Mixed Reality debuts at PGA Tour’s The Players Championship

 In CraneMorley, Mixed Reality Industry Insight

Golf enthusiasts tuning in to the 40th The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, might have noticed a new and exciting addition to the sport: the debut of mixed reality.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Players Championship, the PGA Tour and NBC/Golf Channel joined forces with The Famous Company to embark on a mission to celebrate this milestone in a unique way. Together, they introduced golf’s first-ever use of mixed reality. At the iconic 17th hole “island green” on the TPC Sawgrass golf course, a digital twin of the gold trophy and the swinging man logo were brought to life.

As the digital gold man steps off the trophy platform, viewers are treated to a captivating animation that highlights two legendary moments from The Players Championship history. The first showcased highlight was Tiger Woods’ unforgettable “Better than most” putt from his 2001 title win, complete with his iconic fist pump. The second moment captured Rickie Fowler’s incredible tee shot from his playoff victory in 2015. Both of these moments are etched in Players Championship history.

The creation of this mixed reality experience involves a combination of a prerecorded animation and a live shot to craft a seamless broadcast. By merging animations with live shots captured from various cameras, multiple angles are presented, allowing viewers to appreciate key details such as the shadow of the trophy based on the position of the sun. This consideration for weather conditions ensures that the animations remain consistent, regardless of whether it’s a sunny day or if rain is in the forecast.

For those familiar with The Famous Group, their work in bringing mixed reality to sports events is not new. They’ve been pioneers in this field, having undertaken notable projects in various sports leagues and major events. Their portfolio includes enhancing the NFL gameday experience, orchestrating Nickelodeon’s coverage of the NFL with Slimetime, and showcasing mixed reality at the pinnacle of sporting events, the Super Bowl. They’ve also lent their expertise to the NBA All-Star game and WWE, among other ventures.

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