Turner Sports, PGA to Offer 3D Coverage of PGA Championship

When the best golfers in the world head to Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisc., in August for the year’s final major championship – the 92nd PGA Championship – fans will be able to experience the game like never before. You might not be able to be there in person, but thanks to TNT, you will be able to see all the drama of Glory’s Last Shot in a whole new dimension… Literally. Turner Sports and The PGA of America have announced they will offer coverage of the 92nd 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 12th and 17th holes at Whistling Straits from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET each day. What better way to watch the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, defending champion Y.E. Yang and others take aim at victory and a place in PGA Championship history? 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, providing a unique, cutting-edge 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 //www.pga.com/pgachampionship/2010/3d to get more information about the hardware and software needed 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.