I recently received a Blu-Ray 3-D DVD from “iviewgolf.com”, after the Principle of the company, Mark Pavy, introduced himself to our forum as a long time lurker. Mark is one of a few new Australians to join the discussion and shares the intrepid quest to experience and share world golf adventures. In his introduction to the forum, Mark explained that he was involved with production of 3-D video of famous golf holes around the world.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,240.700.htmlHaving now viewed Mark’s 3-D video of some great golf holes from famous - and some not so well known courses around the world, I am convinced that his approach and the technology can be a major technological innovation to study golf course architecture, and many associated fields of study, management, and marketing of both the courses and the game.
I viewed Mark’s 3-D video on an LG 3-D. 55inch, passive technology television, from about 12ft. I have played some of the golf holes depicted. I was stunned at how real the presentation of true depth of vision, scope and accuracy of the slope and contours of the holes I am personally familiar with.
What I take away from this experience is the opportunity to advance the understanding and appreciation for golf course architecture. We have had many quality photo tours of some of the most important golf courses designed from classic past to new and modern designs. Some of the best photo presentations have come from intrepid golfers like Mark Saltzman, Kyle Henderson, Sean Arble, Frank Pont and his photo architecture website, and professional photographer Aiden Bradley. And, we have the artistic interpretations of artists like Mike Miller. I only name some of the great posters that have offered and shared their work and depictions of holes they have visited and played around the world.
Perhaps the genre goes back to the early old black and white grainy photos that accompany the golf architecture writers of the classic era, and a major photo book that seems to have moved the interest of GCA forward with the publishing of “The World Atlas of Golf”. But, there should be little doubt that photography and its advances like cell phone cameras always at the ready and handy, are major factors to disseminating understanding of GCA concepts, particularly when coupled with the internet and robust discussions of what images are shared.
But, the 2-D medium still leaves the challenge of understanding the key aspect of landscape design features and the essence of setting in nature in the way our eye grasps aspects. This 3-D approach moves the medium forward by leaps and bounds in my view.
The proper use and production of 3-D as both an educational value and entertainment medium still is not cheap. In a recent e-mail, Mark Pavy explained to me some of the limitations of television broadcasts and hurdles still not overcome and that failed in attempts to broadcast The Masters. Yet, with proper set up and post production, what Mark has accomplished on the 3-D Blu-Ray I viewed is amazing and obvious in all its potential. And, one can note that 3-D, HD home personal video cameras are ubiquitously on-sale at most big box electronic shops.
As it relates to Golf Club Atlas, I hope Ran and Ben might be considering the future build-out of the website and overcoming any limitations on being able to post 3-D photos and video as the technology rolls out. Of course there are capacity and cost issues in the immediate picture. But, just like every other technology, bright minds are at work finding a way. Ran’s introduction of the “State of the Game” feature is one example of the commitment to keep the website interesting and relevant. I’m hoping some genius will figure out a way to bring 3-D to the internet in an affordable and functional way. I have no doubt it is going to happen.
In the meantime, I suggest those of you who are interested, contact “iviewgolf.com” to see what is available and possible. Just as we have had many threads over the years on GCA.com discussions recommending various books too numerous to mention, I am suggesting the 3-D Blu-Ray DVD atlas or index of great golf holes that Mark Pavy has put together. It is now on my bookshelf right next to about 75 other books I have ordered and enjoyed, most of them on recommendations I have taken from discussion here on GCA.com.