CBS Sports to air special on technology and golf

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Technology plays an ever-increasing role in the way golf is learned, played, viewed and understood. From state-of-the-art swing analyzers and the gathering and dissemination of statistical data, to the incredibly clear telecasts presented in high-definition, technology is omnipresent.

Video: Preview Technology and Golf pres'd by CDW Corporation.

Technology and Golf presented by CDW Corporation is a CBS Sports special that explores the many ways advancements in the computer and video world have impacted the game. Produced by PGA TOUR Productions, the hour-long show will air at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17.

Technology and Golf presented by CDW explores the ShotLink Data Management System used at every PGA TOUR event. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and hand-held laser devices, the "real-time" scoring system can generate more than 500 statistics with a single shot recorded. The data collected is available instantly to on-site fans, television networks, and viewers at home.

ShotLink has also helped players improve their performance. Vijay Singh, for instance, reviewed ShotLink statistics during his nine-win performance in 2004 and determined he was better off going for par-5s in two, rather than laying up on his second shot. The result was an improvement in his par-5 performance over the course of the season. For an in-depth look at how a player uses the system, Technology and Golf presented by CDW will track Sean O'Hair and show how he uses the statistics to analyze his game, as well as golf courses.

A volunteer gathers ShotLink statistics. (Condon/PGA TOUR)

Nowhere has technology had a more visible impact than television broadcasts. HD television, with its higher resolution, smoother motion and richer colors, was made for golf and the beautiful landscapes on which it is played. Blades of grass, undulating greens and player reactions have never been so vivid.

Advancements in computer software have enhanced broadcasters' ability to analyze players' performance. Technology and Golf presented by CDW looks at two systems that provide unique instant analysis of swings and results.

Trackman, based on Doppler radar technology, delivers a graphic that can detail the rate of speed at which the ball is hit, clubhead speed, where the ball has been hit, ball output angle and path in the air, landing angle and rolling length on the ground.

Pro Tracer is a system that traces the flight and trajectory of a golf ball over the course of the actual shot. It uses a combination of a sensor and advanced software analysis for detecting the ball's true flight and a superimposed graphic on the video feed shows its trajectory.

Finally, the special will show how technology is benefiting amateur golfers through swing analyzers and state-of-the-art video equipment.