AI-powered technology identified key swing elements from Schauffele, as well as Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Phil Mickelson
DENVER – GOLFTEC, the world leader in game improvement, was featured prominently during the CBS broadcast of the PGA Championship, to showcase the unique swing elements of each of the last eight PGA Championship winners — including first-time major champion Xander Schauffele.
Analysis focused on how players generate power and consistency — including Schauffele’s shaft angle at contact, Rory McIlRoy’s head tilt to support power generation, and a comparison of wrist angle at the top of the swing among the previous seven champions.
OptiMotion, powered by a proprietary AI model, is the wireless and sensorless motion-capture technology that measures 15 specific joint centers within the body and collects more than 4,000 data points in every swing, providing insights that allow GOLFTEC coaches to build easy-to-understand, practical improvement plans.
The technology can be used anywhere on course during broadcasts — from on course to practice areas. With GOLFTEC’s digital library of more than 14 million golf swings, OptiMotion enabled CBS analysts to provide viewers with biomechanical swing data about hip turn, hip sway, shoulder tilt and other key elements.
OptiMotion highlights from the PGA Championship included:
- Analysis of Schauffele’s forward shaft lean, which generates significant compression and contributes to consistency and length
- Focus on McIlRoy’s 52-degree head tilt, which is one of the reasons why he can hit up on the ball so well, contributing to his length and draw
- Comparison of the difference in flex of the lead wrist at the top of the swing among recent winners, including Collin Morikawa (27 degrees), Phil Mickelson (12), Justin Thomas (4) and Brooks Koepka (8)
“OptiMotion plays such an important role in breaking down and harnessing key aspects of the swing for every player at every level, so we were excited to see the different ways that CBS used our technology,” said Joe Assell, CEO of GOLFTEC Enterprises and a longtime PGA Member. “The PGA Championship is such an important week, as PGA teaching professionals play such a key role in helping people improve, and viewers got a chance to see how our technology can enhance that.”
Operating across 262 locations globally, GOLFTEC allows members to be taught by the best coaches, practice with the latest technology and get fitted into the right clubs — a system that has helped GOLFTEC students improve by an average of seven shots and gain more than 20 yards off the tee.
In addition to OptiMotion, GOLFTEC centers feature SKYTRAK+ launch monitors, and offer private lessons and a custom club fitting program to provide members access to the latest equipment from leading brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, PING, Mizuno and more.
About GOLFTEC
GOLFTEC stands as the world leader in golf improvement, with a global presence of more than 260 locations worldwide and a dedicated team of more than 1,000 Certified Personal Coaches. Founded in 1995, GOLFTEC has been unwavering in its mission to help individuals play better golf. Through the fusion of world-class golf instructors and cutting-edge teaching systems, GOLFTEC has been instrumental in guiding hundreds of thousands of golfers toward achieving their goals. In 2023, the company continued its momentum by opening 15 new locations, providing more than 1.7 million golf lessons, and integrating SKYTRAK launch monitors into the in-bay experience.
