IMG Arena bolsters PGA Tour data partnership into North America
US-facing betting operators will now have exclusive access to official data via the Tour’s proprietary ShotLink system
IMG Arena has announced an expansion of its multi-year deal with the PGA Tour, which will see the Tour’s official scoring data distributed to sports betting operators across North America.
The expanded agreement, first struck in November 2018, will enable US-facing betting firms to provide customers with official shot-by-shot match and data from all events on the flagship PGA Tour schedule.
“As the sports betting market in the United States evolves, extending our relationship with the PGA Tour is an important next step for IMG ARENA,” said Freddie Longe, senior vice-president and managing director at IMG Arena.
“For the first time, sports fans will have access to shot-by-shot action, from tournaments all-year-round using official PGA TOUR ShotLink data. We continue to feel that golf has the audience, interest and following to become one of the leading in-play betting sports globally.”
All official PGA Tour data is collected via its proprietary ShotLink system, powered by CDW, with approximately 350 volunteers used per event to score a golf tournament.
IMG said it collects scoring data through an “elaborate network” of walking scorers, lasers and greenside cameras.
“The PGA Tour remains focused on safeguarding the sport, growing the game and deepening fan engagement with next-generation solutions,” Ron Price, chief operating officer of the PGA Tour, said.
“IMG Arena has proven credentials delivering fast data and live streaming in partnership with official rights holders, and we’re pleased to further extend our existing relationship.”