Giant US telco Verizon has inked an agreement with the Greg Norman Company (GN) to bring what the two companies say will be innovative and disruptive technology to the golf industry.
The strategic partnership between Australian golfing legend Norman’s company and Verizon also includes plans to expand outside golf and to collaborate across multiple industries.
Under the global deal, GN’s comprehensive suite of companies will leverage Verizon’s solutions to provide technology innovation and efficiencies across all its enterprises.
The first of the initiatives will be within the golf industry, with both companies saying they will work together to change the way people play and view the sport.
{loadposition peter}According to Norman, the golf industry is struggling in many ways and his company and Verizon together have a bold vision to make the game more cutting edge.
“Our primary focus is to provide the golfer with a better experience on the course, introduce new people to the game, and help golf grow alongside the technology innovations that are happening across other industries,” Norman says.
He says the partnership also opens doors to opportunities around Greg Norman Golf Course Design and Greg Norman Estates Wine through Verizon’s IoT AgTech solutions.
“With over 100 Greg Norman-designed golf courses worldwide, Verizon can help create smart golf courses, driving efficiency in course design, maintenance and sustainability. GN will leverage Verizon’s IoT platforms and data analytics to help Greg Norman Estates Wine manage irrigation and save energy.”
Mike Lanman, senior vice-president, enterprise products and IoT at Verizon, says its “robust suite of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions marry nicely with Greg Norman’s broad business interests – from exclusive content and new-age golfer experiences to AgTech solutions, technology is enabling new and different ways to improve player engagement and business operations.
“This partnership is yet another example of working across industry to connect and improve experiences.”
GN is also working with Verizon Ventures, the investment arm of Verizon, to invest in new sport technology that Lanman says connects innovation with opportunity.