For many people, watching golf on TV is a sure-fire way to doze off. I get it, I really do. I had an ex-girlfriend that would love it when I watched golf because she was able to take a nap. Kind of rude if you ask me, but hey, I got to watch golf. It can be boring for non-golfers.
BUT!
What golf broadcasts have done in the last few years to enhance the viewer's experience is incredible.
The first little taste of this broadcast technology revolution was the shot tracer technology. Almost every shot from the tee and fairway has this technology now. It makes it a million times (in my estimation) better to watch a golf broadcast because you can follow the ball and where it's heading.
You get to see how good these guys really are. From the low stingers...
Views --Shot trail --#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/R5KvgKGx03
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 11, 2019To Rory McIlroy with one of the best ball striking rounds I have ever seen. The reason it was so impressive from my couch is that I could see how much control he had over every single shot.
Now playing ...
"Stripe Show"
Created by Rory McIlroy. pic.twitter.com/JuMvcwKvAA— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 18, 2019
Then you also get cool shots like this:
The good, the bad and the ugly. ⛳
Sunday tee shots into the 17th hole. pic.twitter.com/mci04PDJH9— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 18, 2019
Here's a video of a Dustin Johnson drive without the shot tracer.
-- Confidence from @DJohnsonPGA.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/cDsNDavMNq
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 14, 2019You can't tell me that this next video doesn't prove that the shot tracer makes watching golf on TV more enjoyable.
I would credit that with the addition of Fox Sports to the TV rotation. They hold the broadcast rights with the USGA (US Open, Women's US Open, and the US Amateur) through 2027.
Although the first US Open at Chambers Bay was not received well by golf fans, Fox did push the other networks (CBS and NBC) to become innovative. Fox wasn't scared to try new things. And believe me, some of those things needed to be left on the cutting room floor, such as the superimposed grid on the green.
And don't get me started on the microphones in each cup. I don't know why they continue to use this. They really don't add anything to the broadcast. The one thing I do like about the in-cup microphone is the conversations it hears between golfer and caddie or competitor.
Let's also not forget about the drone cam. Yes, they sent a drone up at the US Open. It seems cool but it actually was just weird, and the golfers said it made a ton of noise. Which they do. If you have never heard a drone, it sounds like a really big bug flying around.
Even though they've struck out a lot, they have also had some ideas that have stuck and been copied by the other networks.
The above hole view to the right of the screen was introduced by Fox. I love that you get to see where the ball is going by being traced.
The shot below is a perfect example of why this is awesome for the viewer. You can see just how far right Phil hooked his shot. You can also see that it looks like he went into the ocean. Three years ago, we don't have that to enjoy.
Lefty is living on the edge.
What a birdie, @PhilMickelson. --#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/lbJToFoQER— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 11, 2019
I haven't mentioned one thing: the yardages. They also have yardages to everything, and everything can be superimposed on the screeen. They will give you the height of the shot, the ball speed, the swing speed, how far it went, etc. Every stat you can imagine. The reason I waited until last to mention this, is because these types of graphics have been around for a very long time. All the other stuff is much cooler!
Next time you see golf on your TV guide, STOP and watch! You'll thank me for it.
