Golf commentator Jim Nantz recently defended CBS’s use of drones during the RBC Canadian Open, amidst a controversy over the noise they generated. Robert MacIntyre, who was leading the tournament at the time, complained to a rules official about the drones interfering with his pre-shot routine. MacIntyre felt that the drones were putting him at a disadvantage and were discriminatory against him as a non-American player.
CBS is known for using high-tech drones to capture footage during golf tournaments, while other networks opt for quieter consumer drones. The noise generated by CBS’s drones was a point of contention for MacIntyre during the tournament. Despite his complaints, the CBS team complied with his request and sent the drone back to the ground.
After the round, MacIntyre expressed his frustration with the drone, stating that he was so annoyed that he considered throwing his clubs at it. Despite the incident, Jim Nantz defended the use of drones in televised golf and emphasized their importance in the future of the sport. Nantz acknowledged that drones are a necessary part of broadcasting golf tournaments and players need to adapt to them.
The controversy raises questions about the balance between player comfort and the demands of televised golf. While TV networks invest resources into providing compelling coverage, players like MacIntyre may feel their performance is affected by outside influences. Ultimately, the goal is to make tournaments as entertaining as possible for viewers, which includes the use of innovative technologies like drones.
While MacIntyre’s reaction is understandable given his position in the tournament, he may need to adjust to the realities of competing in high-pressure situations. As Nantz pointed out, media attention and external factors are part of the game for professional golfers. It’s a delicate balance between competitive fairness and the spectacle of televised golf.
In the larger context, everyone involved in golf tournaments, from players to TV networks, has a shared goal of making the events engaging for viewers. Drones have become an integral part of golf broadcasting, providing unique perspectives and enhancing the viewer experience. MacIntyre’s incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of balancing player comfort with the demands of modern sports broadcasting.
