The Golf Channel's new futuristic gadget will probably scare your children
And now we'd like to turn your attention to a new, wicked-ass feat in the world of sports television science: golf's answer to the Skycam, but 1,736 times cooler. Meet the the HoverFly Erista.
Essentially, we're talking about a remote-controlled helicopter -- officially called a quadcoptor -- that will purportedly allow viewers at home to get a birds-eye view of a golfer while he takes a shot. Straight out of a futuristic film like Blade Runner, it's the kind of thing that would scare the living hell out of you while walking down the street, but will likely become commonplace at PGA Tour events before you know it.
Now, watch the video below from Callaway and Odyssey social media maven Chad Coleman and you begin to realize that there might be one tiny problem with the current version of the device: It's freakin' loud. Do you really think Tiger Woods would be cool with something like this lingering above his head during his backswing?
.@golfchannel's new "Hover Fly" camera. Holy cow this thing is awesome. vine.co/v/bpX6pAlz1Yi
— Chad Coleman (@HashtagChad) March 19, 2013
For now, it's only being used on the practice ranges. John Holmes from PGA.com reports that Golf Channel put the gadget to work on the driving range Tuesday as players prepared for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is taking place at Bay Hill in Orlando, near the network's headquarters. The footage apparently aired Wednesday night on their "On the Range" show.
USA Today's Michael Hiestand reports there are no plans to use it during tournament play anytime soon, and I'd imagine that will be the case until they can teach the drone to shut the hell up.
I don't know a lot behind the technology involved, and I couldn't find a lot of answers regarding the noise factor and improvements that might be in the works. You'd think there's gotta be some room for development, especially considering the company's website states the device is only designed to fly about 10 minutes with payload.
But it sure is nifty looking. Here's another video from Cleveland Golf if you're interested.
(Photo via the Titleist Twitter account / Hat tip to Sportress of Blogitude)
Just think, this thing could chop a whole greenfull of golfers into mincemeat in one "fell" swoop. Pun intended.
Isn't that what they make boom's for? Besides, it's really just a drone and you know what that means? Take a picture and Tiger's caddy will hit a button and you'll be blown out of your golf shoes.
