Robert MacIntyre has launched a pointed criticism of broadcast drones being used at the Dunhill Links Championship, claiming the hovering aircraft are severely hampering his ability to concentrate during play.
The Scottish golfer expressed his frustration following the opening round at Carnoustie, where he carded one under par. MacIntyre attributed part of his performance struggles to the presence of drones positioned close to the players during competition.
“It drives me insane. The noise from drones flying close to players can affect my concentration,” MacIntyre said, highlighting the specific distraction caused by the aerial filming equipment used to capture footage for broadcast purposes.
Tournament Official Response
Following his remarks, a DP World Tour rules official spoke with MacIntyre about his comments concerning the drone usage. The conversation underscores the growing tension between production demands and player experience at professional golf tournaments.
MacIntyre’s complaint reflects a broader concern among competitors about the impact of modern broadcasting technology on performance during competitions. The noise and visual presence of drones hovering near fairways and greens can create an additional layer of distraction that traditional camera positions do not introduce.
The Dunhill Links Championship, being held in Scotland, has attracted attention for its prestigious field and historic venues. MacIntyre’s position as Scotland’s number one golfer gave particular weight to his criticism of the drone operations during the event at Carnoustie.