Wentworth: a challenge for the players and broadcasters
For the vast majority of the players on the PGA , the BMW Championship is the number one event outside of the majors, and the one they all dream of winning. Played over the famous at Wentworth in Surrey, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will be covering all four days from 24-27 May. And along with the live television and radio coverage there will be comprehensive previews, updates and reports on the
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ ONE and TWO will show no fewer than 18 hours of live action, as well as an extra two hours on Thursday and Friday morning via the red button on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖi. This additional coverage will focus on the featured groups from the morning play and has proved extremely popular. Our cameras will capture the best of the action from a truly world class international field containing no fewer than seven of the top 15 players in the world rankings, and ten of last year’s successful .
For the second year running, local resident and the man who heads the field, , has offered his expert advice in making some significant alterations to the course. The world number five has tweaked no fewer than nine holes this year, providing us new challenges to get our coverage absolutely right. Helicopter fly-overs of the holes have been re-shot and camera positions adjusted to ensure the very best angles of one the most recognised courses in world golf. Commentator Ken Brown will be out filming early this week to get Ernie’s take on the changes, as well as the views of his fellow professionals.
One man who will be seeing the course for the first time in some 20 years is former US PGA champion Wayne Grady. We are delighted that Wayne will be joining our commentary team of Ken, Peter Alliss, Paul Eales, Maureen Madill and Andrew Cotter. Wayne will get the chance of some first hand research when he teams up with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s golf presenter Gary Lineker in Wednesday’s Pro-am. They will play alongside Paul Lawrie, who is one of seven major winners in the field - alongside Els, Goosen, Olazabal, Singh, Campbell and Lyle. Other star names on show at the Pro-am include , Andriy Shevchenko, and Nigel Mansell.
Ever popular with spectators and viewers is former winner Colin Montgomerie, who will looking to claim a record equalling fourth title here, and watch out too for Padraig Harrington. After winning last weekend’s Irish Open he's in line for a one million Euro bonus if he can win back-to-back titles. This duo are sure to face stiff opposition from the likes of Donald, Karlson, Stenson, Westwood and Clarke. Sadly last year's winner David Howell won't be able to defend his title .
The West Course at Wentworth is one of the most challenging to cover from a TV point of view, mainly due to its heavy tree-lined design. Whilst the majority of cameras are cabled or fibred back to the compound, many of the audio and visual elements are radio linked back to the broadcast trucks. This provides our communications team with more challenges than at any other event.
One additional feature to watch out for in our coverage comes courtesy of , who is the Director of the David Leadbetter Academy at Wynyard Golf Club in the north east of England. Andrew will be operating with the very latest golfing analytical machine called V1 – offering unique insights in to the swings and techniques of some of the best exponents in the game. Golf is often portrayed as very technical and Andrew will aim demystify and enlighten viewers in all sorts of aspects of the game.
So with 36 cameras, our space age studio, a host of new technological tools and a commentary team poised for the start of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s domestic golf season, sit back and enjoy our extensive, uninterrupted live coverage.
BMW Championship coverage
Thursday, 24 May: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖi (1100–1300); ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TWO (1330–1800)
Friday, 25 May: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖi (1100–1300); ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TWO (1330–1800)
Saturday, 26 May: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ ONE (1300–1725)
Sunday, 27 May: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TWO (1300–1730)
Also check out Radio Five Live for the latest action and regular reports.
12–15 Jul: Scottish Open (Loch Lomond)
19–22 Jul: The Open Championship (Carnoustie)
2–6 Aug: Women’s British Open (St Andrews)
8–9 Sep: Walker Cup (Royal Co. Down)
20–23 Sep: British Masters (The Belfry)
11–14 Oct: World Match Play (Wentworth)
