Software created by Belgian golf star Thomas Pieters and his brother is now being embedded directly into a golf ball. Belgian microtechnology is poised to make amateur golf more social and enjoyable from late 2025 onwards. Approval of the Genius ball with sensors for official match play would represent the clearing of the final hurdle.
Thomas Pieters is living his passion to the fullest, both on and off the course. Several years ago, he and his brother launched a respected app that, while modest in revenue, digitalised golf and broadened its appeal. Their project remained dormant until a major American golf ball manufacturer expressed interest in their software. The so-called Genius ball is expected to become a reality by the end of 2025. A plastic ball containing a compact mix of sensors, chips, a battery, and other electronics at its core to monitor various parameters. At what speed does the ball travel, how far, along which trajectory, and how long does it glide across the grass before transitioning into a roll? All valuable data, currently focused on helping amateur golfers refine their putting strokes and enhance their enjoyment of the game. This kind of tool is still not allowed in professional play. Future technology will also support the analysis of longer golf swings.
At 75 dollars for three balls with Belgian software and a charger, the price is hardly a barrier.
