WatchItGolf takes swinging into the future - with mobile as a tool

The app developer WatchItGolf is ready to simplify the work of all the world's golf coaches through the industry's best analysis tool, directly on the phone.
- "A problem for us has been to get people to believe that it actually works, because this works just as well as the expensive stuff," says Patric Hörnsten Nilsson.

For entrepreneurs Patrik Hörnsten Nilsson and Nicklas Boström, it started in 2016 with an idea to analyze golf swings using a regular smart watch. Patrik, who is a former golf coach, had been looking for a tool to follow his students' training outside of lessons, but had not found what he was looking for. That was the seed of what would become WatchItGolf.

In the end, the watch app was not the success he had hoped for, and in the search for a more accurate measurement, he turned his attention to video instead. In the new app, amateurs and golf coaches can be connected and have access to a number of functions such as video analysis, drawing function and not least a launch monitor directly on the phone.

Through AI analysis of a filmed golf shot, the app can obtain precise data on how far the ball flies, how fast the club moves through the swing and much more. Coaches can then give lessons based on the data collected. The app also eliminates the need to be physically present. Students can film themselves and submit their video from anywhere. Payment is made in advance and the trainer is paid when the lesson is completed on time.

-"We are as accurate, or even more accurate, than radar solutions that cost several hundred thousand kronor," says Nicklas Boström. "Instead of having three or four different and expensive systems, our solution allows the coach to get all those components in one."

In January 2023, the company participated in the PGA trade show in Orlando, Florida, and this was proof that the product they had developed was a hit. There was a lot of attention and a lot of professional players, industry people and amateurs appreciated the benefits and power of the app.

-There were hundreds of people there who said that what we did was good. "We thought this would only come in 20 years," we were told," says Nicklas.

But for the men behind it, a little more time was needed to work out the final details, both in the app and in the company strategy.

-We have had a fantastic product, but we have had problems explaining what it is. This is a product to help golf coaches develop their business," says Patric.

During its development growth journey, WatchItGolf has been supported by the regional
innovation actor BizMaker and their incubator activities. When the duo turned to BizMaker, the idea was really only on paper, but both Patric and Niklas see the benefit of seeking help early on.

- Johan at BizMaker has been an incredible engine that has helped us scale the product and think outside the box, says Patric Hörnsten Nilsson.

- We recommend everyone who has ideas and thoughts about starting a company to contact Bizmaker, preferably already at the idea stage, says Nicklas Boström.

Today they are ready with an offer they believe wholeheartedly in and are ready to switch from development to sales.

- In five years, we believe that this will be a standard solution in golf and it is not inconceivable that we have developed this product in other sports, says Patric.