Business News Golf – World's first 'playable' golf board promotes AIG Women's Open

The IR&A has unveiled the world's first 'playable golf board' at Edinburgh Waverley Station so fans can play the par-3 8th hole of the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, host of this year's AIG Women's Open.

As part of the new AIG Women's Open 'Never Stop Playing' campaign, the activation aims to raise the enthusiasm for golf among fans. This billboard transforms into a golf simulator, providing an engaging opportunity for both new and long-time fans to interact with the Tournament in a fun and interactive way.

The IR&A created this playable billboard to reimagine how golfers engage with the sport, while also promoting the upcoming AIG Women's Open, which will be held at St Andrews from 22-25 August.

Fans can step up to the billboard, hold a real club and ball, and swing like never before. The technology uses cameras to track a player's speed, arc, and path, coding the swing in real time to show where the ball will land on the virtual par-3, 8th hole. Players will be amazed as they watch the ball fly on the LED screen, showing its arc and flight path towards the target.

With real-time leaderboard tracking and pin shots, participants can compete in an exciting golf challenge. Those closest to the pin will receive an exciting prize from the AIG Women's Open: two Sunday tickets and the chance for the winner to be the official scorer for one of the teams in the final round at St Andrews.

Not just for avid golfers, those keen to take their first round of golf can also win prizes far beyond the pin challenge.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women's Open at The R&A said, “This open brings the joy of golf to a whole new level, allowing players to experience the joy of golf in a fun and interactive way. As part of our new 'Never Stop Playing' campaign, we're giving new and longtime fans the opportunity to engage with the AIG Women's Open like never before, reaching new audiences and enhancing their connection to golf.”

Designed to resemble a traditional billboard, this new attraction offers a unique and eye-catching experience for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you're a pro, a casual player or a first-time golfer, the playable scoreboard promises a unique experience.

IR&A will integrate all the shoot tracers from the day's play to the scoreboard screen at once, creating a stunning visual display.