SMT Press Release | By SMT staff
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., March 12, 2025 – SMT, the leading provider of technology services for the professional golf industry, is expanding its role this year at THE PLAYERS with a record-breaking deployment of LED displays and enhanced digital services. This year marks SMT’s largest-ever implementation of LED technology for the tournament, featuring 18 distinct LED builds across hospitality tents and on-course locations. Since 2001, SMT has provided video displays and content production for the PGA Tour’s premier event, which returns to TPC Sawgrass March 11-16.
Throughout the years, SMT has delivered signature services such as its Monsterboard LED video boards at the infamous 17th and 18th holes, including video production with live video, scores, stats, and player graphics. Other displays include custom tickers and indoor LED displays showcasing real-time scoring and Championship information for fans. In 2025, SMT is taking its technological innovations to new heights with expanded LED and digital display offerings.
Among the highlights of SMT’s 2025 enhancements:
SMT is now the exclusive LED provider for Comcast Business at two of their private suites. These state-of-the-art installations will feature LED displays at the Proud Partner Suite between the 9th and 18th greens and on the second floor of the clubhouse. These displays will showcase SMT’s TIPS broadcast, while the clubhouse screen will also support meetings and guest speaker events hosted by Comcast Business throughout the week.
SMT has introduced the Morgan Stanley Eagles Activation Ribbon, a new LED build displaying a dedicated URL page provided by the client with special messaging and graphics. Additionally, SMT is integrating the Morgan Stanley Eagle Tracker within hospitality areas at holes 17 and 18 as well as The Grove.
Optum has also expanded its digital presence at THE PLAYERS Championship, adding an additional ticker LED installation in its Proud Partner facility between the 9th and 18th holes. This display will broadcast SMT’s show with custom graphics and scores, specifically featuring Optum Health’s player ambassador, Rory McIlroy.
SMT will be showcasing Custom Content for the first ever Creator Classic. On Wednesday afternoon, several golf creators will play holes 10-17 in a unique competition featuring several special media stars. This event will begin immediately following the Caddie Competition, which SMT has supported for over 10 years with unique video production of the event at the 17th hole.
At SMT, we are dedicated to enhancing the spectator experience at THE PLAYERS with cutting-edge digital displays and real-time data integration,” says Ryan McDonald, Vice President and General Manager, SMT Golf. “With our largest LED deployment to date and expanded digital services, we’re ensuring that fans, sponsors and partners can engage with the tournament like never before—whether they’re on the course or in exclusive hospitality areas.”
SMT services that returned this year to THE PLAYERS include:
The Welcome Wall, the first display that spectators see as they enter from the parking lot. At 27 by 8 feet, the content on the wall is split into two sections, one side displaying the primary broadcast feed and the other side showing a 4×4 group feed that is part of the Every Shot production from TV.
SMT’s Spectator Boards in fan village locations keep the estimated 200,000 fans connected to their favorite players via curated posts displayed on 9-by-18-feet video walls in the Sawgrass Square and Grove locations.
IP Television Platform (TIPS) around the course and hospitality venues. A total of 386 devices, ranging in size from 32” to 80”, containing 30-plus channels are stationed across the golf course help fans keep up with live coverage, weather messaging, and other numerous signals generated for specific clients.
Media Center: The Media Center display uses laptops to display scores, leader boards and live broadcast of play. At the press of the button, the board takes a Full Cover, displaying PGA Tour and PLAYERS logos used at a backdrop for player interviews.
“SMT continues to elevate the fan experience at TPC Sawgrass with cutting-edge technology and innovative digital services,” said Steven Wood, Director, Tournament Operations, THE PLAYERS. “From real-time scoring and directional information to live video highlights and social media integrations, SMT ensures that spectators stay connected to every moment of the tournament. We’re excited for another incredible week of world-class golf at THE PLAYERS.”
This week’s tournament featuring three top 10 world-ranked players, with two-time winner and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler aiming for his third straight win, with world No. 2 and past winner Rory McIlroy and world No. 9 and 2021 PLAYERS winner Justin Thomas in the field. Forty-eight of the world’s top 50 players will compete at TPC Sawgrass.