MasterCard Tees Off Wearable Payments At PGA TOUR

MasterCard’s plan for the future of connected commerce — which, of course, includes payment-enabled wearables and virtual/augmented reality commerce experiences — is set to make its appearance at the PGA Tour’s kickoff event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is slated for Thursday (March 17).

On the payments side, MasterCard has paired with Callaway Golf Company to show how everyday golf gear, like a glove, can be turned into a payment-enabled device. MasterCard is also building upon its Commerce for Every Device program to show golfers how they can use the payments tech to pay for goods in a manner that doesn’t take time away for their game.

MasterCard also announced it was expanding the use of its Qkr! with MasterPass at the invitational to enable consumers with a digital payment experience when paying for food or merchandise at the event using an Android or iOS device.

“Giving consumers the opportunity to immerse themselves virtually into experiences you can only get with MasterCard is a great way to showcase the exclusive offerings and access we’re delivering through our Priceless platforms,” said Raja Rajamannar, CMO for MasterCard. “What better place to highlight these new technologies than one of the preeminent PGA TOUR events, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.”

Keeping up with MasterCard’s push into virtual and augmented reality technology, the event will showcase a virtual reality golfing experience that will have guests experience a virtual tour of the famous 17th hole. Beyond that, MasterCard is working with a startup firm that designs virtual reality glasses and wearables to help consumers connect better with their commerce experience using new tech.

“MasterCard is leading the industry in new payment technology that will enhance the consumer commerce experience,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR SVP of corporate partnerships. “By introducing this technology at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, they are showing golf fans and the world that this technology is ready and that it will improve daily life through improved experience, convenience and security.”