Case Study: Transforming Media Production at PGA TOUR Studios
Background
In preparation for the 2025 PGA TOUR season, the organization consolidated its media operations into a single, cutting-edge facility. This move aimed to streamline content production, improve collaboration, and elevate the viewing experience for fans domestically and internationally. The studio houses seven production studios (with room for expansion), eight production-control rooms, six editing rooms, and extensive archives of over 223,000 hours of golf content.
RTS Intercom Systems were selected as a critical component of this transformation due to their proven ability to handle complex IP-based workflows and real-time communication demands.
SportsVideo shared that for the PGA Tour, it came down to selecting partners who understood not only the tasks at hand, but the sheer amount of production needed. John Honeycutt, PGA Consultant shared that vendors needed to work with the organization to understand technology gaps and most importantly, work together to ensure all elements were addressed. From Apple to A&T, Cisco, Comcast Business, Konica Minolta, and Vitec, almost a dozen vendors—including RTS Intercoms—were partners in this exciting launch.
Goals
1. Centralize Media Operations: Consolidate live production, editing, and distribution under one roof to improve efficiency.
2. Enhance Communication: Implement a robust intercom system to facilitate real-time collaboration between onsite and remote teams.
3. Future-Proof Infrastructure: Integrate scalable, IP-based technologies like SMPTE ST 2110 to support evolving production needs.
Challenges
• Transitioning from legacy systems to IP-based infrastructure.
• Managing communication between onsite production teams and remote PGA TOUR events.
• Ensuring minimal disruption during the migration to new workflows.
Solution: RTS Intercom Systems
1. Seamless Integration with ST 2110 Standards
RTS solutions aligned perfectly with the studio’s IP-based infrastructure, providing reliable and efficient communication across production teams.
2. Real-Time Collaboration Across Locations
RTS enabled flawless communication between production trucks at remote events and the centralized studio, bridging thousands of miles seamlessly.
3. Scalable and Flexible Technology
The RTS intercom system supports future expansion, allowing the studio to add more production rooms and capabilities without overhauling its infrastructure.
Results
• Improved Efficiency: Centralized operations reduced delays in production workflows, enabling quicker turnaround times for live and recorded content.
• Enhanced Fan Experience: Seamless communication allowed for richer, more dynamic broadcasts, including a dedicated international feed with tailored content for global audiences.
• Future-Ready Facility: The integration of IP-based technologies ensures scalability and flexibility for future growth and innovation.
Key Metrics
• 50+ Platforms Supported: Including PGA TOUR LIVE, international feeds, and digital content.
• 223,000 Hours of Content: Managed efficiently under one roof.
• Seamless Connectivity: Between onsite events and centralized operations spanning thousands of miles.
Lessons Learned
1. The Value of Collaboration: Close cooperation between RTS, vendors, and PGA TOUR teams ensured a smooth transition to advanced IP-based workflows.
2. Scalable Solutions Are Key: RTS’s flexibility prepares the facility for future growth without requiring significant reinvestment.
3. Adapting to New Standards: Training engineering teams on ST 2110 was critical to optimizing the new infrastructure.
Conclusion
PGA TOUR Studios demonstrates how cutting-edge technology, powered by RTS Intercom Systems, can revolutionize media production. By integrating advanced communication tools and IP-based workflows, the facility sets a new standard for efficiency, scalability, and fan engagement in sports broadcasting.
(Source: SportsVideo.org (https://www.sportsvideo.org/2025/01/01/pga-tour-centers-media-operations-in-transformative-new-studio/))