Golf star teams up with tech investors to bring AI swing coaching to phones

A professional golfer isn’t just driving balls down the fairway anymore—he’s also driving tech deals. A group led by Bryson DeChambeau has quietly taken control of Sportsbox AI, a startup that turns smartphones into swing analyzers. While the exact price remains under wraps, the deal is reported to be in the tens of millions, showing how even niche sports tech can attract serious cash. What makes Sportsbox AI stand out isn’t just the money—it’s the promise of pocket-sized coaching. Using the phone’s camera, the system captures a golfer’s swing in 3D, then breaks it down with AI. No more guessing if your posture is off; the app will analyze angles, speed, and follow-through, then suggest fixes. The company plans to launch the feature later this year, calling the AI coach “SAMI. ”DeChambeau’s involvement isn’t just about bragging rights. As someone who’s known for his analytical approach to golf, he’s betting big on data over instinct. The tech could reshape how amateurs and pros train, making high-end swing analysis available to anyone with a phone. But with AI’s accuracy still debated in sports, questions linger: Can a camera and code really replace a human coach? Sportsbox AI joins a growing wave of apps using motion capture for fitness. From basketball to yoga, 3D analysis is becoming the norm. Yet golf’s complexity makes it a tough test case. A slight twist in the wrist might look perfect to the naked eye but fail the AI’s metrics. The real challenge will be proving these tools can teach as well as they track.