Organisers of US golf major the Masters have said the 2016 edition of the tournament will be afforded live virtual reality streaming and 4K coverage.
The 2016 Masters, which runs from April 4-10 at Augusta National Golf Club, will unveil the first live virtual reality experience ever made available to the public for a professional golf event, with special cameras placed on the course allowing viewers at home with virtual reality headsets to experience action at hole Nos. 6 and 16.
To experience the Masters in virtual reality, fans will need to download the free NextVR app for Gear VR on the Oculus Home app store.
The tournament will also launch the first-ever live 4K broadcast of a sporting event in the United States, featuring action from the famous Amen Corner – encompassing the 11th, 12th and 13th holes of Augusta National.
The 4K broadcast will be available to satellite television customers of DirecTV, or those that own an internet-connected 4K smart television. Both the VR and 4K broadcasts will only be available in the United States.
Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters, said: “We remain interested in exploring opportunities to deliver coverage in the manner our fans wish to consume it, which is driven by the spirit of innovation instilled by our founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts.”