As record crowds of 90,000 watched stars such as Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, and Rory McIlroy compete at The London Club in Kent, Leisurecorp, the co-promoters of The European Open with The European Tour, used the latest Flightscope technology to enhance coverage for millions of television viewers at home.
FlightScope, which was first developed from military tracking radar and is more commonly used to assist golfers during club fitting, accurately records ball flight to give true spin and launch data. Detailed data was measured by EDH (Electronic Development House) who manufacture FlightsScope in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
On the 15th tee at The European Open, each player’s drive was recorded and the data collected. This information was then correlated to create an on-screen dropdown graphic for broadcast, showing club speed, launch angles, back spin and carry distance. This data was provided to players competing in the tournament so they could analyse their performance each day and also made available to fans on The European Tour’s official website www.europeantour.com.
Leisurecorp first trialled the technology with EDH at its Pearl Valley Golf Estates during the South African Open in December 2008; however, The European Open is the first time this technology has been used during the live television broadcast of a European Tour tournament.
After the success of The European Open, Leisurecorp is considering plans to cover a more comprehensive range of holes at the Dubai World Championship - the season finale to The Race to Dubai held at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 19-22, 2009.
For access to additional information and resources, media professionals may register at www.leisurecorpmediacentre.com.
