Posted April 4, 2018, 6:35 pm
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2018 Masters broadcast will use shot tracer technology

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Shot tracer technology will be featured during broadcasts of the 2018 Masters. [FILE/STAFF]

Five holes at the 2018 Masters will use shot-tracing technology for television coverage.

During a media conference call last week, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus announced that Nos. 9, 10, 13, 15 and 18 will use the technology in hopes of enhancing its audience coverage.

“We’re trying to blend in the technology with our traditional coverage,” McManus said during the call. “We’ve had good success with this on our digital platforms, and we think the time is right to introduce it into our regular coverage on Saturday and Sunday.”

In addition to CBS, ESPN will use the feature for its broadcasts on Thursday and Friday.

“Just like with the first-down line with football or with a score bug that's on the screen, we become so used to technology that enhances the viewing that when it isn't there, it's noticeable,” ESPN anchorman Scott Van Pelt said.

Van Pelt believes golf viewers “have come to expect” this sort of technology. This marks the first year the Masters has allowed shot tracing for television coverage. The technology was on the Masters digital streams in 2017.

“Shot tracer has become this sort of ubiquitous thing, and Augusta National hasn't just gone headfirst into the idea of technology and availing themselves of everything that they could,” Van Pelt said. “I think that this is a move towards the understanding that this enhances the viewing and people have come to expect it.”

2018 Masters broadcast will use shot tracer technology

From AugustaChronicle.com »

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