We have a forum thread on - how did this not go in...I was thinking and came up with this...anyone in here have any additional thoughts?
Someone with more "tech" or CGI familiarity could speak to it directly but while we are kicking ourselves looking at what should have fallen and rightfully so based on the "image" we see, but the "code for the stroke made" does not match "perfectly" with the line of the putt we see.
As a result, the trace line is slightly off from the "path determined based on the input criteria" provided by the power of the putt, the ding of the putt, etc. All of this gives the illusion of what should have fallen but the "trace line" doesn't coincide perfectly with the code so it doesn't register as in the hole...
We stand there saying NO WAY that has to be in the hole, but it is really a "variance" or "imperfection" of the software to "perfectly reflect" the output. If it had reflected the line perfectly with the code the entire trace line would have been seen "above the hole rather than seemingly going through part of the hole.
In this case, since the putt appeared to "catch the lip" and deviate some but not enough to circle the hole or do a merry go round and fall in.
The example I can think of outside of this that may help is the scene towards the end of the movie Gladiator. Parts of that scene with the lions (1:25, 1:46, 2:07 are a few that look hokey btw no tigers were harmed in the filming...) just don't appear right and they really mess with my eyes. This was obviously a CGI part of the movie and can explain the odd image or blurry or visual miscues I pick up in the scene, but it seems to reflect a similar dynamic as this. Quite simply...it's WGT and their CGI department hasn't perfected the output, but they have it close enough that 95% of the time you believe it, the other 5% it has us saying---REALLY???
Okay, that is just my take. My head and eyes need to rest!