NBC adds new technology into coverage of 'The Players'

If you can't attend THE PLAYERS this week in Florida, you will be able to enjoy some new tech in NBC's coverage.

LIVE TOURNAMENT COVERAGE PLANS: NBC Sports’ Emmy-nominated live tournament team will unveil a new graphics package customized specifically for THE PLAYERS, featuring the Championship’s signature blue, gold, and white color scheme. Coverage also will implement new original theme music for the event, along with several popular NBC Sports’ production enhancements viewers are accustomed to seeing at TPC Sawgrass, including:

Eight high-definition cameras covering every conceivable angle of the par-3, 17th hole, including a microscopic lens embedded in the lip of the tiny bunker fronting the green.

The cable-suspended “FlyCam” system, providing unique vantage points through an ability to fly over the body of water between the par-5, 16th and 17th hole greens.

A camera crane positioned 150 feet in the air offering aerial views of Holes 16-18, and one on the island adjacent to the 17th green, capturing reactions of those playing No. 17.

Wind-direction technology to track conditions throughout the golf course.

Toptracer technology capability on all 18 holes, including a reverse-flight angle for tracking tee shots from behind the 17th green.

Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS and Morning Drive also will make use of Toptracer technology on TPC Sawgrass’ practice range, tracking the ball flight of those in the field ahead of their round.

VANTAGE POINT WITH MIKE TIRICO RETURNS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13:

Complementing the network’s Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS, Vantage Point with Mike Tirico debuts for the first time at THE PLAYERS, premiering on Wednesday, March 13 at 9 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel.

Originating from TPC Sawgrass, Vantage Point will include an exclusive interview with PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan; a roundtable discussion with the sport’s top analysts: Nick Faldo and Paul Azinger; along with stories relevant to THE PLAYERS. Tirico also will serve as host of the network’s live tournament coverage Thursday-Sunday.

PGA TOUR LIVE ON NBC SPORTS GOLD: Nearly 45 hours of PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on NBC Sports Gold will complement NBC Sports’ traditional live tournament coverage at TPC Sawgrass, including early-round Featured Groups action on PGA TOUR LIVE preceding live coverage on GOLF Channel and NBC.

“LAUNCHPAD” COVERAGE ON DIRECTV: In addition to live tournament coverage on GOLF Channel and NBC, GOLF Channel for the third consecutive year will contribute to DirecTV’s “Launch Pad,” with four dedicated channels of coverage from TPC Sawgrass Thursday-Sunday. GOLF Channel’s George Savaricas, Craig Perks (2002 PLAYERS champion) and Jim Gallagher Jr. will anchor “Launch Pad” coverage, with the four feeds encompassing: Network Simulcast, Featured Groups, Launch Pad and Shotlink.