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The coronavirus pandemic has upset virtually every facet of our society, and this week’s US Open on Winged Foot is no exception. Just five months ago, the U. S. Golf Association didn’t know if the occasion could take place in New York. -area club – or nothing at all. Uncertainty reigned as the USGA worked with New York State officials, other golf and sports organizations, and even other possible host sites, the championship moved.
In early April, the USGA announced that the US Open would remain on Winged Foot but would not take a stand until September. At the end of June, ride: the occasion would be played without fans.
But, except for complications, it would be played.
The result: this week’s US Open will be an Open like no other, but not just because of the tranquility that reigns on the property. Thanks to the cutting-edge thinking of US Open leaders and announcers, the 120th Open will give the viewer more access: and more tactics to worry about than ever before.
To learn more about what awaits US Open enthusiasts from home, GOLF. com spoke to Navin Singh, USGA’s advertising director and leading NBC Sports golf producer Tommy Roy. Here are nine tactics that the US Open brings new agreements to the table.
1. Better and camera
In the 14 years since Winged Foot last hosted a U. S. Open, many things have changed. Architect Gil Hanse made extensive recovery paintings on the country’s bunkers and vegetables in 2017, as well as extensive tree removal paintings.
“I think Gil Hanse’s changes were right for the field,” Roy says. “The most important thing we’re going to be interested in is the tree felling program they had there. Because when we were there in 2006, it was like a tunnel vision, hunting towards each and every tee out, and behind each and every green on the street. And now that many trees have been felled, we have wonderful perspectives so that our cameras can get much more attractive images from other angles, and that will be incredibly favorable for us. “
2. A grandstand from the first exit
Some members of the US Open Victory Club will have a virtual front row seat powered by Webex, the first tee at Winged Foot West. (Webex has already offered a similar offer for Manchester City football team enthusiasts, who can see practically from the aspect of the pitch. )
“We are not only employing the generation to bring enthusiasts to life and bring this to life, but also to exploit the amount of knowledge and score knowledge we transmit throughout the golf course,” Singh says. “We’re excited to be able to do it”. to unite enthusiasts in this exclusive way, as they can’t be this year.
3. Expect to listen to the stations
In general circumstances, Roy likes his broadcast team to close in the moments before a player makes a shot, but with less ambient noise to work, analysts will have to fill the void.
“When we participate in vital golf events, I prefer our advertisers to be more willing, when they’re making plans, but then,” Roy says. “Accentuate the drama when you have the murmur of a crowd. it just makes a picture much more dramatic. So without the fans, it would be better if our advertisers talked wall-to-wall. We did it at USAmateur, and then we did it in the last two weeks in the playoffs, and it still hurts you. And we will continue to do so. “
4. Dramatic moments will be accentuated – with music!
Replays are a way to make the crowd move after a long time, but in our fanless reality, a musical overlay will represent the drama.
“When you make a big putt, or you make an amazing shot, I do several repetitions and pump to the crowd, because that’s part of it,” Roy said. “Due to the nature of golf, the highest strokes of golf are performed. and you get polite applause. When a crowd roars, it’s gold. But now we don’t have that. So, if you make a smart shot or you drill a big putt, and I start doing those replays, I upload music, which I would never have done before. Dramatic music to help fill that void you lack in the crowd. “
5. The circle of family and friends of the applicants may only participate in the show
For the American fan in August, the NBC broadcast used Webex to provide interviews and reactions from the contenders’ coaches and teammates in real time, which can be a real blessing to the U. S. Open.
“[American amateur champion Tyler Strafaci] went to Georgia Tech, so all his teammates went crazy,” Roy says. “So we had intelligent reactions. And I hope something like this works with the circle of relatives, the players who are competing at the US Open. We’ll have to see how it goes, but that’s hope. “
6. Special presentations to the round
Also through Webex, local youth and lifeguards will have the opportunity to announce virtually players on the first tee of the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“It’s a very smart example of taking anything and turning it into an opportunity,” Navin says. “Now it seems like an experience without money, anything that young people will remember. And after talking to the local toddlers who participated, they’re part of the US Open. That’s anything they can say. Not that they’ve been present, but they’re part of it. It’s an exclusive experience indeed, and it’s something different from everything we’ve done before. “
7. Fans can ask questions after the interview round.
Do you have a recording for your favorite player? Now you have the possibility to ask him!
“Fans will have the opportunity to interview players in practice rounds and get that point of interaction they can only dream of if they are there, waiting for a signature, a handshake or a hand pump,” Singh says. to be able to ask a question. “
8. You see virtual enthusiasts in the course.
Can the example of NHL fans’ virtual environments paint on the golf course?
“It’s possible,” Roy said, “Lately we’re running something and it’s still being set up, but it’s possible. We’ll see. It is very useful that the electrical power of a display has fans. And I think it’s a concept we’re applying so we can combine it and put it into the series. “
9. The media center becomes virtual
The US Open media center welcomes many of the world’s media members each year, but this year the number has been particularly reduced to around 50. Improved virtual access.
“We allow external media to stay connected, either through press meetings or flash interviews,” Singh says. “And basically, we act as a means of communication and percentage content with the rest of the world, making sure everyone can join the championship the way they’re used to it. “
As a four-year-old member of Columbia’s inaugural school class, Jessica can outperform everyone in the board’s most sensible form. You can also overcome them in the office, where you are primarily guilty of generating printed and online items, and overseeing special primary projects. , as the first flavor issue of golf, which began in February 2018. Su original interview series, “A Round With”, debuted in November 2015 and gave the impression in the magazine and in the form of a video in GOLF. com.
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