TPC Scottsdale, site of this week’s Phoenix Open, features one of the more famous holes in golf. At 163 yards, the 16th hole features a rowdy crowd and is the shortest on the course, thus creating the greatest possibility for a hole-in-one. So far this week, it has produced the lowest average score for all players at 2.84 strokes.
Intel True VR is providing live virtual reality surrounding this exciting hole this year thanks to an expanded partnership between Intel and the PGA Tour. For Samsung Gear VR users on a global basis, they can watch the action through the PGA Tour VR Live app.
The live 360-degree VR content is also available through the PGA Tour mobile app that’s compatible with Cardboard headsets. And thanks to Oakley — the official brand sponsor of the hole — fans on site can even use this method to get an immersive view of this action as the company this weekend will be handing out 2,000 devices in line at the hole and making them available at PGA Tour retail shops.
As the official eyewear partner of the Phoenix Open, Oakley has Bubba Watson featured on the devices with a printed image of the golfer and Team Oakley member wearing Targetline glasses with Prizm Golf technology.
Up to eight VR panoramic, stereoscopic camera pods will be placed around the 16th hole to provide four different camera angles of the action. As part of the experience, there will be a dedicated sideline reporter, Teryn Schafer, reporting live.
Fans without headsets can experience the content as well. The 360 video experience will be available on Twitter and Periscope during all four days of the event and via the PGA TOUR app on iOS, which now features a VR Viewer panoramic mode.
“We look forward to bringing that excitement to our fans who can’t physically be at the tournament through live virtual reality,” Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Media Officer, said in a statement. “They will be able to experience all the thrills from home.”
For those at the course, they might be able to score these:
