably the best bit of kit to introduced in the last decade (certainly the most interesting)…

      • birdiexris

        Sep 16, 2014 at 10:04 am

        I just wish it were a little less expensive for what it does. It doesn’t give yardage, etc – which makes it conform to tournament play when that isn’t allowed, but i feel its still a little bit expensive. I see it recently came down a bit to $199. That’s getting towards where i may think about getting it. Perhaps early next season i’ll pick one up. Or maybe when it goes to $150.

  16. paul

    Aug 13, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    WITB would be cool. If he posts stats I think it would help game golf. I am still hoping my wife buys me one. Cause I know she will be pissed if I spend 250$ on something that is golf related again.

  17. Tits McGee

    Aug 13, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    Can we get a WITB for POTUS? We know he plays ProV’s from his lost ball.

    • DROP

      Aug 13, 2014 at 10:25 pm

      I’ve seen it somewhere before, he was playing Nike VR full cavity irons. Could be different now though.

    • Jeff

      Aug 13, 2014 at 11:58 pm

      I exists but its old. He plays Nike VR full cavities. Carries like 17 clubs too. 2 Putters. I’ll look for it, its one of my favorite threads on this site.

      • Robeli

        Aug 14, 2014 at 1:37 pm

        17 Clubs. Why I am not surprised. Just like his Presidency. No respect for the laws.

        • Desmond

          Aug 14, 2014 at 2:45 pm

          Seriously? See his predecessor, and then his predecessor… and then

          • Uncle Cracker

            Aug 14, 2014 at 3:24 pm

            It’s Bush’s fault, right Desmond? And what about racism? You forgot that one. Face it, Obama is a product of affirmative action policies. A front man for George Soros “open borders” society. A radical left wing community organizer. How did he get to Harvard when he flunked out of Columbia? Explain that for us Desmond. Some of us are sick of this fraud. Its as simple as that.

          • Desmond

            Aug 14, 2014 at 4:32 pm

            Touchy, aren’t we?

            Hope Game Golf is more accurate than many posters here…

        • JR

          Aug 15, 2014 at 6:03 am

          REPEAL OBAMACARE OVER 50 TIMES

        • Tony Lynam

          Aug 16, 2014 at 2:12 pm

          Nice spot on comments. Two putters??? Wow his putting is indecisive just like his stance on ISIS in Iraq. On the comments below, you have to remember just how many of the drones have emotionally invested themselves in President Obama.

  18. Alex

    Aug 13, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Is that a U.S. Secret Service hat?

  19. Mike Connolly

    Aug 13, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    Awesome! Love GAME GOLF.

  20. The dude

    Aug 13, 2014 at 7:51 pm

    I tell ya….he is sooo qualified for president …..NOT

    • RumtumTim

      Aug 13, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      Take it somewhere else.

      • Eric

        Aug 13, 2014 at 10:50 pm

        This is a discussion and opinion thread Tim…..whether you like it or not……if WRX is going to put up an article about the POTUS (who has better things to do right now than playing golf), then comments both positive and negative had better be expected. The only people it is going to offend are the idiots that voted for him…..twice……sorry for you if you fall into that group.

        • John

          Aug 14, 2014 at 2:26 am

          It’s discussion and opinion about GOLF. He’s right, take your BS somewhere else.

          • Desmond

            Aug 14, 2014 at 2:48 pm

            Take it somewhere else…

            At this time period during their presidencies, Bush had 407 days of vacation, Obama? A paltry 159.

            But anytime a POTUS is playing golf or promoting someone’s product, it’s generally good for the game and product.

          • Nick Cinzilla

            Aug 14, 2014 at 3:38 pm

            Don’t you just love how progressives just make up numbers that they cant back up (Desmond)?

          • Desmond

            Aug 14, 2014 at 4:33 pm

            It’s fairly factual as to vacation days — depends on who is counting, but it’s fairly accurate, but I understand Game Golf is so accurate that Bill Clinton won’t game it… lol.

        • JR

          Aug 14, 2014 at 2:48 pm

          GO BACK TO KENYA!!!!!!!

        • Joe American

          Aug 14, 2014 at 2:52 pm

          You are exactly right Eric. However, Obama’s voters and excuse makers will continue to throw a hissy fit, and most likely call you a racist for any criticism of the “community organizer”.

  21. Scooter McGavin

    Aug 13, 2014 at 7:50 pm

    WITB…

  22. Ken

    Aug 13, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    He should re-grip his ball retriever.

  23. Jeff

    Aug 13, 2014 at 7:08 pm

    Looks like he re-gripped his sticks with New Decade Multi-compound black and white Phil/Rory grips.

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Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters

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Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.

The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.

LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title

The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.

Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.

Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.

Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.

PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!

Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.

Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.

Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph

If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.

The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.

Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes

Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!

Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.

The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.

PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way

Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.

Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.

PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall

What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.

David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.

Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.

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Morning 9: Rory: I’m not joining LIV | Masters ratings | Nelly: We just need a stage

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans, as we gear up to this week’s RBC Heritage.

1. Rory: I’m not going to LIV

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach…McIlroy said neither he nor his agents have ever discussed a potential deal to lure him to the LIV Golf League, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

  • “I honestly don’t know how these things get started,” McIlroy told Golf Channel while on the practice range at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the site of this week’s RBC Heritage. “I’ve never been offered a number from LIV, and I’ve never contemplated going to LIV. Again, I think I’ve made it clear over the past two years that I don’t think it’s something for me.
  • “It doesn’t mean that I judge people who have went and played over there. I think one of the things that I have realized over the past two years is that people can make their own decisions for whatever they think is best for themselves, and who are we to judge them for that? But personally, for me, my future is here on the PGA Tour, and it’s never been any different.”
Full piece.

2. Masters ratings down

Yahoo’s Jay Busbee…”Ratings for the full Masters week are now out, and 2024’s version ranks as the lowest since the COVID-impacted years of 2020 and 2021. There was a brief moment when four players shared the lead at the 2024 Masters, but Scottie Scheffler took care of business quickly enough and strolled to what qualifies as an “easy” Masters victory — a four-stroke triumph that wasn’t in doubt for most of the second nine.”

  • “Perhaps as a result, Sunday’s final round averaged 9.59 million viewers on CBS, according to Sports Media Watch, a 22.8% decline from last year’s 12.06 million. Scheffler’s win two years ago averaged 10.17 million viewers. Worth noting: Sunday’s final round was down 20 percent against last year’s victory by Jon Rahm, but last year’s final round fell on Easter Sunday, which created a significantly higher out-of-home percentage of viewers — 21 percent in 2023, as opposed to 9 percent this year.”
Full piece.

3. Chevron gets purse boost

Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols…“Chevron’s commitment to the LPGA went a step higher on Tuesday with the announcement of a purse increase to $7.9 million in 2024. The move brings the tour’s first major in line with the purses of other championships. The U.S. Women’s Open purse of $12 million paces the tour, with the KPMG Women’s PGA second at $10 million. The AIG Women’s British Open purse checks in at $9 million while Amundi Evian is $6.5 million.”

  • “Chevron, which moved the event away from Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, to Texas, last year, has increased the purse by $4.8 million since assuming title sponsorship in 2022. The company has committed to title sponsor the event through 2029.”
Full piece.

4. Shipley on “notegate”

Alex Myers for Golf Digest…”So what was up with “notegate”? During his hilarious spot with McAfee, Shipley reiterated there was no note from Woods, and that he was only looking at the moderator because he was so confused where the question was coming from:

  • “I looked over at the moderator like ‘Who the hell is this guy?'” Shipley says in the clip. “Because it just didn’t happen. I was so confused and so shocked in the moment.”
Full piece.

5. Nelly: We just need a stage

Iain Carter for the BBC…”Korda is the first American to win four consecutive tournaments on the LPGA since Lopez won five straight 46 years ago. This astonishing streak made the then rookie front page material for Sports Illustrated.

  • “Korda’s feats have yet to transcend the golfing village, and perhaps that suits her as she “tries to stay in my bubble”. But the American Solheim Cup player does recognise that more could be done to tell the increasingly compelling story of women’s golf.”
  • “I feel like we just need a stage,” she told reporters here at Carlton Woods just north of Houston. “We need to be put on TV.
  • “I feel like when it’s tape delay, or anything like that, that hurts our game. Women’s sports just needs a stage. If we have a stage we can show up and perform and show people what we’re all about.”
Full piece.

6. Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage

  • Check out all of our galleries from this week’s event!
Full piece.
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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage

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GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.

We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.

We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.

Check out links to all our photos, below.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.

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