PGA Championship Trophy (image via PGA.com)
This year’s 97th PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, will be one for fans to remember. The PGA of America, CBS Sports and Turner Sports are looking to enhance the fan experience digitally, as well as on TV and on the course.
PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua said, “The PGA Championship continues our goal to deliver the most fan-friendly experience in major championship golf.” If you are watching the tournament on TV, CBS and Turner are offering for the first time, drone cameras. The drone cameras will be able to capture aerial views to help identify landing areas. SwingVision offers a break down of players’ swings as well as demonstrating shots throughout the course.
Additionally, the enhanced Protracer will be used to show preferred landing spots on Par 4 or 5 holes. Finally, television viewers will get see an animated aerial view of all 18 holes with GolfTrax.
Digitally, fans can tune into the offical PGA Championship website and App for coverage throughout the week. You will be able to see video highlights, live scores, “Shot-by-Shot”, a new feature, and more. “Shot-by-Shot” illustrates every players’ shot throughout their round in a unique side-by-side graphic.
And for those lucky enough to go to the Championship, you can expect to see the first of its kind, “Binoculars”. With these binoculars, fans can navigate the course faster and find out where their favorite players are. Whistling Straits is offering free PGA Wi-Fi zones for the best experience while using digital media.
“The technology applications are exciting this year, offering a wide spectrum of enhancements for our loyal fans. It all contributes to what we anticipate to be another memorable Championship,” said Bevacqua. Coverage begins on Thursday and Friday Aug. 13-14 on TNT.
