The prestigious Open Championship held at Royal Portrush has made history by incorporating a Spidercam into its setup. This cutting-edge technology, at a cost of £300,000 invested by the R&A, involves a four-point wire-cam system, marking a groundbreaking development in golf tournaments.
During the ongoing second round of play, the Spidercam is being deployed above the 18th hole to provide viewers with stunning aerial views and distinct perspectives of the action. This initiative comes as a creative solution due to the lack of a clubhouse near the final hole for spectators.
Players were notified about the introduction of Spidercam last week, raising concerns about potential distractions during shot preparations. However, there have been no reported complaints from the participants.
The R&A’s expenditure of approximately £300,000 covers the operational expenses of the Spidercam for the event in Northern Ireland, following an extensive planning collaboration with European Tour Productions over the past year.
European Tour Productions, in conjunction with IMG, is responsible for the coverage of major golf events like the Open, the Ryder Cup, and the DP World Tour. Broadcast partners such as Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in the US have expressed great satisfaction with the innovative use of Spidercam.
While the Spidercam footage is accessible to broadcasting partners, its future application in other tournaments remains uncertain due to the high costs involved. Nonetheless, the technology is anticipated to enhance the viewing experience for audiences.
Paul Sutcliffe, the head of broadcasting and media rights at the R&A, emphasized the uniqueness of implementing Spidercam at the Open, highlighting the opportunity provided by the layout of Royal Portrush. The camera’s deployment around the 18th green is carefully managed to avoid interfering with players’ shots.
Notably, Spidercam has been previously utilized in football events such as the Champions League, dating back to 2010. Its introduction to the Premier League in January 2017 for a Manchester United vs Liverpool match was a significant milestone, influenced by operational factors, costs, and established broadcasting norms.
While Spidercam is a common sight in sports like rugby union and cricket, its adoption in golf has been limited due to operational complexities and cost considerations. The incorporation of this technology at the Open Championship signifies a step towards modernizing golf broadcasts and enhancing viewer engagement.