Nick Dougherty made broadcasting history last week by being mic’d up live for his opening two rounds during the British Masters at Woburn.
The 33 year old was the figurehead for the first ever ‘live player microphone’ innovation introduced by Sky Sports as part of a revolutionary
new approach to golf coverage in the UK.
At various points during the tournament’s first two days, Dougherty spoke directly to Sky Sports studio commentators live from the course as he played – giving as-it-happened feedback on the course, conditions and his own game.
Said Dougherty: “What we did at the British Masters was not only fun, but innovative in helping golf push boundaries and reach new audiences. Increasing the interaction between players and the public is key to the continued success of the game, and I was thrilled to be playing in the event, as well as being the world’s first professional golfer to bring live commentary from the course to the studio.”
He added: “I have always been passionate about golf at a grass roots level, especially through my work as a Sky Sports ambassador and this was a revolu tionary way of helping achieve this long term goal.”
Dougherty, a three-time European Tour winner and Sky Academy ambassador, shot a creditable 70 on Thursday, but made an early exit after a second-round 77 on the Marquess Course. His live link to the Sky Sports studio was just one of sever
al broadcasting initiatives introduced by Sky, including live masterclasses at the close of play on each of the first three days, with players such as Ian Poulter and L ee Westwood. Players were also interviewed in a special Sky Sports news hub within the spectator village, giving the attending spectators rare close-up access to the some of the world’s top players.
Dougherty has recently signed as an ambassador to UK-based golf brand Lynx Golf, whose CEO Steve Elford was delighted to see his new signing enjoying so much media exposure on a prime time golf channel.
“Everyone at Lynx is excited to have been part of a broadcasting first as Nick’s sponsor and it underlines our commitment as a brand to be innovative and forward-thinking in everything we do,” he said. “Nick being mic’d up by Sky and chatting through a round brought a really amazing element to how golf on TV can be improved, to make it more modern, exciting and accessible. Anything that makes golf more accessible to people is a good thing for the game and at Lynx we believe Sky has found a formula with its coverage of the British Masters which has taken golf broadcasting to a new level.”
In addition to Dougherty, Lynx also has European Seniors Tour player Paul Eales, LET legend Laura Davies, LET player Lydia Hall on its books, while Dougherty’s wife, well-known broadcaster Di, also represents the brand.
For more information visit www.lynxgolf.co.uk or follow @LynxGolfUK on twitter.