DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SPORTS COMPETITION MANAGEMENT AND THE APPLICATION OF REAL-TIME SCORING SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF THE PDGA LIVE APPLICATION

Abstract

This academic article aimed to analyze the lesson learned in implementing digital technology to improve sports competition management from a case study of the PDGA Live application developed by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA); by employing a case study analysis via literature review. The findings indicated that transitioning from traditional paper-based scoring to a real-time digital scoring system enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and creates a superior experience for both organizers and athletes across four dimensions: enhancing athletes’ motivation; developing athletes’ self-efficacy and self-assessment of their abilities; trust and perceptions of fairness; and technology acceptance and its application in competition management.  The outcomes included the Co-Scoring System, which ensures transparency and minimizes errors, and the Real-Time Leaderboard, which fosters competitive motivation. Furthermore, the unique PDGA-sanctioned rating system, which covers global events, serves as a significant incentive for athletes to travel for competitions to advance their professional standing or engage in sport tourism. However, implementation faced limitations such as internet infrastructure limitations, user burden, and the digital literacy gap. This article proposed a phased strategy; comprising a pilot phase, a hybrid system, and full digital adoption for similar sports such as woodball or golf. Such digital integration is intended to elevate competition standards and sustainably stimulate the economy through sport tourism activities.