It’s new X9 Rules model has been pre-programmed with all 24 Rules of Golf to make sure anyone using it never incurs a penalty. Should a player be at risk of breaking a rule, a light on the trolley will flash and two loudspeakers will broadcast a warning.
The New Rules of Golf 2019 came into effect on Jan 1 and include, among other things, a new procedure for dropping a ball from the knee rather than shoulder-height, a 40-second time limit on taking a shot, and a ban on caddies or partners lining-up shots. The changes were announced by the R&A and USGA to simplify and speed up the game but high profile players including Ricky Fowler, Justin Thomas and Hao Tong Li are among those that have been caught out by them.
Cutting-edge EKOJ programming has been reverse-engineered into the standard X9 electronics system to provide the Rules functionality: discreet sensors cover 360-degrees and a pair of loudspeakers automatically increase their volume if a player ever ignores the trolley’s advice. A discreet ball chute ensures that penalty drops are always at knee height: an issue that many golfers have struggled to come to terms with.
Mark Stewart, Stewart Golf CEO, said: “We’re all about helping golfers play better and score better: we don’t want them to gain shots by using one of our brilliant trolleys but then lose them through a Rules infringement.
“Our engineers have worked with artificial intelligence (AI) experts to create the X9 Rules. The AI element allows the X9 Rules to adjust its language to its owner, which does mean it may occasionally overstep the mark.
“As well as safeguarding its owner from silly mistakes, the X9 Rules will also call other players rules violations if it they are within a 25m radius. This is handy when playing against persistent offenders in club competitions.”
The X9 Rules goes on sale on April 1st.
