Werner Kapp, Altron Group CEO.
NetStar, a subsidiary of Altron and a leading provider of vehicle tracking and telematics solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with the Sunshine Tour to jointly develop enhanced golf performance analytics and tracking capabilities.
The strategic partnership aims to support South African golfers by providing insights to hone skills, define strategies and improve consistency. The partnership brings NetStar's tracking technology to professional golf, with both organizations committed to developing a custom solution together. By applying telematics and analytics capabilities used in fleet management, NetStar and Sunshine Tour will work together to create tools that support player development over time.
“This partnership represents the Ultron Group's commitment to creating epic solutions using data, technology and human ingenuity,” said Werner Kapp, CEO of the Ultron Group. “Just as NetStar pioneered vehicle tracking and fleet management, we are now applying that innovation-first approach to help accelerate South Africa’s proud golf heritage.”
The technology aims to provide performance tracking, including shot dispersion, accuracy trends and strategic insights, enabling players and coaches to make data-driven improvements. As the solution matures, future phases could increase fan engagement through interactive platforms, bringing audiences closer to the action with statistics and analytics.
The solution being developed combines three main elements of NetStar's capabilities: compact, wearable GPS tracking devices that track a player's position on the course; A shot capture application operated by trained markers during tournament rounds; And an analytics dashboard provides performance insight into six key areas – Scoring, Off the Tee, Approach Shots, Short Game, Putting and Strokes Gained. As coverage expands, the dashboard will enable players to benchmark their performance against Sunshine Tour peers or even DP World Tour or PGA Tour standards, helping to identify areas of improvement.
“From tracking vehicles to tracking wins – this partnership demonstrates how our core technology can transcend industries,” said Grant Fraser, group managing director of Netstar. “We are excited to work with the Sunshine Tour to develop solutions that bring valuable insights to players. Together, we are committed to building something that supports the continued success of South African golf on the world stage.”
The Sunshine Tour, which has launched the careers of champions such as Ernie Els, Gary Player, Retief Goossen and Louis Oosthuizen, sees this partnership as an important step towards adopting a data-driven approach in professional golf.
Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abbott said, “South Africa is one of the most prolific producers of world-class golf talent. Technology is reshaping professional golf globally, and this partnership ensures our players continue to perform at the top of their game.”
Sunshine Tour professional Dylan Frittelli, who has finished in the top five at both The Masters and The Open Championship, welcomed the development: “Having competed internationally, I have seen first-hand how data analytics separates the good players from the champions. This technology will give emerging talent the tools to hone their game and compete confidently on the biggest stages. This is what South African golf needs.”
The partnership will officially launch in May this year at the start of the 2026/27 season, with a phased implementation across select Sunshine Tour events as the solution is developed. NetStar will pilot the solution at the Investec South African Open Championship and Joburg Open in February and March respectively. Both organizations are committed to working together to advance the championship legacy of South African golf through a combination of data, technology and talent.