Sun Jul 13 14:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Open Championship at Royal Portrush to Debut Spidercam Technology in Golf First**
**Portrush, [Date]** – The R&A has announced a groundbreaking addition to the broadcast coverage of next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush: Spidercam technology. This marks the first time the technology has been utilized in a golf major.
The four-point wire-cam system is suspended above the 18th green using four 25-meter pylons. It will offer spectacular aerial views and unique angles of play, capturing the champion’s final walk with unprecedented detail.
“It’s not often the Open is the first to do something,” said Paul Sutcliffe, head of broadcasting and media rights at the R&A. “Portrush is one of the few venues without a clubhouse on the 18th green so that gave us a unique opportunity.”
The R&A has invested roughly £300,000 in the project after a 12-month planning period.
Players have been briefed, and the R&A confirmed that measures have been taken to minimize any potential distractions during play. The camera will retract to the grandstand before a player’s second shot.
The coverage will be available to broadcast partners, including Sky Sports and NBC. If successful, Spidercam could be used in future tournaments, though the cost makes it unlikely to become a regular fixture.
Existing technology, including plane camera, aerial drones and bunker cameras, will be working in addition to Spidercam.
“We have worked closely with European Tour Productions to invest in cutting-edge broadcast technology and believe that Spidercam will bring millions of fans a new perspective of the action with incredible detail and accessibility wherever they are in the world” said Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at the R&A.
The Open, the longest single broadcast in golf, will provide 48 hours of live coverage over four days starting next Thursday.
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