The R&A and Golf 5 have partnered to bring golf's original major, The Open, to the metaverse.

 

The R&A and Golf 5 have partnered to bring golf's original major, The Open, to the metaverse.  The VR Open at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, is set to launch in the metaverse on July 15, offering fans a unique, immersive golf experience. Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, stated that the VR Open aims to attract new audiences to the sport by offering unique experiences through technology and the metaverse. Antonio Marin, President and Co-Founder of Golf 5, expressed excitement about the partnership and the opportunity to grow the game globally through VR. The overall medal winner of the 2023 VR Open will receive a trophy and tickets to the 152nd Open in 2024.  Winners from other categories will receive limited edition VR Open memorabilia. The VR Open will feature qualifying rounds known as the "VR Open Qualifiers" on two of Golf 5's virtual courses starting July 1. The top 20 players from each category will qualify as Green Badge Players competing in the VR Open finals at Hoylake free of charge.  The Premier League has recently unveiled its first gamified AR experience, the Premier League Trophy Hunt, which is tied to the upcoming summer series of matches set to be played in the U.S.