Golf is one of the most traditional sports there is. It’s famous for its heritage, country club etiquette, and a slow pace that only adds to its charm and exclusivity. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t embrace new tech trends.
With how big crypto has become by now, it was only a matter of time before it started making its mark on the golf world.
In this article, we look at how cryptocurrencies are entering the golf courses and what kind of novelties they’re bringing to the game.
Crypto Gaming and Virtual Golf
Crypto and gaming go hand in hand. Both thrive in the online world and appeal to tech-savvy users who are always waiting for the next trend to drop. With the rise of digital currencies, numerous crypto games have emerged — including some built entirely around golf.
Like more traditional games, these titles aim to replicate the strategy and timing of golf, but they’re built around blockchain mechanics that rely on the use of crypto and digital assets. Most commonly, they take the form of NFT games where players collect virtual clubs, avatars, and courses, and then use them to compete with others online.
On top of that, they allow players to trade or sell these items on secondary markets, turning in-game progress into something with real-world value. Think of it as classic golf simulators — but with actual stakes and real ownership over anything you earn.
Crypto’s influence doesn’t stop with gaming. It’s also transforming the iGaming space. A list of top betting sites not on BetStop highlights platforms that let users deposit and wager with digital coins, including bets on real-world golf events. This growing integration of cryptocurrency simplifies the process for players, reducing the need for personal data during registration while making deposits and withdrawals faster and more secure.
Some of these sites even go a step further by offering golf-themed slots and mini-games, blending the sport with gambling in a fun, casual format.
The Rise of Crypto Sponsorships
If you’ve been paying attention when watching recent golf events, chances are you saw more and more crypto logos popping up on bags, shirts, and hats. The same goes for crypto banners and branded booths. This is because crypto sponsorship deals are spreading fast, and they’ve found their way to the world of golf.
This makes a lot of sense as the sport is extremely popular among professionals and business owners. These people think ahead when it comes to their finances and are often open to new projects and technologies that fit into this mindset.
It also helps that golf events are being broadcast to a global audience, increasing their reach and boosting the power of the brands involved.
Given how much money revolves around the sport, crypto sponsorships in golf are often worth millions and come with extremely high expectations. Even the rewards for players are sometimes paid out in crypto. The best example of this was last year’s Crypto.com Showdown, which came with a $10 million prize pool — all paid in Cronos, Crypto.com’s main cryptocurrency.
As the role of cryptocurrency in golf continues to increase, more and more sponsorship deals like this are expected to arrive in the near future. From major exchanges to new crypto projects, brands will look for ways to attach their names to the sport and reach the fans.
The Role of Crypto Purchases
Long gone are the days when cryptocurrencies were seen as something you can only buy and hold in your digital wallet. These things are now receiving much real-world use, and golf hasn’t stayed behind.
Whether you need a new club or you want to book a tee time, you can now do so using cryptocurrencies. Many golf courses and pro shops now accept payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other currencies that have become mainstream in recent years.
This doesn’t come as a surprise, especially when you take into account that many golf players are already holding crypto. They often play when traveling, and being able to pay in crypto removes the hassle of converting money and dealing with banking delays.
When ordering golf equipment online, paying with cryptocurrencies is convenient and faster than traditional methods. Some major retailers and niche pro shops already offer it as a payment method, and more stores are expected to follow in their footsteps in the coming years.
47% of global eCommerce retailers said they plan to introduce crypto payments within two years, and golf stores are expected to get on board too.