The year 2016 will be remembered as one of firsts. First Majors for Danny Willett and Henrik Stenson, a first American win in The Ryder Cup for eight years and, of course, the first year the European Tour stepped into the world of virtual reality.
This year, we upped our focus on new, exciting and innovative technologies, filming a number of 360-degree VR features in an attempt to place you, the fans, closer than ever to our players, events and venues.
Thanks to our GoPro 360-degree virtual reality rig, we were able to show you first-hand what life is like on the European Tour, going inside and outside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers.
Back in May,Tommy Fleetwoodhelped us take our maiden steps into the world of VR during the BMW PGA Championship.
The Englishman was clearly impressed by what he saw, too.
You’ve seen how much Tommy enjoyed that, now watch it yourself, either by moving your phone around or clicking and/or dragging the screen to engage in an immersive 360-degree experience.
We also took you onto the famous par three 14th tee during a tournament round at Wentworth to give you a look at how it might feel to be alongsideDanny Willett, Victor Dubuisson and Soomin Leeinside the ropes, on the tee box, when the stakes are at their highest.
At the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, we recreated some brilliant shots from over the years at Jumeirah Golf Estates in 360-degrees with the help ofShane Lowry, Martin Kaymer and Francesco Molinari.Stand next to them while they look back…
Ahead of the UBS Hong Kong Open, we also provided you with a one-on-one putting tutorial from Ryder Cup starRafa Cabrera Bello.
On arrival at Fanling in the final event of 2016, we shot a 360-degree guide to the famous 18th at Hong Kong Golf Club withNacho Elviraand Spaniard also clearly found the experience a compelling one.
Play the par four closer with him yourself now.
Also in Hong Kong, we asked the question: If you were to spend an entire tournament day with a European Tour professional, what would it look like?
For us mere mortals, it is an experience we will never actually have first-hand but we gave you the unique opportunity to stand alongside a top pro before, during and after a European Tour competition round.
On day one of the UBS Hong Kong Open, we tailed 2010 champion Ian Poulter from the start to the finish of his day at Hong Kong Golf Club and you can come along for the ride.
We also gave Poults the chance to watch the virtual experience back on a Samsung Gear VR headset. Check out the below to see his incredible reactions…
More of the same in 2017? We think so.
