Technology is mostly absent from the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. Patrons are not permitted to bring cell phones or other gadgets through the gates. The only metals present at The Masters are golf clubs and CBS cameras.
But this year, deep inside the Augusta National Media Center, IBM was loaded with new technology. Hidden behind The Masters' website, app and TV coverage, Watson was at work changing how fans view golf and other sports.
Using "cognitive highlight determining factors" -- onscreen broadcast analysis, crowd noise and player reaction -- IBM worked on curating highlights for The Masters. For example, watch the meters bounce on this Jordan Spieth shot during the third round (this is the "What would Arnie do?" shot).
This was Phil Mickelson earlier in the week, featuring IBM's cognitive breakdown:
With so many highlights from #TheMasters, sit back and let @IBMWatson curate them for you. Check out the best from Rounds 1 & 2. #IBMsports pic.twitter.com/a3ccCe5ADc
— IBM Sports (@IBMSports) April 9, 2017
Announcers, players and fans, just keep being yourselves. But understand, your movements will determine the future of shareable sports highlights.
Watson made its first appearance at The Masters, but considering IBM also has partnerships with such entities as Wimbledon, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Toronto Raptors, Watson is expected to expand its presence in the sports world moving moving forward. Cognitive sports higlights are a technological feat unlike any other.
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