The PGA champion took part in a new initiative at the Valspar Championship, but how was it received by golf fans? Matt Chivers reveals all
Innovation has become a buzzword on the PGA Tour in 2023.
How can the US circuit continue to evolve in order to keep players, sponsors, and of course, the fans interested?
NBC debuted BagCam in the second round of the Valspar Championship, securing the involvement of Justin Thomas for its first appearance.
“We are always exploring ways to innovate within our golf coverage while not disrupting or interfering with what’s happening on the course,” Tommy Roy, NBC’s head producer for golf, explained.
“BagCam will provide a unique perspective for the viewers at home, and we thank Justin Thomas and Bones for letting us join them on Friday afternoon on Golf Channel and Peacock.”
A camera was placed on Thomas’ bag for the last two holes of his second round at the Copperhead Course, which made for interesting viewing with the experienced Jim “Bones” Mackay on carrying duties.
Thomas has previously said he wouldn’t wear a mic on the course on the PGA Tour, but an initiative that didn’t require the two-time PGA champion to wear any device was perhaps more appealing.
Thomas’ willingness to join NBC in this latest innovation represents a contrast to some of his colleagues’ rejection of the new walk-and-talk feature we’ve seen on the live broadcasts.
This feature has been received well for the most part, but Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy have all poured cold water on the subject after showing disinterest.
Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Rickie Fowler have all featured in previous events this season, and no doubt the Tour will hope Thomas can provide a fascinating insight into his game.
The World No 10 was also involved in Full Swing, the PGA Tour Netflix documentary that was recently given the green light for a second series.
Looking behind the scenes has also been a key phrase for the Tour in 2023 and BagCam looks to be another part of its strategy to stave off the threat of LIV Golf.
Here is what some fans had to say about BagCam:
Let us know what you thought of BagCam on Twitter!
