CBS plans to use improved technology for Masters telecast

Though many of the voices remain the same, some of the technology that CBS Sports will use to televise the Masters Tournament has improved for this year.

Another camera will be added near the 15th green to “get a better grip on the ball going into the water right there by the bunker,” CBS golf coordinating producer Lance Barrow said Monday during a conference call.

High-speed cameras again will be in place, and wireless radio frequency cameras will follow the leaders around from the practice range to the first tee, a Masters first.

“(It’s something) we tested here a few months ago,” Barrow said. “One or two of them around mostly on the practice facility and walking around with the leaders as they go to the tee. It’s never been done here at the Masters, but we will have RF cameras.”

The wireless cameras on the ground will help viewers get even more access around the 365-acre golf club. Sean McManus, the chairman of CBS Sports, said the sheer size of the course makes covering every angle difficult.

“It’s as big (as), if not bigger than, the Super Bowl,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s all in the planning. We have people planning this 12 months a year.”

The 57th consecutive year of CBS broadcast coverage at the Masters will begin Saturday with live, third-round action from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Final-round coverage is scheduled for Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m.

ESPN will air Wednesday’s Par-3 Contest and the first two rounds of the tournament.

CBS host Jim Nantz will join lead analyst and three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo in the booth at the 18th green. Many other familiar commentators will be posted around the course, including Peter Oosterhuis at the 17th hole, Verne Lundquist at the 16th and David Feherty at No. 15.

Nantz had to focus on the NCAA men’s basketball championship game Monday night in New Orleans before he could turn his attention to the Masters. He admitted that at least part of his mind was already in Augusta.

“I think about it every single day of the year,” he said. “And if it’s not something that’s on my mind, someone is going to remind me about the Masters everywhere I go. Every single day I hear about it. I consider that a great honor that people actually associate me with this golf tournament.”