Revolutionary new technology provides golfers with more accurate measurements of wind speed and effects
KENNESAW, Georgia — WindIQ, an industry-first technology that measures hyperlocal, real-time wind speed, direction, and precise hole location, has been acquired by golf’s leading on-course optimization platform, Tagmarshal.
WindIQ was founded in 2023 by Ben Holbrook, an experienced tech entrepreneur, investor, and avid golfer who wanted to improve his game but was regularly hampered by strong West Coast winds. Holbrook identified a need in the golf market for a technology that measures wind with more accuracy than current apps, which often show outdated wind conditions miles from the course being played.
“I always grappled with how golfers have so much information at hand about the distance to the bunkers and other visible hazards but rely on gut feel when it comes to wind,” said Holbrook. “Wind is a golfer’s invisible hazard. WindIQ finally gives golfers the wind information they need to make better shot decisions.”
WindIQ’s ability to optimize the player experience was clear to the Tagmarshal team, who recognized the potential for this powerful technology to complement the Tagmarshal platform. WindIQ will add wind data to the data-driven insights Tagmarshal provides operators, broadening the scope for optimization and ultimately adding more value to new and existing partners.
Bodo Sieber, Tagmarshal CEO, said, “We are continually looking at innovative ways to improve the player experience using technology. WindIQ’s vision aligns closely with Tagmarshal’s and we are delighted to bring Ben’s expertise aboard to help us bring golf into the tech-enabled future.”
WindIQ uses ultrasonic transducers to measure wind speed and direction on the green once per second, as well as multi-band GPS for precise daily hole locations. The small, unassuming device screws on top of each pin with no cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi required. The device is solar-powered, rugged, and waterproof, so operators can simply set it and forget it for the season.
This simplicity of the setup belies the massive on-course impact of this technology. Gone are the days of wondering “What is the wind doing?” while tossing grass into the air or checking a distant flag and trees. Golfers can now see real-time wind speed and direction to plan shots displayed on Tagmarshal’s Caddie app or 2Way screen devices, as well as available screens for tee boxes and yardage markers.
The technology also provides real-time recommendations that take into consideration how wind impacts distance, club selection, shot trajectory, and target.
After socializing the invention, Holbrook was asked, “What do I do with this brand-new wind data?” His answer: “Imagine, just like slope for distance, we pioneer slope for wind. Now, via the Tagmarshal platform, we can articulate: ‘The pin is 157 yards with an 11-mph hurting wind; consider more club with a lower trajectory.’”
WindIQ also has a huge impact on on-course operations, as daily hole locations are automatically fed into Tagmarshal’s system, saving valuable labor hours for maximum operational efficiency, as well as utilizing wind and hole intelligence to improve pace of play. WindIQ includes real-time pin in/out technology that tracks when groups start and finish holes. The WindIQ data is integrated into the Tagmarshal ecosystem, increasing the data available for optimization strategies and pace of play management.