Waste Management Phoenix Open features virtual reality experience

PHOENIX – Fans will get to experience the excitement and drama of the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open through a virtual reality experience.

“We’re trying to give golf fans a perspective that they can’t get on television or on some of our digital platforms – and they actually can’t even get if they’re on site,” said Chris Wandell, senior director of media and business development for the PGA Tour.

Several cameras will be placed on the 16th hole of the tournament so fans can get closer to the action. One of the cameras will be placed on the tee just a few feet away from the players.

“You’ll be able to virtually be there right next to the players,” Wandell said.

The live virtual reality experience can be viewed on Samsung Gear VR headsets through the “PGA Tour VR Live” app available on the Oculus store. Fans who don’t have a headset can see a 360 video that’ll be available on the PGA Tour’s Twitter and Periscope accounts.

Both the virtual reality experience and 360 video will be available all four days of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which runs Feb. 1-4 at the TPC Scottsdale.

Wandell said this is geared more toward fans who can’t physically be at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. But he added fans who attend the tournament will also benefit. Several hundred cardboard headsets will be handed out.

“Fans on-site at number 16 in the general admission section will be able to experience VR while they’re sitting there and sort of put themselves on the first tee,” Wandell said.

This is the fourth time over the last year that the PGA Tour provides fans 360 videos and virtual reality experiences. However, this will be the first time fans on-site will be offered virtual reality headsets.

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