Watches ‘LINKED-IN’: THE STORY OF THE TAG HEUER CONNECTED GOLF EDITION

The advent of wearable tech (and technology in general) has been a true game-changer in the golf world, where a mere millimeter can mean the difference between grief and glory.  And yet, it remains a very traditional sport, which has been slow to adopt such technology compared to other competitive games. In the early days there were PDAs, basic apps using GPS systems, even simple course maps – but these were often difficult to use or prone to faults and tended to be more frustrating than helpful.  The next generation however, sparked an explosion of new golf apps, wearables, even lasers to measure distances.  These made guessing distances and choosing clubs a more precise process. 

Today, golf has become a game of precision – with pros competing for that extra edge and we are here to help. 

But the ancient traditions of golf can create certain tensions; you might say that its evolution has been slowed in some ways – by a resistance to change or a loyalty to older values. While there are many tools available to players today, there are strict rules on the course and the technology has to be carefully crafted by Golf specialists.  

So what’s so special about the TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition? The key feature that separates this watch from its competitors are incredibly detailed maps. The mobile app offers 3-D maps with a level of detail that’s rare for any sport, while the Connected watch itself is the only app with 2D maps on a wearable device. Which means it can communicate the most important elements clearly; any golfer knows that visualisation is key to success in golf, and pros always make it part of their routine. Visualising means imagining the shot in the mind’s eye, and seeing all the details of how it will play out. The TAG Heuer Golf app allows you to paint a much better mental picture, and thereby offers an important advantage in your game. 

Our developers are always exploring the boundaries of what’s possible, and coming up with the next ‘big idea’. We also worked with extremely talented 3D designers, to find a way to give the illusion of actually being on the course: what does the grass really look like? How might one design those rocks, those trees? What’s the best way to include every detail? Our designers created a 3D environment, and our developers worked with them to execute a unified vision. They constructed it to be compatible with our bird’s-eye-view map, incorporating the 3D elements; there are ripples in the water, the reflection of trees and shadows – even the reflection of the sky! The final result? An app with true ‘wow’ factor… and a real touch of luxury.

How many courses can I map?

There are nearly 40,000 golf courses available worldwide. 

The season on the Connected course? 

Right now, it’s an endless balmy summer. But more seasons are coming – even a Christmas course with snow, snowmen and Christmas trees! 

Is it beginner-friendly? 

The TAG Heuer Connected Golf edition is built with real people and real needs in mind. It’s not just focused on the Pros, and we’re making it simpler and more intuitive all the time. 

One of our most important goals? Striking the right balance between accuracy and performance. Unlike most sports, a round of golf might last four to eight hours, requiring  the battery to last – and perform well – from beginning to end. The hardware is optimized to support hours of play, and remains robust no matter how long or how heavy your usage is. Some users swim, then play a round of golf and then run – but they still have enough battery life for the rest of their day! 

Our favourite bit of innovation? The shot tracking feature locates exactly where a shot was taken, and which club was used. This allows you to analyze your game, keep track of club statistics, record information about certain holes, and review them all.  A close second in the feature faves? The TAG Heuer Golf edition of the Connected collection marked a new era – unlike other wearables tech, it has two pushers and a crown, so there’s no fiddling with buttons: just click to start and click to stop. 

And if you spend as many hours in the clubhouse as on the course, fear not – the Connected isn’t just for full-time golf nerds. With all the other features of a wearable device and a cutting-edge sports app, this timepiece collects all the most important data you need, keeps great records, and is seamlessly integrated with your phone. The difference is that unlike other watches, the app is in-house, meaning you get a more customized interaction. And if you’re not playing golf, the pushers have other functions to enhance your Connected experience. It’s hugely adaptable for any sport, and for the needs of everyday life; it’s a go-to tool for athletic practice, day to day support, for measuring everything that matters to you… with that added touch of luxury. 

Finally, as many golfers know, access to courses has come and gone during the coronavirus lockdown. You can always use the app to schedule games or check out other courses if your preferred spots remain closed. And look out for new developments that will allow you to use the watch and the app, even if you’re not on the golf course! 

Our thanks to the incredible team who helped make the TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition possible – and who have continued to perfect not just the elegant hardware of this hard-working watch, but the behind-the-scenes visionaries who continue to imagine the impossible … and then make it a reality visible on your watchface.  

Ready to take your game to the next level with the cutting edge of wearable tech? Or want to explore the courses you plan to visit when life returns to normal? Check out the latest model of our TAG Heuer Connected Golf Edition and the TAG Heuer Golf app … or add to your collection with a new edition.