Golf Business News – Hole19 launches AI-powered round analysis tool

Hole19, the GPS and scoring app with over 5 million users across 195 countries and 70 million rounds logged, has announced the launch of Otto AI, an innovative artificial intelligence feature that transforms on-course data into personalised, actionable insights.

This groundbreaking technology provides golfers with comprehensive round summaries and strategic recommendations, bridging the gap between data collection and meaningful improvement.

With 78% of core golfers now using at least one golf app according to the National Golf Foundation in the US, the demand for technology that delivers real improvement has never been higher. Otto AI addresses this need by analysing performance patterns, benchmarking against handicap peers, and delivering specific practice recommendations that help golfers understand exactly where and how to improve their game.

“We have tested this new functionality over the past few months and refined the model to make the AI give golfers the most useful and actionable information possible,” said Anthony Douglas, CEO and founder of Hole19. “Otto AI represents our commitment to helping golfers not just track their rounds, but truly understand their game. By translating complex data into clear, actionable insights, we’re making it easier for golfers to practice with purpose and see real improvement.”

While traditional golf apps excel at collecting statistics, most golfers struggle to translate this data into meaningful improvement. Otto AI solves this challenge by providing intelligent analysis that turns raw numbers into a clear improvement roadmap, with help from the company’s sister app, CORE Golf – the number 1 practice app for golfers. The feature delivers value through six core capabilities:

1. Smart Analysis leverages artificial intelligence to identify patterns across rounds, uncovering trends in performance that might otherwise go unnoticed. The system examines club selection, scoring patterns, and performance in various conditions to build a comprehensive picture of each golfer’s game.

2. Handicap Benchmark provides essential context by comparing performance against golfers with similar skill levels. This feature helps players understand whether their challenges are typical for their handicap range or represent specific opportunities for improvement.

3. Performance Breakdown delivers detailed insights into every aspect of the game – from driving accuracy to putting performance. Each area is analyzed with clear metrics showing current performance levels and areas needing attention.

4. Focused Improvement cuts through data overload by highlighting the 2-3 specific areas where focused practice will yield the greatest impact on scores. This targeted approach helps golfers make the most of limited practice time.

5. Flexible Feedback allows golfers to customize their analysis depth, from quick post-round summaries to detailed trend analysis over multiple rounds, matching each player’s improvement goals.

6. Continuous Improvement tracks progress over time, with the AI learning from each round to provide increasingly personalized and effective recommendations.

During months of beta testing with hundreds of users, Otto AI demonstrated exceptional value in helping golfers understand their games and focus their practice efforts effectively.

“I used to manually copy and paste my rounds statistics into ChatGPT after every round, hoping to get deeper insights into my game,” said Brett R., a 12-handicapper from California who participated in the beta program. “With Otto AI, that’s completely unnecessary now – and it works so much better. Having AI analysis integrated directly into Hole19 with full context of my round history and playing patterns, gives me insights I could never get before. It’s transformed how I understand my game and plan my practice sessions.”

Otto AI is initially available through the Hole19 app on iOS only. The feature gives users the first report free of charge, and then uses a flexible consumption model with report packs available in quantities of 5, 10, and 25 reports. Pricing starts at $5.99 for free users and $2.99 for premium subscribers.

Golfers can download Hole19 for free from the App Store and purchase Otto AI directly within the app. Each report provides comprehensive analysis of a single round, with recommendations that can guide practice sessions for weeks to come.