Turner Sports To Produce The 92nd PGA Championship In 3-D

2010 will be remembered as the year where 3-D TV really gained a foothold on sports television. Looking back on the test events last year and compare that to the number of events produced in 3-D this year, you have a considerable jump in the amount of sports produced in the 3rd dimension. Well, Turner Sports has announced plans to produce this year’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in 3-D. Already, Turner has picked up a bunch of providers on both cable and satellite to distribute the event to a nationwide audience of about 13. But still, it’s a big step for 3-D.

Turner Sports and The PGA to Offer 3D Coverage of the 92nd PGA Championship Through PGA.com and TNT’s Television Distributors

Vince Cellini to host coverage alongside 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem

Turner Sports and The PGA of America announced today they will offer coverage of the 92^nd PGA Championship in 3D on Thursday, Aug. 12 and Friday, Aug. 13, on PGA.com and through TNT’s television distributors Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, and Time Warner Cable. The 3D coverage will focus on the par-3 12^th and 17^th holes at Whistling Straits from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET each day. Host Vince Cellini who will be joined by 2002 PGA Champion Rich Beem will provide commentary and analysis on the holes. Beem also will provide analysis throughout the weekend during PGA.com’s extensive 2D online offerings.

The 3D production will utilize eight cameras produced specifically for 3D that will provide a unique look at course action and give fans a one-of-a-kind visual experience to watch the world’s best golfers play the course’s challenging par-3s. In order to experience the event in 3D, viewers will need a 3D TV or PC display with matching 3D glasses. Fans can visit http://www.pga.com/pgachampionship/2010/3d to get more information about the hardware and software used to view the 3D production online.

In addition to 3D coverage, Turner Sports will also offer 20 hours of television coverage on TNT, live 2D coverage on PGA.com and on mobile devices, with additional details to be announced at a later date.   

“At Turner Sports we continually look to provide the fan with an innovative viewing experience through our ability to test and explore new opportunities,” said Lenny Daniels, Turner Sports EVP and COO. “The PGA Championship has always been a platform for forward thinking and interactive technology. During previous PGA Championship coverage on TNT and PGA.com, we have introduced our marquee follow coverage, live streaming action through mobile apps and included social networking within our linear broadcast. Introducing 3D coverage to this crown jewel event allows us another opportunity to better serve our audience and add to our multitude of platforms.”

“The PGA Championship has perennially been the source of many of the game’s most special moments,” said PGA of America Director of Broadcast & New Media Casey Morton. “The addition of 3D television and online technology unfolding at Whistling Straits, a spectacular venue for viewers, is yet another new level of excitement for fans to follow the world’s premier players. We anticipate that the addition of this bonus for viewers opens another chapter in PGA Championship tradition.”

Each year during the PGA Championship, Turner provides fans with an exclusive and interactive viewing experience combining television, online and mobile. Through TNT’s four days of coverage, the ability to follow marquee groups live on PGA.com and instant player alerts and notifications on the PGA Championship iPhone app, fans get an all-access pass for all the tournament action.

That’s it.