Understanding Cdw: Golf's Unique Challenge

what is cdw golf

CDW (CDW Corporation) is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education, and healthcare customers in the US, UK, and Canada. It has been a partner of the PGA Tour since 2008, helping to connect golf and technology. CDW powers the ShotLink scoring system, which tracks and captures data on every shot taken, and provides real-time scoring across all TOUR platforms. CDW also supports the First Tee youth development initiative, which aims to introduce golf and its inherent values to kids and teens.

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CDW Corporation

CDW was originally incorporated in 1984 as "MPK Computing" by founder Michael Krasny. The name was later changed to Computer Discount Warehouse and eventually shortened to CDW. The company has since expanded its operations and now employs over 15,000 professionals, serving a diverse customer base of 250,000 organizations. CDW is headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and has additional distribution centers in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.

As a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 index, CDW generated $21 billion in annual net sales in 2023. The company has a specialized division, CDW-G, dedicated to providing IT solutions to U.S. governmental entities, including schools, universities, healthcare organizations, and local, state, and federal governments. CDW also operates a popular annual Golf Day event and has sponsored golf initiatives such as the PGA Tour and ShotLink, where they use technology to connect players, fans, and journalists to the game.

CDW has been recognised for its contributions to the golf community and its support for youth development organisations like First Tee, which helps kids and teens build character and learn about technology through golf. CDW's support has helped modernise First Tee's technology infrastructure and enhance its curriculum and brand.

In addition to its golf-related initiatives, CDW provides a wide range of IT solutions and services, including cloud support, data analytics, software solutions, and cybersecurity. The company has helped clients migrate to the cloud, improve data security, and enhance communication efficiency with its Contact Directory Application for Cisco Webex. CDW also assists small and rural governments in finding funding for their IT needs and provides guidance on strategic oversight and digital transformation.

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CDW (Computer Discount Warehouse) has been a partner of the PGA TOUR since 2008. It powers the ShotLink scoring system, a key technology in the world of golf.

The ShotLink system operates on the PGA TOUR, Champions TOUR, and Korn Ferry TOUR, covering approximately 93 events each year. ShotLink provides data to various sources, including on-site television broadcast partners (GOLF Channel, CBS, and NBC). It also delivers data to fans, journalists, and players through PGATOUR.com.

The ShotLink scoring system uses a combination of technologies to record and analyze every shot taken during tournament play. This includes handheld devices, laser rangefinders, and sensors (radar, cameras, and/or lasers) to capture the flight and resting location of every shot hit by each player. Each golf course is mapped prior to the event, creating a digital image of each hole to calculate exact locations and distances.

The data is then transmitted within seconds to servers installed by the CDW Professional Services team, which are located in the ShotLink Nerve Center truck. This data includes 256,000 pieces of data each week, providing real-time analysis of every shot and transforming the viewer experience by bringing fans closer to the action.

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CDW Golf Day

The CDW Golf Day is a popular event that brings together golf enthusiasts for a day of golfing at the prestigious Woburn Golf Club. The event is a chance for CDW to showcase its commitment to the sport and to engage with partners and customers through its hospitality and customer engagement programs.

CDW has been a partner of the PGA Tour since 2008, providing technology solutions and advisory services that have revolutionized the way golf is played, tracked, and experienced by players, fans, and journalists. CDW's state-of-the-art technology captures and analyzes data, delivering real-time scoring and insights to millions of fans worldwide.

Through its partnership with the PGA Tour, CDW also supports local communities and youth development initiatives such as First Tee, which introduces golf and its inherent values to kids and teens, while also promoting technology and STEM educational opportunities.

The CDW Golf Day is an opportunity for the company to celebrate its involvement in the sport and to strengthen its relationships with partners and customers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It is a day filled with golfing, networking, and a shared passion for the game of golf.

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CDW and PGA TOUR partnership

CDW has been a partner of the PGA TOUR since 2008, helping to connect golf and technology. As the "Official Technology Solutions Advisor", CDW has been instrumental in supporting a variety of technology advancements for the PGA TOUR's ShotLink scoring system. ShotLink is a real-time data collection and scoring system that captures 256,000 pieces of data each week using handheld devices and laser rangefinders. State-of-the-art servers, installed and configured by the CDW Professional Services team, store and analyze this data aboard the ShotLink Nerve Center truck. Golf fans and journalists can access ShotLink data via PGATOUR.com to keep up with tournament rankings, while players can track their progress over time to improve their game.

In addition to ShotLink, CDW has enabled many technology integrations at the TOUR's Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. CDW brings highly advanced technology solutions that meet the rapidly changing needs of the PGA TOUR. As part of their partnership, CDW also works with communities to further the game of golf for kids through support of the First Tee and the TechFore! Charitable giving program.

In 2021, the PGA TOUR and CDW Corporation announced an extension of their marketing relationship through 2026. CDW will continue its hospitality and customer engagement programs at tournaments in strategic markets throughout the PGA TOUR season and maintain a presence across PGA TOUR social, digital, and broadcast platforms.

"CDW has been integral to the growth of ShotLink and delivering real-time scoring across all TOUR platforms that reach millions of fans around the world," said Ken Lovell, PGA TOUR senior vice president of golf technologies. "We are constantly working to innovate, and CDW is an invaluable partner in that pursuit."

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First Tee

The First Tee is a youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Its mission is to introduce young people to the game of golf and the values inherent to it. CDW, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions, has been a partner of the PGA TOUR since 2008. As part of its involvement with the PGA TOUR, CDW supports the First Tee initiative.

CDW also powers the ShotLink scoring system, which captures 256,000 pieces of data each week using handheld devices and laser rangefinders. ShotLink delivers data to onsite servers in milliseconds over a fibre-optic network. This data is used by golf fans and journalists to keep up with tournament rankings, and by players to track their progress and improve their game.

CDW has been integral to the growth of ShotLink, delivering real-time scoring across all TOUR platforms that reach millions of fans worldwide. CDW continues to be an exclusive sponsor of ShotLink, showcasing golf's greatest players and engaging, inspiring, and positively impacting fans, partners, and communities worldwide.

In addition to its involvement with ShotLink, CDW has enabled many technology integrations at the TOUR's Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. CDW brings highly advanced technology solutions to meet the rapidly changing needs of the PGA TOUR. The company also hosts hospitality and customer engagement programs at tournaments in strategic markets throughout the PGA TOUR season and maintains a presence across PGA TOUR social, digital, and broadcast platforms.

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Frequently asked questions

CDW is a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions that has been a partner of the PGA Tour since 2008.

CDW is the "Official Technology Solutions Advisor" of the PGA Tour and powers the ShotLink scoring system. ShotLink is a real-time data collection and scoring system that uses handheld devices and laser rangefinders to capture 256,000 pieces of data each week.

CDW helps to connect players, fans, and journalists to the game by providing real-time scoring across all TOUR platforms. CDW also supports the First Tee initiative, which aims to bring technology and STEM educational opportunities to kids through golf.

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