Augusta National, you may have heard, is rather fond of traditions. So, it’s not exactly a shock that the camera-enabled drones that so mesmerized Arnold Palmer, and has provided some unusual aerial footage for NBC and Golf Channel at Bay Hill this week, won’t be part of the festivities during the Masters in early April.
Augusta National will be drone-free zone for the Masters
Concerns about public health and safety factor into city officials’ ban of drones from Augusta National before, during and after the Masters.
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Whether it’s from equipment companies promoting things or TV broadcast partners at events, drones have become an increasing part of golf coverage. This week’s drone experiment with Palmer was the latest effort.
In this case, though, it’s a concern about violence and not an aversion to new technology that will keep the unpiloted aerial vehicles from buzzing around Amen Corner. Though the FAA has sanctioned drones for events such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Augusta-Richmond County Commission has banned their use over the city that hosts the men’s first major of the season, according to Alex Miceli.
The commission cited public health and safety issues in imposing the no-drone zone from a week before the the Masters through the Monday after it. The city officials pointed to the Boston Marathon as an example of an iconic, Masters-like event that attracts large numbers of spectators and that made it a target for terrorists in 2013, Miceli said.
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