NBC Unveiling 17th Hole "Actioncam"

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Garry Smits on Ben McClung and Jose Buezas, whose mini-helicopter and camera is going to be used for Golf Channel/NBC's coverage for the first time.

It's cheaper than renting a real helicopter, and much more practical. Fans and players noticed O.B. 1 flying over the 18th hole Tuesday but it created only a slight buzzing noise as it flew back and forth from tee-to-green and landed on top of the hill overlooking the 18th tee.

Buezas explained that the TV networks wanted shots with fans and players on the hole. He and McClung had already filmed all 18 holes of the Stadium Course since last June, and have edited two hours of video to 20 minutes of flyover shots.

"We're getting a little attention today," McClung said. "But it's a lot more practical than a real helicopter, and you couldn't land one of those on this hill."

Here's a video showing the contraption, which I got to see yesterday. It could provide some views of golf holes and architecture like we've never seen before.

And as usual, NBC will have the 17th hole well-covered.

For Immediate Release:

Periscope Returns and Action Cam Debuts: NBC Sports Group covers the famous “Island Green” par-3, 17th hole with an event-record 12 HD cameras, including a lipstick-sized camera embedded in the lip of the tiny front bunker and two ‘periscope cams.’ The periscope cams sit atop two pipes that are anchored to the bottom of the pond, allowing the cameras to rotate 360 degrees and providing a green-high view of hole. The cameras peek just above the surface of the water resembling a submarine’s periscope.

For the first time at THE PLAYERS Championship, NBC will utilize “Actioncam,” an overhead cable-suspended camera system. It will ‘fly’ over the lake between 16 and 17. Actioncam will be used throughout the week on Golf Channel and NBC.