Samsung Swings Deal With PGA of America

Chris Duthie

Remember those halcyon days when swing-disrupting cell phones were confiscated, bagged and tagged at PGA tournament entry gates? Now comes news that Samsung, a world-player in cell, tablet, and television technology, has become an Official Patron of the PGA of America.

Say what?

Yep. It’s all part of a new effort to spice-up the fan experience for anyone tuning into PGA of America events like the Ryder Cup or the PGA Championship. And that “anyone” includes patrons who follow the digital broadcast— on Samsung’s line of Smart TVs, monitors, PCs, connected cameras, smartphones, tablets and wearables – at home, on the go or… while attending the event itself.

As part of the three-year agreement, Samsung and the PGA of America will work together to develop multi-screen, second-screen and interactive experiences to create the next generation fan experience.

“The PGA of America is proud to welcome Samsung into a partnership that launches a new era in spectator enjoyment at the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, along with elevating the golf experience for consumers,” said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua. “With this agreement, Samsung is making a sizeable impact on the game, which we believe will benefit PGA Professionals and all those who are passionate about golf.”

We’ll see. Let’s hope that Samsung’s so-called “sizable impact” isn’t from an “elevated” player whose ditigally-interrupted, two-foot-lip-out results in an over-the-cliff, tablet-turned-Frisbee.

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.