Toptracer Technology | Topgolf (2024)

FAQs

How does the Toptracer technology work? ›

In technical terms, Toptracer uses CMOS image sensors to capture objects – specifically a golf ball in flight – and converts the multiple video angles of the struck ball to extrapolate the (nearly) exact flight of the ball.

The goal is not to replicate the Topgolf experience. Not exactly. Unlike Topgolf facilities, which rely on limited-flight balls with microchips embedded in them, Toptracer systems work with ordinary golf balls—a key distinction for golfers who are out to work on their games.

Microchipped Golf Balls

At the centre of the Topgolf experience lie specially crafted golf balls, each embedded with microchips. These tiny technological wonders play a pivotal role in tracking the ball's accuracy and distance, offering players precise scoring and instant feedback.

And in 2016, Topgolf acquired Protracer and re-branded the company to Toptracer.

Trackman became the launch monitor of choice for Tour and teaching pros looking for accurate, all-encompassing data. Trackman is banking on that reputation to help close the gap with Toptracer. Trackman's radar-based camera system is widely regarded as the most accurate in the industry.

Using a special camera, Toptracer is able to track the entire flight of a golf ball and then add a trace graphic to the screen. This seemingly simple concept—being able to see the path of the golf ball—has forever transformed the golf viewing experience.

It's pretty good but not perfect, fine for a rough idea, but I wouldn't believe it to the exact number. With a cloudy\foggy\snowy sky it can't track the ball, it struggles with short shots <50 yards.

Toptracer technology, pioneered nearly two decades ago, will continue to provide shot tracing and tracking throughout the PGA Championship broadcast, as well as on the practice range. In 2024, Toptracer will become the Official Range Technology of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

A Monza RAIN RFID tag chip embedded inside the ball is read, associated with the player and activated for play. Players hit the balls at target greens which are holes in the ground that, much like a dart board, are divided into sub-targets that make up different scoring zones.

There are cameras and sensors that create a 3d space where objects entering that space are tracked. The light waves created by the golf ball allows the software to track the ball flight and show it up on the screen - this is why the range needs a certain level of lighting.

Does TopGolf tell you swing speed? ›

Topgolf venues are also adding Toptracer technology, allowing you to see a real-time trace of your ball's flight path as well as insights into speed, distance, angle and accuracy. Basically, everything you'd ever want to know about your shot.

In October 2020, publicly traded Callaway Golf announced it was acquiring Topgolf, with the merger completed in March 2021 and the merged company adopting the name Topgolf Callaway Brands.

Callaway bought Topgolf for $2.6 billion in a deal that closed in March 2021. Topgolf has around 70 venues, with plans to open 11 per year for the next five years. Callaway's strategy focuses on making golf accessible to a broader population that may not have the time or money to take up traditional golf.