[PHOTO: Getty Images]
The PGA Tour says fans will have a new way of watching their favourite golfers beginning this week.
The tour and its media partners announced on Wednesday in the US the launch of Rapid Rounds, a rapid recap of full player rounds that will be available after rounds are completed.
“With more cameras and streams covering PGA Tour tournaments than ever before, Rapid Rounds will offer an additional way for fans to watch each drive, approach and putt from select players showcased across all our media platforms,” said Norb Gambuzza, PGA Tour executive vice-president, Media, in a statement. “Whether reliving an incredible round, catching up on the game’s biggest names, or if they missed that day’s action, Rapid Rounds offers a fast, easy way for fans to engage with their favourite stars and get excited for the next day’s live coverage.”
Rapid Rounds will be available for fans starting at this week’s 3M Open, which in the US will be carried by CBS Sports, ESPN and Golf Channel. NBC Sports will post Rapid Rounds throughout the three FedEx Cup Playoff events in August.
This is the latest result of the tour’s Fan Forward initiative, which collected thoughts from 50,000 golf fans. According to the tour, “more highlights and round recaps” was the most preferred among six content-enhancement options in the survey. The tour also recently unveiled new “smart tracer” technology during last month’s RBC Canadian Open.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Rapid Rounds come to life, as it’s been a passion project for us on the PGA Tour’s Fans, Tournaments and Sponsors Player Advisory Council Subcommittee,” 16-time PGA Tour winner Justin Thomas added. “Fan Forward has provided us with important direction on what PGA Tour fans are craving, and we’ve worked hard to deliver an innovative way for our fans to engage with our players and tournaments. We are grateful for the tour’s media partners for embracing and supporting this new series.”
