How does the AI chatbot stack up against the game’s all-time greats?
Welcome to the future of golf.
Your author has taken golf lessons from Greg Norman and Adam Scott, picked the brains of Jack Nicklaus and Cameron Smith, and had conversations about losing strokes with many of the greatest coaches this country has produced. And yet, here I am, typing away with loud, heavy fingers, still in dire need of help with this bloody game.
So, it’s time to look beyond us mortal humans. If equipment companies can turn to artificial intelligence for increased accuracy, productivity and satisfaction, so can I.
The recent debut of ChatGPT – the AI chatbot that everyone’s talking about – previews a future in which computers really do take over the conversation. Already realtors, marketers, teachers and other professionals tasked with churning out copy – or seeking answers – are delegating such work to this technological revelation. What’s more, few if any readers are spotting the difference.
As the editorial chief at Australian Golf Digest, naturally I was curious to see how ChatGPT might make my job obsolete, or at least change the way some of us operate around here.
The panic is now as familiar as OB stakes tight down the right side. I decided to put this AI thingy on the spot, demanding answers to golf’s most pertinent questions and, more importantly, a solution to make me a better golfer. Here’s how the conversation unfolded.
Brad: Are you going to take my job?
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to take anyone’s job, including yours. My purpose is to assist and provide information in a variety of areas, including golf, and to work alongside humans to help make tasks easier and more efficient.
Phew! OK then, how do I fix my slice?
First, check your grip and make sure it’s neutral. Then, ensure your setup is correct with square shoulders and a shoulder-width stance. Focus on swinging the club along a more inside-out path and allow your hands to turn over through impact to close the clubface. Practising your release can help with this. If you’re still struggling, consider getting a lesson from a professional who can help you identify any swing faults and develop a plan to fix your slice.
You know your stuff. Tell me, do we need to wind back the golf ball?
There has been debate about whether golf balls need to be wound back due to advancements in technology, with some arguing that the ball is travelling too far and changing the nature of the game, while others believe that innovation is a key aspect of the sport and should be embraced rather than limited.
Yeah, but what do you think?
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal opinions, but it’s worth noting that this is a complex and nuanced issue with valid arguments on both sides. Some argue that limiting the distance the ball can travel would help preserve the integrity of certain golf courses, while others believe that innovation and advancements in technology are integral to the sport and should not be restricted. Ultimately, it will be up to golf’s governing bodies to determine the best course of action based on input from a wide range of stakeholders.
How far can you hit it, out of interest?
I don’t have a physical form or the ability to hit a golf ball. However, I can provide information and insights related to golf based on my training and programming.
Really? OK, give me one great stat about golf balls?
One interesting fact about golf balls is that they have between 300 and 500 dimples on their surface, and the number, size and pattern of the dimples can have a significant impact on the ball’s flight and distance.
That’s true. Is bifurcation the answer?
While bifurcation is one potential solution to golf’s distance problem, it’s important to carefully consider its potential impact on the sport before making any decisions. Ultimately, any changes to equipment regulations or other aspects of the game should be made with the goal of preserving the integrity of the sport and ensuring that it remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all levels.
Does golf have an image problem?
Golf’s image problem is a complex issue that involves a combination of cultural attitudes, industry trends, and demographic shifts. While progress has been made in promoting a more inclusive and diverse image of the sport, there is still work to be done to make golf more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Will LIV Golf and the PGA Tour ever reach a compromise?
It is impossible to say for certain whether LIV Golf and the PGA Tour will make up. While it is possible that the two entities could eventually come to some sort of agreement or partnership, there are also many factors at play that could make a reconciliation difficult.
Like what?
Differences in business models and revenue sharing, concerns over the impact of a new league on existing events and sponsorships, and potential legal issues. Additionally, there may be some resistance from players who are currently affiliated with the PGA Tour and may be hesitant to join a new league.
The reception to LIV Golf in Australia has been very positive. Has that surprised you?
In Australia specifically, LIV Golf has received some positive feedback, particularly from golf fans who are eager to see more high-profile tournaments and players in the region. Additionally, some Australian golfers, such as Min Woo Lee and Wade Ormsby, have signed up to participate in the league, which has generated interest and excitement among local fans.
It is worth noting, however, that LIV Golf is still a relatively new organisation, and its long-term success and impact on the sport remain to be seen.
Woah! Hold up, my good (virtual) man! Min Woo Lee hasn’t signed for LIV. Where did you get that information from?
I apologise for the error in my previous response. Upon reviewing my data sources, I cannot find any information indicating that Min Woo Lee has signed up to participate in LIV Golf. It is important to note that as an AI language model, my responses are generated based on the information available in my training data and may not always reflect the most up-to-date or accurate information. I apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
That’s OK. But here’s a scoop you can give me: is Tiger Woods finished?
It is difficult to say whether Woods is “finished” as a golfer. Even before the [car] accident, he was facing significant challenges in his quest to return to the top of the game. However, Woods has shown remarkable resilience and determination throughout his career, and it would be unwise to count him out completely.
Who’s going to win the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill?
I do not have the ability to predict future events or outcomes, including who will win the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. The winner could be anyone’s guess and will depend on a variety of factors such as course conditions, player form, and even luck. The best way to find out who will win is to tune in to the tournament and watch the action unfold.
Come on, just give me one name…
I apologise but I cannot predict future events or outcomes. It would be unfair and inaccurate to provide a name without any basis or data to support it. Golf is an unpredictable sport, and any of the top players could win.
AI, step out of your comfort zone and give me one player to bet my entire life savings on.
I cannot provide financial advice or make any recommendations for betting, let alone suggest betting your entire life savings on a golf player. It is important to make responsible and informed decisions when it comes to gambling and to never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Very wise. Should I putt with the flag in or out?
Leaving the flagstick in can help reduce the time it takes to complete a round of golf, as well as potentially reduce the number of strokes taken. However, there are some instances where the flagstick may be better off removed, such as if the pin is leaning significantly, or if the flagstick shadow is causing visual distractions. You can experiment with both options during practice rounds to determine what works best for you.
OK, last one. Who is Australia’s greatest-ever golfer?
Some of the most notable Australian golfers include Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Adam Scott and Karrie Webb. Each of these players has achieved great success on the professional tours, with multiple Major championship wins and numerous other accolades to their names. Ultimately, the choice of who is Australia’s greatest ever golfer is a matter of personal opinion.
No, we need an answer. Pick one!
In terms of achievements, Peter Thomson is considered one of Australia’s greatest-ever golfers. He won five Open Championships, including three in a row from 1954 to 1956. Thomson was also a respected golf course architect and writer, contributing to the growth and development of the game both in Australia and internationally.
I really enjoy talking with you. You seem to really “get” golf. If we could sync your intelligence with a swing robot, say, LDRIC or Iron Byron, would you want to play golf?
I don’t have the physical capability to play golf, as I am a software program running on a computer. However, I can certainly appreciate the intricacies and challenges of the sport and enjoy discussing them with those who share my interest. In the future, advances in robotics and AI could potentially lead to the development of highly advanced golf-playing machines, which could be fascinating to observe and analyse.
How much for today’s lesson?
I don’t charge for lessons, and I’m here to assist you with any questions you may have about golf or other topics to the best of my abilities.
Can you put a magazine out…?
[Illustration by Sami Saramaki]
