Rakuten Launches AI Golf Swing Analysis Feature in Scoring App

Tokyo, Japan—Rakuten Group Inc. has introduced artificial intelligence-powered golf swing analysis capabilities to its golf score management application.

The new feature, developed in collaboration with Rakuten Institute of Technology and Keio University's Faculty of Science and Technology, analyzes users' golf swings through 41 checkpoints across nine swing phases, from address to finish.

Users can upload swing videos through the smartphone app to receive AI-powered feedback, including a 100-point comprehensive evaluation and radar chart analysis of crucial swing elements such as posture and impact position.

The beta version of the feature has been integrated into Rakuten's golf score management app, which has surpassed 2.8 million downloads since its May 2021 launch. 

The app provides GPS course mapping and score-tracking functionality.

The system can analyze swings for different club types, including drivers, fairway woods, utility clubs, and irons, and accommodates both right—and left-handed players. 

Users can compare their swings against model swings or previous attempts through video and still image analysis.

Rakuten GORA, Japan's largest golf course booking platform with approximately 2,000 affiliated courses, developed the feature to help golfers of all skill levels identify areas for improvement and encourage formal golf instruction.

The companies will continue to refine the feature based on user feedback before releasing the final version.