2004 PGA TOUR Media Guide

SECTION 9 / ADDITIONAL INFOThe PGA TOUR has collaboratedwith IBM, the TOUR’s OfficialWorldwide Information TechnologyPartner, on the PGA TOUR ShotLinkSystem. The ShotLink System is arevolutionary platform for collecting and disseminating scoring and statisticaldata on every shot by every player in real-time during every tournament round.The development of ShotLink started in 1997 when the TOUR decided toupdate its current scoring system, which was based on 1987 technology. TheTOUR, in conjunction with IBM, conducted an extensive review process toformulate its strategy for the development and implementation of ShotLink.Following an evaluation of more than 30 companies, additional technologyand implementation partners were identified: Information and DisplaySystems (IDS), Palm, Electronic Arts, Daktronics and two mapping vendors:GeoGolf and Geodetic Services. IBM provided overall project management,consulting services and server and networking technologies. ShotLink wasintroduced during the 2001 Buick Classic and represents the TOUR’s scoringsystem for the future.The accumulation, packaging and presentation of expanded shot andcourse information provides the basis for numerous fan enhancements.Current uses of ShotLink data include:• Enhanced graphics and statistics in television broadcastsShotLink• Expanded information and statistics for use by media• Powering on-site and PGATOUR.COM tournament leaderboards• Providing on-site media and hospitality access to live tournamentinformation through Tournament Tracker, developed by IBM• Powering PGA TOUR Mobile Link, the PGA TOUR’s wireless applicationfor use on PDAs and cell phones (available on PGATOUR.COM)• Powering the exclusive AT&T Wireless #121 golf service• Powering the TOURCast application on PGATOUR.COM, whichlaunched in 2003In addition to current uses, ShotLink provides unlimited potential todevelop fan enhancements and products over the next several years, including:• Enhanced and interactive television• On-site wireless and kiosk applications for tournament patrons• Internet, PC and console gamesBesides fan enhancements, ShotLink creates an ongoing historicalarchive of statistical information. This information is available to playersthrough the PGA TOUR Links program, also built by IBM.The ShotLink data is collected by volunteers utilizing a combination ofPalm handheld devices and laser range finders.Tour Wives AssociationTOUR Wives Association, Inc. is a Florida not-forprofitcorporation organized to render support for andprovide assistance to needy children and their familiesthrough the means of charitable events. TheAssociation is comprised of the wives of professionalgolfers on the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour, as wellas individuals and corporations that support the TOURWives Association’s many charitable endeavors.Since its incorporation in 1988, the TOUR Wives Association hassupported children’s charities across the country by raising money for childrelatedcharities and given much back to the game of golf through personaland monetary contributions. In addition to the funds that are raised, the wivesvisit different charities in the communities where golf tournaments are held,spending time and playing with children supported by the charities.The TOUR Wives Association conducts numerous fundraisers to supportits charities. These include tasting events, concerts, live and silent auctionsand other activities.AT OURS S O CWI V E SI A TI O NThe Association’s favorite (and longest-running) fundraiser is thebiannual TOUR Wives Golf Classic, a nine-hole tournament where the wivesplay golf and their husbands caddie. The TOUR Wives Golf Classic, first playedin 1987, has been held at different courses around the country.The TOUR Wives Association is currently selling its cookbook, Taste ofthe TOUR. The cookbook is a compilation of recipes from your favorite golfersand consists of 144 pages of recipes submitted by the families of players onTOUR, from their homes and their favorite restaurants at tournament sites.From simple to gourmet, the cookbook contains recipes for appetizers, soupsand salads, breads and muffins, poultry and meat dishes, seafood, vegetables,rice and pasta dishes and desserts. This project is providing a continuingsource of funds for its charities.While its membership varies from year to year, the commitment of theTOUR Wives Association to making a difference in the lives of needy childrenstands strong. The Association’s dedicated members, past and present, havereached deep into their resources to balance the demands of family, work andtravel and have given generously of themselves to realize their ideals.For information regarding the TOUR Wives Association, please contactSara Moores at the PGA TOUR.9-16 / 2004 PGA TOUR Media Guide WWW.PGATOUR.COM