R&A Debuts Spidercam Cablecam System at 153rd Open Championship in Northern Ireland

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, marked a groundbreaking moment in golf broadcasting with the debut of a four-point Spidercam system flying over the 18th green. This innovative cablecam, a long-sought goal in golf production, was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the R&A, Spidercam, ACS, Gravity Media, and European Tour Productions. The wrap-around grandstand at Royal Portrush played a crucial role by concealing Spidercam supports and providing a fan backdrop that keeps the camera out of players' sightlines, ensuring no distraction during play. The Spidercam PRO System, equipped with a Sony P43 camera and Canon CJ12 lens, operates within a carefully managed flight zone, avoiding shadows and noise to maintain a seamless viewing experience. Alongside Spidercam, a host of specialty cameras, including bunker cams, railcams, Smarthead robotic cameras, and RF cameras, have been deployed to enhance coverage, with NBC Sports also benefiting from expanded support. Together, these technologies are transforming golf coverage by offering unprecedented versatility and immersive visuals on the course's pivotal holes.