PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Interactive Frontiers, Inc., a leader in sports training software development and creator of the V1 Pro Digital Coaching System, announced today that it will partner with Play Golf America and the PGA Learning Center to capture swings and deliver video lessons during the 89th PGA Championship.
The V1 Pro Digital Coaching System will be installed at the "PGA Learning Center" on the grounds of Southern Hills Country Club, Aug. 2-7, in Tulsa, Okla. Spectators attending the PGA Championship will be able to have their golf swing captured and receive a free PGA video lesson, courtesy of PGA Professionals monitoring remotely via the Internet from the original PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Launched in 2004 by The PGA of America, Play Golf America is an industry-wide growth of the game initiative that is designed to promote amateur player development and encourage participation in the game.
"This takes our long-standing partnership with The PGA of America to another level," said Interactive Frontiers President, Chris Hart. "We're excited about our involvement with Play Golf America and the opportunity to demonstrate V1's promotional event capabilities for delivering personal and unique golf experiences directly to golfers."
Some 1,000 golfers are expected to visit the PGA Learning Center on site at the PGA Championship. Each swing captured using V1 Pro will be transmitted to the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where PGA Professionals will complete a custom PGA video lesson and return to each participant electronically for viewing.
"The V1 Pro system is a tremendous tool that will provide PGA Professionals with a special opportunity to grow the game of golf," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "With V1 Pro's participation with events like Play Golf America, our Association can further elevate the skills of PGA Professionals, who are the premier teachers in the game."
Interactive Frontiers specializes in software development and systems integration of digital video products and Internet applications for the sports training industry. Its V1 Pro Digital Coaching System, one of the leading video analysis software in sports, also is the No. 1 swing analysis system in golf.
In 2004, The PGA of America launched a comprehensive package of growth of the game programs under the banner of Play Golf America™, which focuses on adult player development. This initiative is supported by the industry's allied organizations – the PGA Tour, LPGA, USGA, and NCGOA - which participate in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference.
Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. For more information and available programs, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.