Drone Filming the IGPL at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club
Filming the IGPL (Indian Golf Premier League) at Royal Johannesburg with the DJI Inspire 3
We recently spent a full week at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club handling drone filming for the IGPL (Indian Golf Premier League).
This was one of those projects where everything had to come together properly. Not just from a filming point of view, but from a permissions and planning side as well. Between the live event environment and controlled airspace, there was no room for shortcuts.
The focus for the week was simple. Capture clean, usable aerial footage that fits straight into a professional broadcast.
What is the IGPL
The IGPL brings a slightly different feel compared to traditional golf coverage.
It is built more around teams and broadcast storytelling, rather than just individual play. That changes how you approach filming. You are not just getting wide shots of the course. You are thinking about how each shot fits into the production.
Timing matters. Movement needs to be controlled. Everything has to work with what is happening on the ground.
Royal Johannesburg Golf Club
Royal Johannesburg is one of the most established golf clubs in South Africa, with a history going back to 1890.
The East Course is the main championship course and has hosted events like the Joburg Open. It is known for being both challenging to play and visually clean, which makes it ideal for aerial work.
From the air, the layout works well. Defined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and enough elevation to create depth without needing aggressive flying.
Behind the Scenes Drone Operations
A shoot like this is never just about flying.
Before anything starts, there is planning around take-off positions, safety zones, and coordination with the production team. During the event, you are constantly adjusting based on player movement, lighting, and what is needed next.
We worked from elevated positions where possible. That helps with line of sight, signal strength, and overall control.
Every movement is deliberate. You are not just flying for the sake of it.
Flying in Controlled Airspace
One of the biggest factors on this project was the location.
Royal Johannesburg falls within controlled airspace linked to OR Tambo International Airport. On top of that, the IGPL is classified as a public event.
That means two separate layers of approval had to be in place before flying:
Public event permissions
Airspace coordination with ATC
These approvals take time. They require planning, documentation, and proper communication with the relevant authorities.
This is not something that can be sorted out on short notice.
Equipment: DJI Inspire 3 Dual Operator Setup
For this production, we used the DJI Inspire 3 in a dual operator setup.
One person focuses purely on flying the aircraft. The second operator handles the camera.
This setup gives you much more control, especially in a live environment. The pilot can maintain a stable flight path while the camera operator focuses on framing and tracking.
It makes a big difference in the final result.
On-Site Workflow and Challenges
Even with planning, there are always variables.
Wind conditions shift. Light changes quickly, especially late afternoon. Player movement is not always predictable. You have to adapt without compromising safety or shot quality.
Golden hour flights stood out during the week. The softer light and longer shadows added depth and gave the footage a more cinematic feel.
Working in a live environment means constant awareness. You are always thinking ahead and keeping your flight path controlled.
Why Working with a Licensed Drone Operator Matters
This project is a good example of why proper licensing and compliance matter.
Between controlled airspace, public event regulations, and insurance requirements, there is a lot happening behind the scenes.
It is not just about flying a drone. It is about doing it legally, safely, and without disrupting the production.
That is what allows a project like this to run smoothly from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
This was a solid project to be part of. A well-run event, a great location, and the right setup to get the job done properly.
If you are planning a sports event, corporate shoot, or any project that requires aerial cinematography, it helps to have everything in place from the start.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming project, feel free to get in touch.
