Golf fans — technically called “patrons” — in Augusta, Georgia, this week for the 88th Masters Tournament can indulge in pimento cheese sandwiches (and peach ice cream sandwiches) in plain view of the azaleas and dogwoods at Amen Corner, which includes holes 11, 12 and 13. But they won’t have any mobile devices on hand. Electronics are strictly prohibited.
That’s where the millions of golf fans who’ll tune in to the tournament on TV (12 million last year) have an advantage thanks to increasingly elaborate tournament-tracking options beyond simply viewing the Masters on TV. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Here’s how to watch the Masters.)
And now, of course, it includes AI — generative AI, to be precise.
While AI has been part of the Masters experience for several years, gen AI first came on the scene in 2023 via an English language narration feature for app and site content. That, of course, was also the year gen AI went mainstream following the launches of ChatGPT, Gemini (known originally as Bard), Claude and Copilot. As consumers have experimented with the technology to write poetry, generate fanciful images, compose symphonies and perhaps even get tips on how to improve their golf swings, gen AI has been infiltrating our lives further and further.
So it’s perhaps no surprise the 2024 Masters is availing itself of the technology to provide course insights through its app, to improve highlight reels and to enable segments of its first experience on the Apple Vision Pro device.
The technology changes, but the goal remains the same: enhancing the mobile and site experience for fans who can’t be in Augusta.
The Masters is a legendary four-day golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in the first week of April. After the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, the top 50 players move on to the final rounds. It culminates on Sunday when the winner is awarded the tournament’s iconic green jacket (and about $3 million).
It was a windy day in Augusta on Friday, but Americans Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler — currently ranked the top golfer in the world — and Max Homa ended Round 2 in a three-way tie.
Tiger Woods, who’s after his sixth Masters win to tie Jack Nicklaus for the most victories overall, ended up tied for 22nd place when he posted an even-par 72. In doing so, he set a record for making the cut to the weekend rounds for the 24th time. Meanwhile, defending champion Jon Rahm shot 76, while Rory McIlroy shot 77. Both narrowly made the cut and will continue to Round 3.
(By the way, if you’re looking for a deeper dive into AI, check out CNET’s new AI Atlas guide, which includes reviews of gen AI tools, along with AI news, tips and explainers.)