The program is designed to help PGA members understand and adopt golf technology, providing an expert testing resource for golf instruction technology products and software. Applicants must meet exacting standards of security, usability and performance, before they can carry the PGA Verified logo.
In conjunction with the 63rd PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., The PGA of America has unveiled PGA Verified, which is designed to help PGA members understand and adopt golf technology and enhance the growth of the game.
In partnership with the MIT Sports Technology Research Group, and Intertek—an independent product testing and certification organization—PGA Verified will focus on golf instruction technology in 2016.
The program will provide an expert testing resource for golf instruction technology products and software. Applicants must meet exacting standards of security, usability and performance, before they can carry the PGA Verified logo.
“PGA Verified will enable PGA Professionals to trust their buying decisions for new technology,” said PGA Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “If a PGA Professional is looking to purchase the latest advancement in golf instruction technology, they can turn to PGA Verified for information on choosing the right product for their needs. We also want to help companies who are innovating golf technology have a direct path of engagement with PGA Professionals.”
In addition to the MIT Sports Technology Research Group and Intertek, PGA Verified will rely on subject matter experts in golf and technology, including PGA Professionals, to ensure the testing standards are appropriate and the program delivers value.
“Use of technology in the golf industry is experiencing significant growth,” said John Campbell, of Intertek’s Software & IoT group. “The PGA Verified program will increase the quality of products in the marketplace, while providing vendors a way to differentiate themselves from the competition.”
Intertek has been managing third-party software and hardware validation programs for 15 years, offering expertise and program management to ensure quality, while protecting brands. Many of the top companies in technology and media have benefited from Intertek’s program management.
Through PGA.org, PGA Professionals will have easier access to the information and education necessary to better use technology solutions that are the best fit for their business situations. It’s built on the idea that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, whether referring to launch monitors or video analysis tools, the first two instruction categories to be tested.
“The unique resources of MIT’s facilities, combined with the passion many of our students and faculty share for golf, allow for us to provide a scientifically informed perspective that can be applied to measuring the effectiveness of these technology-based instructional products,” said Christina Chase, Co-Director, MIT Sports Technology Research Group.
Companies can apply through PGAVerified.com where their first application will be $15,000, but any subsequent product applications will be $8,000. Products that meet the testing requirements will be awarded PGA Verified status for 2016, including access to the PGA.org, research and results, and hands-on educational opportunities with PGA Professionals. Application fees will only fund operations of the program, which has no associated endorsements, sponsorships or revenue generation goals for the PGA.
Tell Us What You Think!
You must be logged in to post a comment.