(Bloomberg) — Bryson DeChambeau is spearheading an investor group that is acquiring Sportsbox AI, a company specializing in AI technology and 3D motion capture for mobile sports and fitness coaching and training applications. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but DeChambeau said the transaction is worth eight figures.
Sportsbox AI will debut its AI assistant SAMI later this year. SAMI will use 3D motion technology to capture golfers’ swings and then provide coaching and feedback after processing their movements as well as equipment improvements.
The group also announced a collaboration with Google Cloud, Sportsbox’s infrastructure provider. As part of the partnership, DeChambeau will don the Google Cloud logo on his golf bag for the Masters and other tournaments moving forward, marking the first time the Google Cloud logo will be on display for a professional golfer.
DeChambeau said he’s been using the technology ahead of the Masters and will continue to use it during the tournament and after it as well.
DeChambeau is nicknamed “the Scientist” because of his analytical approach to golf and said this is just the beginning of his investments in tech businesses. He emphasized that Sportsbox and SAMI are not a replacement for golf coaches.
“This is something that adds to their toolbox,” DeChambeau said in an interview. “If anything, it’s going to make the teaching credentials more competitive. I think that’s actually a value add — the camera and the phone are only going to tell you so much. They can’t make you feel what you’re doing.”
Sportsbox was built by former LPGA Tour player Jeehae Lee and software engineer Samuel Menaker. “As a former player, I’ve always wanted to demystify the process around improving one’s game,” said Jeehae Lee, Sportsbox AI co-founder in a release. Our work with Bryson proves that 3D motion data — when delivered via easy to understand insights and instructions — can provide real, positive outcomes for one’s mechanics.
