The Open make major broadcast change with never-seen-before live TV feature to delight golf fans at Royal Portrush
THE OPEN have made a never-seen-before major broadcasting change.
The 153rd edition of the world’s oldest golf tournament heads to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this week.
And fans watching the action on TV will be treated to a brand-new feature.
That is because, as reported by The Guardian, the R&A have installed a Spidercam above the 18th green.
The camera will be attached to four 25m-tall pylons.
And the introduction will give new viewing angles and perspectives of the 18th green – where the Claret Jug will be won on Sunday.
The report adds the R&A informed the players about the plans last week.
And while there were some concerns about possible distractions, it is said no official complaints about the Spidercam were submitted.
The Spidercam’s footage will be available for broadcast partners including Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in America.
It will be supplemented by existing cameras such as aerial drones and bunker cams.
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The remote-controlled Spidercam has proven a major success in other sports such as football, rugby and cricket.
And the R&A’s head of broadcasting and media rights, Paul Sutcliffe, said: “It’s not often The Open is the first to do something, as usually innovations are made by the Tours before being introduced by the Majors, so this is really exciting.
“Portrush is one of the few venues without a clubhouse on the 18th green so that gave us a unique opportunity.
“With more space around the green we have been able to install technology.
“There will be some wires around the green, but the camera will retract to the grandstand before each player’s second shot so we’re confident there will be no interference.
“2019 was one of the iconic Opens with the emotion of Shane Lowry winning at Portrush and Spidercam will enable viewers to walk with the 2025 champion up the 18th.
“It’s the greatest walk in golf and should be very special.”