Step 1: Site Survey — Choosing Your Camera Locations
The most impactful deployment starts with choosing the right locations. Your goal is to position cameras where they will generate the most member engagement and shareable content. Not every hole is equally effective — certain locations dramatically outperform others in terms of video quality and member interaction.
According to data from the National Golf Foundation, golf participation reached 48.1 million Americans in 2025, with members increasingly expecting technology-enhanced experiences. Positioning cameras at high-visibility locations maximizes this engagement opportunity.
Recommended Locations (Priority Order)
- Signature par-3 tee boxes — Every member plays these; shot tracers over water, canyons, or elevated greens create the most shareable content. Par-3s are ideal because the tee-to-green distance fits within the camera's tracking range, and the dramatic backdrop amplifies visual impact.
- Driving range (end bays) — High traffic volume, daily usage, ideal for coaching integration. End bays provide the best camera angle without obstructing other bays. A single camera can cover 2-3 adjacent bays from the right position.
- Practice putting and chipping greens — Short game capture works differently: the camera focuses on swing form rather than ball flight. Valuable for lesson packages where parents want to see junior progress.
- Tournament-specific holes — Temporary deployment for events. Choose holes with natural amphitheaters or spectator areas where the camera angle benefits from elevation or backdrop.
Camera Positioning Guidelines
The current G20 dossier documents a 1.3 m deployed height. Exact angle and distance are not specified, so use the Golfeye App live preview and capture tests to validate each position:
| Parameter | Optimal Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Deployed height | 1.3 m documented | Assemble the camera module, gimbal motor unit, extension rod, and ground spike as documented |
| Angle and distance | Validate on site | Use live preview to keep the golfer and intended target area within the required composition |
| Line of sight | Clear and safe | Avoid obstructions, player traffic, carts, irrigation, and unstable ground |
| Connectivity | Test at the position | Confirm Wi-Fi or hotspot mode, Bluetooth, phone proximity, and any mobile-data requirement |
| Capture result | Test each required mode | Review sample media before opening the workflow to golfers or guests |
Do not publish a universal placement distance or angle until it is confirmed for the current G20 firmware and intended capture mode. Record the approved position for each location after testing.
Step 2: Hardware Setup
G20 uses modular assembly for portable deployment. Confirm the supplied package and choose a stable, protected position appropriate to the surface:
- Ground stake — Push into turf at the desired location. This is the most common method for on-course deployment. The stake provides a stable base on fairway-cut or rough turf. For softer ground (after rain), push deeper or use the tripod instead.
- Standard tripod — Any tripod with a standard 1/4"-20 thread. Use on hardscape surfaces (cart paths, patios, concrete pads around the range). Also useful for elevated positions or uneven terrain.
- Bracket mount — For semi-permanent range installations where you want a fixed position day after day. The bracket can be mounted to a post, fence, or dedicated stand.
After assembly, confirm power and device status, connect G20 in the Golfeye App, inspect live preview, and run sample captures. Deployment time should be quoted only after the site and workflow scope is known.
Step 3: AI Detection Zone Configuration
Select Automatic, Putter, or FreeStyle mode according to the intended workflow. Use the App preview and test media to confirm framing and behavior rather than relying on an unverified fixed field-of-view claim.
For optimal results, verify these three things after positioning:
- Tee box centered in frame — The hitting area should be approximately centered in the camera's wide-angle view. The AI has the best detection accuracy when the golfer is within the central 80% of the frame.
- Flag/target visible — If the flag or target is visible from the camera position, the AI will automatically use it as a zoom reference point. After detecting a swing, the gimbal zooms to track the ball toward the flag. Verify the flag is visible and unobstructed.
- Test with 2-3 swings — Have a staff member hit a few balls to confirm detection is triggering correctly. The camera should capture the swing, generate the shot tracer, and store the video. If detection is intermittent, adjust the angle or distance slightly.
Repeat validation when lighting, position, background, firmware, or capture mode changes.
Step 4: App Integration and Connectivity
G20 confirms Wi-Fi Station and Hotspot modes, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and App control. The current dossier does not guarantee that every camera, App, cloud, automation, or live-room feature works fully offline.
| Mode | Internet Required | Features Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Station | Facility network as configured | Validate App, transfer, cloud, and live requirements | Locations with approved network access |
| Device Hotspot | Direct phone connection | Validate device control, preview, and media workflow | Local preparation and testing |
| Live / cloud workflow | Phone and mobile data may be required | Keep the phone nearby, connected, awake, and correctly configured | Automatic upload, highlights, live or replay rooms |
Test the exact workflow at the intended camera position. Confirm phone proximity, mobile-data coverage, permissions, storage, automatic settings, and the current firmware before promising delivery timing to customers.
Step 5: Staff Training and Go-Live
Golfeye is designed for self-service operation by facility staff, not technology specialists. Brief role-specific training ensures smooth adoption across your team:
- Operations staff — Assembly, position, power, device status, safe handling, and end-of-session checks.
- Teaching professionals — Capture-mode selection, App preview, media review, editing, export, and student-delivery workflow.
- Event coordinators — Approved camera positions, phone ownership, connectivity, participant access, and escalation responsibilities.
- Marketing team — Media selection, permission, editing, brand review, export, sharing, and retention policy.
Training duration depends on role, camera quantity, delivery workflow, and the current App and firmware. Assign an owner for daily checks and technical escalation.
For the go-live day, we recommend a soft launch with a small group of engaged members or staff. Collect feedback on video quality, camera positioning, and the app experience. Make any positioning adjustments based on real-world results before announcing the technology to your full membership.