CBS Sports has shared a sneak peek at their tech lineup for the upcoming PGA Championship, featuring FlyCams, bunker cameras, live drones, shallow depth-of-field cameras, a 360-degree camera, and more. In collaboration with the PGA of America, CBS Sports and ESPN will offer live, wire-to-wire coverage of the tournament at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY, from Thursday to Sunday. CBS Sports will lead the overall production, deploying 125 cameras, nearly 150 microphones, and almost 500 EVS and Hawkeye replay channels.
The coverage is headed by coordinating producer Sellers Shy and Jim Rikhoff, with lead director Steve Milton and Bob Matina. Chris Svendsen and Bryan Kosowski are the replay producers, while Harold Bryant serves as Executive Producer and EVP of Production. David Berson will be overseeing his first major event as CBS Sports President & CEO, following Sean McManus’s retirement after The Masters in April.
Here’s what CBS Sports has planned for Valhalla:
FlyCams: This tech will span the practice facility, the par-5 18th green, and the par-4 13th green/par-3 14th tee, providing multiple vantage points across the course.
Bunker Cameras: A collection of robotic cameras in bunkers will offer 360-degree views from the greenside of the par-3 14th and par-5 18th holes.
Aerial Coverage: In addition to aerial shots from the Goodyear Blimp, there will be drones offering live coverage, giving unique scenic views during live action.
Shallow Depth-of-Field Cameras: This cinematic technique will be used to capture players inside the ropes with a Steadicam and two Atlas mini Steadicams.
Falcon 360: A 360-degree camera will offer picturesque panoramic views of Valhalla.
Player Walk-and-Talk: A feature where a player is “mic’d up” and interviewed while walking during play, allowing for a more personal experience.
Toptracer:
This technology will be used on all 18 holes and the practice facility, providing 3D radar tracking to trace live tee shots, showing their apex, ball speed, distance, and curve.
Toptracer RF: These are RF mini cameras providing ball tracking graphics and statistics from the fairway.
ARL Virtual Eye Side Slab Flight Track: This returns with coverage on every hole, using Toptracer technology to provide an overhead slab view of the hole and virtual flyovers. It also offers data on how golfers played certain holes in previous rounds.
PinPoint Wind Analysis: With multiple anemometers around the course, CBS will measure wind speed and direction, providing valuable data on how wind may affect play.
GOLFTEC OptiMotion Swing Analysis Technology: This will use biomechanical data to analyze and compare players’ swings.
CBS Sports will offer extensive coverage, with third and final-round coverage from 1:00-7:00 PM, ET each day on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, streaming live on Paramount+. Jim Nantz will host from the 18th tower with Trevor Immelman as the lead analyst. Ian Baker-Finch and Frank Nobilo will be hole announcers and analysts, with on-course reports from Dottie Pepper, Colt Knost, and Mark Immelman. Amanda Balionis will provide interviews and reports.
CBS Sports Network will feature extensive shoulder programming with shows like *PGA Championship On the Range*, *PGA Championship Clubhouse Report*, and *PGA Championship Archives*. CBS Sports HQ will offer 24/7 updates, previews, and recaps. The *FIRST CUT* will also offer on-site shows and extended post-round coverage on CBS Sports HQ, while CBSSports.com will provide live coverage and analysis throughout the championship.
