Sky Sports will break new ground in innovation at the British Masters when it incorporates a live player microphone during the tournament at Woburn.
For the first time in world golf, Nick Dougherty, three-time European Tour winner and Sky Academy ambassador, will wear a microphone during the tournament, and speak directly to Sky Sports commentators at various points during play.
The innovation is just part of Sky Sports' added features and additional programming to enhance its coverage as a supporting partner of a European Tour event for the first time. By working with The Tour and its leading players, Sky Sports aims to engage and excite new and existing golf fans through its on-air coverage, promotion and staging of the event.
Coverage will include:
- Over 30 hours of coverage across all four days of the tournament
- Nick Dougherty wearing microphone throughout play
- Augmented reality graphics
- Live masterclasses on course Thursday-Saturday after play has concluded with Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald
- Sky Sports News HQ reporting from Woburn all week
- Dedicated On Demand section
- Social media vote to 'choose the pin' for 14th hole on the final day
Jason Wessely, Sky Sports head of golf, said: "We are very excited about the British Masters and the prominent role Sky Sports can play in shaping the coverage of the event. Our aim is to take the coverage further and engage with viewers in new and exciting ways, to showcase a fantastic event which is back on the calendar."
The opening round is completely sold out, with more than 15,000 spectators taking advantage of the 'Sky Sports Thursday' offer giving Sky customers the chance to be at the event for free.
Poulter, Westwood and Donald will all take part in a question and answer sessions after their round has concluded from Thursday onwards, providing spectators with the opportunity to hear from three Ryder Cup heroes in person.
Sky Sports will broadcast 30 hours of coverage of the event including a live masterclass immediately after play ends each day through to Saturday. Using the Woburn course to explain and educate viewers during the course of a tournament is a first in golf broadcasting.
Augmented reality will provide enhanced graphics on screen to give viewers a clear picture of each shot and the surrounding area that the player will face with their upcoming shot. Track Man will be used on the 15th hole and provides details of swing speed, ball launch trajectory and spin.
Sky Sports will also commission a replica of the 18th green within the tented village, with Sky Sports golf talent giving putting lessons to spectators during the tournament.
Tickets for British Masters on the remaining days can be purchased online via www.europeantourtickets.com or www.sky.com/tickets or via the European Tour ticket hotline 0800 023 2557