DALLAS, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2007, Toptracer, a technology division of global sports and entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group, made history and revolutionized the golf industry when it became the first company to trace the flight path of golf balls during a major televised PGA golf tournament.  The thin blue trace, which has become synonymous with how we watch golf, is part of the modernization of the game of golf and powers the signature gaming experience at select Topgolf entertainment venues across the globe.  Today, industry-leading Toptracer makes history again as it accomplishes major milestones on its journey to grow the game of golf, make it more accessible and connect communities across the globe through tech-driven experiences, including:

• Installing over 10,000 Toptracer Range bays in 31 countries
• Tracing 7.5M+ shots in Toptracer Range bays around the world in a single day in April 2021
• Tracing nearly 50M golf balls each month at select Topgolf venues across the globe
• Powering the first-of-its-kind 9-Shot Challenge series in February with nearly 100,000 participants from 197 countries playing across Toptracer Range locations and on the leading World Golf Tour (WGT) online game
• Tracing the flight path of golf balls in over 250 major televised golf events annually including the PGA Tour, European Tour and more

Starting May 15, players can compete in the second global 9-Shot Challenge event presented by the 2021 PGA Championship. Fans will now also be able to participate in the 9-Shot Challenge at select Topgolf entertainment venues as they experience the iconic Ocean Course at Kiawah Island and vie for the top spot on global leaderboards.  Players will compete for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 PGA Championship set to take place at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., among other select prizes. 

It's easy to play – players can simply select the "9-Shot Challenge" from the game menu at one of the following:

1. A participating Toptracer Range location, where players can experience golf like the pros
2. The popular WGT by Topgolf mobile golf game, loved by 30M gamers playing virtual champion courses and iconic holes in photorealistic quality
3. A participating Toptracer-enabled Topgolf venue, where players of all skill levels can enjoy the multi-level entertainment experience fans have grown to know and love

"At Topgolf, we are all about an engaging experience, seamless technology and, most importantly, fun," said Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs. "That is why the 9-Shot Challenge is such a great fit to introduce again to players around the world.  It is not only fun, but also truly accessible from anywhere – whether you are playing at a Toptracer Range, on your mobile device or at one of our venues.  We can't wait to kick off this global competition and cheer on the participants during this unique experience that only Topgolf can deliver."

The 9-Shot Challenge presented by the 2021 PGA Championship, which runs May 15 – 23, allows players to compete in a series of nine approach shots, testing their iron play skills, with the first tournament ranging in distances from 66 – 156 yards.  Players can see where they stand in real time as global leaderboards track progress throughout the tournament.  Leaderboard standings will include country flags representing each player, providing visual representation to the true connection of communities around the globe through this competition.

Future tournaments will provide access to other notable courses that golf fans know and love including Torrey Pines and The Royal St. George's Golf Club, among others.

To follow the tournament and see tournament rules, visit Topgolf's 9-Shot Challenge site.

About Topgolf Entertainment Group
Topgolf Entertainment Group is a technology-enabled global sports and entertainment community that connects people in meaningful ways through the experiences we create, the innovation we champion and the good that we do. What started as a simple idea to enhance the game of golf has grown into a movement where people from all walks of life connect at the intersection of technology and sports entertainment. Topgolf Entertainment Group's platforms include Topgolf venues, Topgolf Media, Topgolf International, Toptracer and Topgolf Swing Suite. Follow @topgolf on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or visit the Topgolf press page for the latest news.

About Toptracer
Toptracer, an innovative technology from Topgolf Entertainment Group, is the most-used and most-trusted advanced ball-tracing technology. The first of its kind to be introduced to the game of golf, Toptracer has revolutionized the way viewers experience the game at select Topgolf venues, driving ranges and while watching major golf tournaments. Today, Toptracer technology powers over 400 Toptracer Range driving ranges in 31 countries.

About WGT
WGT by Topgolf, an esports experience from Topgolf Entertainment Group and part of Topgolf Media, has become the leading online golf game designed to connect sports fans through a free, realistic, virtual golf gaming experience. Acquired by Topgolf in 2016, WGT now has more than 30 million downloads worldwide and brings gamers, golf enthusiasts and professional golfers together from around the world to play championship courses and iconic holes in photorealistic quality. To download WGT, visit m.wgt.com.

About Topgolf Venues
Topgolf venues, the first brand experience of Topgolf Entertainment Group, connect people in meaningful ways through technology, food and beverage, and the belief that Topgolf is a place where one can discover common ground no matter the occasion. These venues feature high-tech gaming, outdoor hitting bays, a chef-driven menu, hand-crafted cocktails, music, corporate and social event spaces, and more. Topgolf venues entertain more than 20 million guests annually at nearly 70 locations in five countries across the globe. To learn more or plan your visit, visit topgolf.com.

Topgolf Media Contact:
Kara Barry
Head of Communications
Email: press@topgolf.com

SOURCE Topgolf Entertainment Group