Cable Firms Tee Off In 3D.(Comcast Corp.)(ESPN Inc.)(Augusta National Golf Club)(Cox Communications Inc.)(Time Warner Cable Inc.)(Cablevision Systems Corp.)(Shaw Communications Inc.)

by Mike Reynolds

Distributors Line Up for First Major Telecast in Format

New York- Depending on his tee times and performance, millions can watch Tiger Woods's return to on-course action for the first time since infidelity cost him sponsors, and perhaps his marriage, at The Masters this week.

A much smaller group of TV and technology executives and early adopters will be able to see the world's No. 1 golfer perform in a 3D format that aims to stimulate and titillate the visual senses from the famed Augusta National Golf Course.

At press time late Friday, Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts The Masters, had signed distribution deals with Comcast, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision Systems, Canada's Shaw Communications and a pair of European operators to provide 3D coverage of the Par 3 Tournament on April 7.

Tourney play …