The Open sees expensive addition never used in golf – football fans know it well

The Open Championship organisers have brought in a new era at Royal Portrush this week by implementing technology in the form of a Spidercam, as seen in the Premier League and the Champions League

The Open Championship at Royal Portrush is the first golf tournament in history to use a Spidercam. The R&A has invested £300,000 in a four-point wire-cam system for the event – something that has not been done previously in the sport.

With the second round’s action underway, the technology is being used above the 18th hole to offer breathtaking aerial views and unique perspectives of the action, due to the absence of a clubhouse on the final hole where spectators can watch.

Players were informed of the change last week, with organisers of the Open worried they might be unhappy with the potential distraction of a moving camera during their shot preparations. But there were reportedly no complaints.

It’s understood that the R&A is spending around £300,000 on the Spidercam’s operational costs for the week in Northern Ireland, following a year-long planning project in partnership with European Tour Productions.

Alongside IMG, European Tour Productions is tasked with covering the Open, the Ryder Cup, and the DP World Tour.

The Spidercam footage is accessible to the R&A’s broadcast partners, including Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in the US, who are reportedly delighted with the innovation.

The technology could be utilised at future tournaments wherever feasible, although it’s unlikely to become a regular feature at golf events due to its hefty cost.

R&A head of broadcasting and media rights Paul Sutcliffe told The Guardian: “It’s not often The Open is the first to do something, as usually innovations are made by the Tours before being introduced by the majors, so this is really exciting.

“Portrush is one of the few venues without a clubhouse on the 18th green so that gave us a unique opportunity. With more space around the green we have been able to install technology.

“There will be some wires around the green, but the camera will retract to the grandstand before each ­player’s second shot so we’re confident there will be no interference.

“2019 was one of the iconic Opens with the emotion of Shane Lowry winning at Portrush and Spidercam will enable viewers to walk with the 2025 champion up the 18th. It’s the greatest walk in golf and should be very special.”

Football fans will be well-acquainted with the Spidercam already, with Champions League matches unveiling the technology as early as 2010.

The Premier League, meanwhile, rolled it out it in January 2017 for a Manchester United vs Liverpool fixture. Operational considerations, costs and existing broadcast practices were the reasons for its relatively late usage.

It is also commonplace in rugby union and cricket, while the aforementioned reasons have prevented its implementation in golf in the past.