Critically-Acclaimed In Play With Jimmy Roberts Returns Tuesday, April 23 On Golf Channel

April 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBC13-Time Emmy Award-Winner Jimmy Roberts Uncovers the Game’s Most Compelling Stories

Al Geiberger Watches Lost Footage of His 1977 Record-Breaking 59 For First Time

Former Atlanta Constitution Editor Reg Murphy Discusses How Golf Helped Him Survive 1974 Kidnapping

Rich Lerner Explores Most Unusual Golf Tournaments in the U.S.A.

Video: Rich Lerner Discusses How Unusual Tournaments are Good for Golf

Video: In Play with Jimmy Roberts April 23 Preview

ORLANDO, Fla., (April 17, 2013) – In Play with Jimmy Roberts returns Tuesday, April 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET on Golf Channel with a new slate of real-life stories that encompass the game of golf in this critically-acclaimed newsmagazine series.

Tuesday’s new episode features Al Geiberger – the first player in history to shoot a record-low score of 59 in a PGA TOUR sanctioned event – watching his achievement for the first time; former Atlanta Constitution editorial page editor Reg Murphy recalling how golf helped him survive a 1974 kidnapping; and Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner taking viewers on a fun-filled tour to some of the most unusual golf tournaments imaginable.

Host and managing editor Jimmy Roberts, a 13-time Emmy Award-winner, has drawn critical praise for telling some of sports’ greatest stories during his distinguished career at NBC Sports, ESPN and ABC News and ABC Sports, which includes covering 14 Olympics. Described as “an enterprising new original series” by Sports Illustrated and a “gorgeously shot magazine show” by CableFAX Daily, In Play with Jimmy Roberts is a monthly series that chronicles stories ranging from celebrities to everyday people who are all unified by golf.

Scheduled features on the Tuesday, April 23 episode:

- Al Geiberger’s Historic 59 Revealed – Al Geiberger was the first player to record a 59 in a PGA TOUR sanctioned event during the second round of the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic in 1977. The tournament did not air on any broadcast networks. However, a local news crew from WMC-TV in Memphis captured this historic achievement, but Geiberger never saw that evening’s news. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, a fire destroyed the station, which housed the only known video footage. In Play chronicles how the video resurfaced and surprises Geiberger and his family by showing them the historic 59 for the first time.

- Kidnapped: But Golf Helped Me Survive – While serving as an editor for the Atlanta Constitution, Reg Murphy was the victim of a kidnapping in 1974. He credits golf with helping him survive while being locked in the trunk of a car during the 49-hour ordeal. He visualized a recent round, shot by shot, at Augusta National, home of the Masters. With contributions from NBC News’ Tom Brokaw and longtime Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor Jim Minter, Murphy shares his harrowing tale with Jimmy Roberts.

- Unusual Golf Tournaments – Rich Lerner takes viewers on a journey to some of the most unusual golf tournaments and profiles the characters that make these “off-the-track” events so popular. The Mustache Open, the Cow Pasture Open in Montana, the National Hickory Championship in West Virginia, the Snow Golf Tournament at Alpine Meadows, and the annual Bobby Jones Open, where all participants are aptly named, “Bobby Jones,” are featured.

In Play with Jimmy Roberts complements Golf Channel’s award-winning and critically-acclaimed slate of original programming, including Feherty, The Haney Project: Michael Phelps and Big Break. The Haney Project: Michael Phelps and Feherty have bolstered Golf Channel’s Monday primetime lineup since their season premieres in February, up 21 percent vs. 2012 and 62 percent vs. 2011 for the same time span. Big Break, Golf Channel’s successful reality competition series, returns Monday, May 13 for its 19th season in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

About Golf Channel
As the fastest-growing network on television, Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. As part of the NBC Sports Group, professional golf coverage on NBC is branded “Golf Channel on NBC,” further extending the Golf Channel brand to NBC’s broadcast audiences. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf Channel

NBC And Golf Channel Roll Out Coverage Fit For ‘The King’ At Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By Mastercard

March 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCMore than 40 Live Hours of News and Tournament Coverage on Tap This Week from Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando

Golf Channel’s ‘Spotlight’ Coverage Returns This Weekend to Complement NBC’s Live Coverage

Pro Am Special Airs Wednesday; ‘School of Golf’ Produced on Site at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 19, 2013) – The next stop on the PGA TOUR is Orlando, Fla., home of Golf Channel’s studio headquarters and site of co-founder Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, where this week a stellar field will compete in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. The NBC Sports Group will dedicate nearly 80 total hours of news and tournament action, which includes 22 live hours of tournament coverage on NBC and Golf Channel.

22 HOURS OF LIVE TOURNAMENT COVERAGE: Combined, live tournament coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard on NBC and Golf Channel will be unprecedented. Golf Channel will showcase a one-hour, pro-am special on Wednesday; six total hours of early rounds on Thursday and Friday; four total hours of coverage leading into NBC’s coverage on the weekend; and five hours of Spotlight coverage that will complement NBC’s weekend coverage. NBC will deliver a combined seven hours of live tournament coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

Golf Channel and Golf Channel on NBC’s 18th tower broadcast teams will include Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo (Golf Channel), and Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller (NBC). For telecasts on both networks, Gary Koch and Peter Jacobsen will report from tower positions, while Roger Maltbie, Mark Rolfing and Notah Begay will walk with the players on the course. Steve Sands will conduct player interviews. Jimmy Roberts’ signature essays will be highlighted during weekend coverage.

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Air Times (all times Eastern):

Thursday- Friday 3-6 p.m. Golf Channel
Saturday-Sunday 12:30-2:30 p.m. Golf Channel
2:30-6 p.m. NBC

GOLF CENTRAL LIVE AT BAY HILL: Golf Central will air in front of a live audience all week from Bay Hill. Golf Central will preview tournament week, and will lead in and out of live tournament coverage on Golf Channel. Golf Central also will air on NBC at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday prior to the network’s live coverage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Golf Central on-air team will include Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee, Tim Rosaforte, Todd Lewis, Ryan Burr, Lara Baldesarra and Tripp Isenhour.

Live player news conferences from Bay Hill will air Wednesday afternoon.

PRO-AM SPECIAL: The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Pro-Am special will air Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET. Golf Channel reporters will roam Bay Hill during pro-am day, talking with pros in a more relaxing environment about their on-course preparations for tournament play and getting a tip or two along the way. Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo will host the pro-am show, with Steve Sands, Gary Koch and newcomer Ahmad Rashad talking with players on the course.

SPOTLIGHT COVERAGE RETURNS: While NBC delivers its award-winning coverage on the weekend, Golf Channel also will be on the air live with its exclusive Spotlight coverage, which will feature one of the best finishing three-hole stretches in golf – holes 16-18 at Bay Hill. The 18th hole, with its kidney-shaped green fronted by rocks and water, has proved one of the most treacherous approaches in the game for those who go pin hunting. Calling the action for Spotlight coverage will be Brian Hammons, joined by analyst Curt Byrum. Phil Parkin will be in a tower position and Phil Blackmar will report from the golf course. Todd Lewis will conduct post-round interviews.

Spotlight Air Times:

Saturday-Sunday 2:30-5 p.m. ET Golf Channel

INSTRUCTION: Golf Channel’s signature instructional programs, The Golf Fix and School of Golf focus this week on the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Last night, Michael Breed visited Bay Hill to show viewers how to play the pivotal closing holes on The Golf Fix. School of Golf hosts Martin Hall and Holly Sonders will celebrate the swing of Arnold Palmer on Wednesday’s episode (7 p.m. ET), showing viewers what they can learn from Palmer’s unique swing, putting stroke and style of play. On the Range (Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET) will take viewers to the driving range at Bay Hill to get an inside look and interviews about the practice routines and other preparations players will be making for tournament play.

MORNING DRIVE: An extensive list of players competing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard and other notable guests from the world of golf will appear on Morning Drive every day this week airing at 7 a.m. ET. Morning Drive will extend to 10:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, and will air from 7-9 a.m. ET Thursday-Sunday.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel, NBC

TRANSCRIPT: Golf Channel / Morning Drive Media Conf Call – Chamblee, Cook and Williams

February 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCThe attached is a transcript from today’s media conference call with Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee, John Cook and Gary Williams, discussing Morning Drive’s re-launch this week and some of the hot topics and current storylines in golf.

Topics included:

- The new Morning Drive set, format and expanded cast.

- The evolution of the golf swing.

- Vijay Singh and the deer antler spray story.

- No. 16 at TPC Scottsdale and James’ Hahn’s celebration during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

[gview file="http://sportsmedianews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Morning-Drive-personalities-2.5.12.doc"]

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel

All-Star Line-Up Of Guests For Re-Launch Of Morning Drive, Starting Monday, Feb. 4

February 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCBradley, McDowell, Norman, Poulter, Lewis, Pettersen, Creamer, Gal and Munoz Headline Next Week’s Guests

State-of-the-Art “Studio AP” Brings the Outside in with Four New Sets

Morning Drive Debuts a New Seven-Day Format

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2013) – Morning Drive welcomes an A-List roster of guests next week when the show re-launches on Monday, Feb. 4 at 7 a.m. ET with a new format, a new set, an expanded cast and a new, seven-days-a-week schedule. Headlining the roster of guests in-studio on Monday are 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley, who is making his first appearance in-studio, and 2010 U.S. Open Champion Graeme McDowell.

In addition, Monday’s show will feature the first official interview conducted in the new Morning Drive studio: a sit-down with co-founder Arnold Palmer. The interview was taped earlier this week after he cut the ribbon on the new Morning Drive set, “Studio AP,” which was named in his honor. In addition to the ribbon cutting, Palmer also introduced a new autograph board that will be signed by every guest who visits Morning Drive.

Additional studio guests throughout the week include (subject to change):

  • Tuesday, Feb 5: Hall-of-Famer Greg Norman, including his arrival via helicopter; 10-time LPGA Tour winner Suzann Pettersen; and 2011 Kia Classic champion Sandra Gal
  • Wednesday, Feb 6: Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, for her first regular weekly appearance; 2012 Sybase Match Play champion Azahara Munoz
  • Thursday, Feb 7: European Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter; 2012 LPGA Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis
  • Friday, Feb 8: Nine-time LPGA Tour winner Paula Creamer　

Joining Morning Drive regulars Gary Williams, Damon Hack and Holly Sonders as co-hosts starting next week when Morning Drive expands to seven days include Golf Channel analyst Charlie Rymer, longtime Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman, Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, Ahmad Rashad, 11-time PGA TOUR winner John Cook, Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, former Golf Digest travel editor Matt Ginella, and host of Top 10 and GolfNow Lauren Thompson. Golf Channel contributors Tim Rosaforte, Brandel Chamblee and Win McMurry also are scheduled to join the show next week.

Morning Drive’s new studio features four dedicated sets: a main anchor desk, an interview area, a product demonstration area and a news update desk. The new home is nearly four times larger than the show’s original studio. Panoramic, high-definition video backdrops throughout the studio will make viewers feel like the cast is broadcasting from just inside the picture windows of their local clubhouse. This signature look is accomplished by linking 20, 90-inch and 10, 52-inch monitors to create golf course morning vistas.

Follow Morning Drive on Twitter: @GCMorningDrive
Follow Golf Channel on Twitter: @GolfChannel
Become a fan of Morning Drive on Facebook at: Facebook.com/GCMorningDrive
Become a fan of Golf Channel on Facebook at: Facebook.com/GolfChannel

About Golf Channel
As the fastest-growing network on television, Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. As part of the NBC Sports Group, professional golf coverage on NBC is branded “Golf Channel on NBC,” further extending the Golf Channel brand to NBC’s broadcast audiences. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by , a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf Channel

2013 Debut Of Golf Channel’s Spotlight Coverage To Capture The Spectacle Of TPC Scottsdale’s 16th Hole

January 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCTraditional Coverage of the Waste Management Phoenix Open on NBC and Spotlight Coverage on Golf Channel Both Begin at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday

Golf Channel Coverage will Focus on Three-Hole Stretch from 15th to 17th at The Stadium Course

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2013) – While NBC delivers its award-winning coverage of the PGA TOUR at this week’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, Golf Channel also will debut its 2013 “Spotlight” coverage at the tournament, featuring coverage of a three-hole stretch at TPC Scottsdale, which includes one of the most exciting settings in all of sports – the famous par-3, 16th hole.

While NBC is on the air live from 3-6 p.m. ET this weekend with traditional coverage, Golf Channel also will be on the air live with its Spotlight coverage, but focusing only on the challenging stretch that encompasses the 15th, 16th and 17th holes. The 15th hole is a par 5 that can be reached in two, making eagle chances well within the realm of possibility. The 16th hole is the famous par 3 – known as “The Coliseum” – which is completely surrounded by as many as 20,000 rowdy spectators and creating a raucous atmosphere akin to a football game. And, the par 4 17th hole can be reached from the tee, but several greenside hazards pose interesting choices for gambling pros. Golf Channel’s Spotlight coverage will conclude at 5 p.m. ET each day, when viewers will be directed to the final hour of NBC’s third- and final-round coverage.

“The NBC/Golf Channel partnership is creating new and innovative ways to cover the sport, and bringing more people to the game,” said Golf Channel President Mike McCarley. “Golf Channel’s Spotlight coverage has proven to be a coup for golf fans looking to get further inside the ropes at signature stretches of tournament venues – like TPC Scottsdale’s 16th hole, which features an atmosphere unlike anything else on the PGA TOUR. While NBC will continue to feature traditional coverage, Golf Channel’s Spotlight coverage provides a unique, but complementary, viewing experience showcasing the action from notable holes.”

The Spotlight coverage on-air team includes Brian Hammons handling play-by-play, Curt Byrum as lead analyst, Phil Parkin as the 16th hole tower analyst, and Jerry Foltz and Scott McCarron reporting from the golf course. NBC’s production, which will be overseen by Emmy award-winning producer Tommy Roy will operate side-by-side with Golf Channel’s Spotlight production unit led by producer Keith Hirshland.

“The Coliseum” at TPC Scottsdale 16th Hole:
Eight cameras will be dedicated to coverage of the 16th hole, capturing everything from golf shots to the colorful characters that completely surround the par 3. Spotlight coverage cameras will stay with players longer than typical television coverage, providing viewers a chance to see players’ reactions to shots, as well as experiencing the cheers – or sometimes jeers – players get from the amped up crowd as they walk the fairways. A camera positioned 120 feet in the air above the hole, as well as a Met Life blimp also will provide interesting vistas.

“Landing Zone” Graphic Predictions:
A new graphic technology titled “Landing Zone” will be featured during the Spotlight coverage, which will predict – while a ball is in flight – where it will land on or off the green. Viewers will see a split screen with one section showing ball flight while the other shows graphic representations circles on the green pointing to where the technology predicts the ball will land.

17th Hole “Speed Shot” Coverage:
As players attempt to drive the green from the 17th hole, a nearly 40-foot camera tower built on the hillside to the right of the fairway will provide “speed shot” coverage of a ball on its way to the green. The height of the camera position also will allow the viewer to be able to tell if a ball driven slightly left of the fairway will end up in the water or hang up in the rough staying out of the hazard.

WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN – LIVE TOURNAMENT AIRTIMES

Thursday 4-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live traditional coverage)
Friday 4-7 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live traditional coverage)
Saturday 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live lead-in coverage)
Saturday 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC live traditional coverage)
Saturday 3-5 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live Spotlight coverage)
Sunday 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live lead-in coverage)
Sunday 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC live traditional coverage)
Sunday 3-5 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live Spotlight coverage)

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel

Michael Phelps Swings Into Next Chapter For Fifth Season Of ‘The Haney Project,’ Premiering Monday, Feb. 25 At 9 Pm Et On Golf Channel

January 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCMost-Decorated Olympian of All Time Attempts to Improve Game under Guidance of Famed Swing Coach Hank Haney

Phelps Follows in Footsteps of Former Celebrity Students, Including Charles Barkley, Ray Romano and Adam Levine

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2013) – Michael Phelps, the most-decorated Olympian of all time, is jumping out of the pool and on to the golf course with plans for his next chapter in life – to play the world’s greatest golf courses and improve his golf game under the watchful eye of Hank Haney – on The Haney Project, Golf Channel’s popular series debuting its fifth season on Monday, Feb. 25, at 9 p.m. ET.

The Haney Project will feature Phelps, who won an unprecedented 22 Olympic medals, including 18 gold medals, as he attempts to improve his game from tee to green with the guidance of Tiger Woods’ former swing coach over the course of eight weekly, 60-minute episodes. The series will reunite with the popular interview series, Feherty – also premiering on Monday, Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. ET – to form a potent primetime Monday lineup. Golf Channel’s slate of original series, including The Haney Project and Feherty, have contributed to back-to-back most-watched years, which earned Golf Channel the title of the fastest-growing network on television since joining the NBC Sports Group.

“I’ve always had a love of golf and dreamed of seeing the world by playing all the best courses. And my competitive side wants to play them well,” said Phelps. “I’m extremely motivated to develop my golf skills, and through Hank’s help I’ve already seen progress with my game and played some really cool golf courses. This is an exciting project with the Golf Channel and it’s been fun working with Hank to see how far we can take my game.”

“We can stand in awe of Michael’s Olympic accomplishments, but it’s hard to put ourselves in his shoes except when it comes to golf,” said Golf Channel President Mike McCarley. “Every golfer from a seasoned pro to a frustrated weekend warrior like the rest of us can play the same game with the same equipment and share the same frustrations and joys of the game. So, as Michael experiences the ups and downs of improving his game through The Haney Project, Golf Channel’s audience can relate to his transition from Olympic icon to a guy simply trying not to spoil a good day on the golf course.”

Phelps, who received a pegboard featuring the world’s greatest courses as a Christmas gift last year, will follow other celebrity students who have starred on The Haney Project, including NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley, Emmy Award-winner Ray Romano and Grammy Award-winning Maroon 5 front man and mentor on NBC’s “The Voice” Adam Levine. Phelps already has been filling the pegboard during the filming of the series, with stops in China, Scotland, Mexico and top spots throughout the United States.

Each episode of The Haney Project will follow Phelps on his quest to play better golf, whether it’s one-on-one instruction on the golf course with Haney or developing lessons he will be able to practice on his own. The series also will showcase Phelps in his own environment with cameos by famous friends and other experts who check in on him during his journey, including his mother Debbie Phelps and longtime swim coach Bob Bowman.

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf Channel

NBC Sports Group Kicks Off 2013 PGA Tour Season On Golf Channel With Hyundai Tournament Of Champions In Hawaii

January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBCHyundai Tournament of Champions Returns to Broadcast TV for First Time in 15 Years with Sunday’s Third Round on NBC Leading into Primetime on Golf Channel

New “Driving Grid” Graphic Technology Debuts to Measure Longest Drives at 663-Yard No. 18 – Long Ball Hitters Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson Featured Friday Primetime Pairing

New “Sunday Night Football Style” First Tee Player Introductions

NBC and Golf Channel to Air 20 Live Tournament Hours, Including Six Hours in Primetime with Wraparound News Coverage on Golf Central On-Site in Kapalua

“Dustin Johnson arrived to Hawaii on Dec. 27 and will have at least seven practice rounds under his belt by Friday. I have a feeling this could be a great year for Dustin.” – Golf Channel on NBC analyst Mark Rolfing

“It will be interesting to see if any of the putter-anchoring players in the field decide to try a new method in competition. Longer putters to me never seem to work as well on large greens and in windy conditions.” – Golf Channel on NBC analyst Mark Rolfing

 

ORLANDO, Fla., (Jan. 2, 2013) – NBC Sports Group will present comprehensive coverage of the kickoff of the 2013 PGA TOUR season this week with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions from Hawaii. Featuring a stellar field comprised only of 2012 tournament champions, the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, which is scheduled as a Friday through Monday tournament (Jan. 4-7), will be held at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui. NBC’s and Golf Channel’s coverage features a combined 20 hours of live tournament action, including NBC’s third-round lead-in coverage, which marks the first time the Hyundai Tournament of Champions has aired on broadcast television in 15 years. Golf Central, Golf Channel’s signature news program, will complement live coverage throughout the week with shows hosted on-site in Kapalua.

“The return of broadcast television coverage for the first time in 15 years coupled with the Monday night finish and the unprecedented production resources across two networks will showcase the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and give the PGA TOUR season the kickoff it deserves,” said Mike McCarley, President of Golf Channel. “We’re also looking forward to giving viewers a much needed dose of Hawaiian paradise during this tough winter.”

TOURNAMENT BROADCAST TEAM: Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller will join Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo in calling the action from the 18th hole tower at the Plantation Course in Kapalua. Both teams will be joined by tower reporters Gary Koch and Mark Rolfing; on-course reporters Roger Maltbie and Jerry Foltz; and interviewer Steve Sands.

NBC PRODUCTION: For the first time since Golf Channel became part of the NBC Sports family in 2011, NBC’s award-winning golf production team will produce events airing primarily on Golf Channel. Tommy Roy, a 28-time Emmy Award-winner, will produce the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the Sony Open in Hawaii. The Hyundai Tournament of Champions broadcast will feature an increased number of cameras and camera towers, including aerial coverage from a fixed wing airplane for a second-consecutive year at Kapalua.

DRIVING GRID GRAPHIC DEBUTS ON THE 18TH: Driving Grid, a new graphic representation that measures the yardage of tee shots, will make its debut on the 18th hole at the Plantation Course during the Hyundai Tournament of Champions tournament broadcasts. Similar to the “First and 10” graphic lines used during NFL broadcasts, the Driving Grid graphic lines will be marked off in 25-yard increments on the 18th fairway, which regularly sees some of the longest drives during the entire PGA TOUR season. Since 2003, 92 drives have eclipsed 400 yards on the par-5 18th hole, more than 25 percent of all 400-yard drives on the PGA TOUR in the last nine years. The penultimate group in Friday’s opening round on Golf Channel will be two of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson.

NEW PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS, “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STYLE” – Players competing in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions will introduce themselves on the first tee during Friday’s opening round on Golf Channel and Sunday’s third round coverage on NBC in a new graphic package that models NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcasts. Players will introduce themselves by name, hometown and the 2012 tournaments they won.

Hyundai Tournament of Champions Airtimes (all times ET)

Jan. 4 Friday Round 1 5:30-10 p.m. Golf Channel
Jan. 5 Saturday Round 2 5:30-10 p.m. Golf Channel
Jan. 6 Sunday Round 3 3-6 p.m. NBC
Jan. 7 Sunday Round 3 6-10 p.m. Golf Channel
Jan. 8 Monday Final Round 4-8 p.m. Golf Channel

MORE THAN 20 HOURS OF NEWS COVERAGE: Golf Channel has scheduled more than 20 hours of live, wraparound news coverage of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions throughout the week. Coverage will begin Wednesday with the 2013 premieres of Morning Drive and Golf Central and continue with comprehensive coverage on-site at Kapalua before and after tournament play Thursday-Monday. Golf Central and Golf Central Pre Game will originate from a dedicated set at the Plantation Course. Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee and Tim Rosaforte will anchor Golf Central and Golf Central Pre Game on-site from the Plantation Course in Kapalua.

GOLF CENTRAL SCHEDULED FEATURES:
- Ian Poulter Goes One-on-One with Tim Rosaforte: Ian Poulter sits down with Tim Rosaforte for a candid discussion looking back at the 2012 season. Discussion includes the 2012 European Ryder Cup victory and closing the 2012 season on a high note with a victory at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions.
- 2012 FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker: Brandt Snedeker, winner of the 2012 FedExCup, talks about his 2012 season and looking ahead to 2013.
- Rich Lerner Essay on Bubba Watson – Rich Lerner will deliver one of his signature essays on a memorable year for 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson.

ON THE RANGE RETURNS THURSDAY: On the Range, Golf Channel’s weekly series that takes viewers to the driving ranges of golf’s professional tours, returns Thursday at 5 p.m. ET at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Host Gary Williams and analysts Bill Kratzert and Billy Harmon will examine the players’ swings and routines as they prepare for Friday’s opening round of play. Alex Miceli will report on-site from Kapalua and will be joined by Ian Poulter, who will discuss his preparations for 2013.

HYUNDAI TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS PRO-AM: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, Golf Channel will air an hour-long Hyundai Tournament of Champions Pro-am special, eavesdropping on players as they get ready to kick off the 2013 PGA TOUR season.

COMPREHENSIVE DIGITAL COVERAGE: GolfChannel.com will provide users with comprehensive online coverage of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions throughout the week. GolfChannel.com senior writer Jason Sobel will report from Kapalua.

NBC Sports Group Hyundai Tournament of Champions Coverage (all times ET):

Show Network Airtime (all times ET)
Wednesday, Jan. 2
Golf Central Golf Channel 6-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 3
Morning Drive Golf Channel 7-9 a.m.
On the Range (2013 Premiere) Golf Channel 5-6 p.m.
Golf Central Golf Channel 6-8 p.m.
Hyundai TOC Pro-Am Golf Channel 8-10 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 4
Morning Drive Golf Channel 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Pre Game Golf Channel 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Hyundai Tournament of Champions Golf Channel 5:30-10 p.m.
Golf Central Golf Channel 10-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 5
Golf Central Pre Game Golf Channel 5-5:30 p.m.
Hyundai Tournament of Champions Golf Channel 5:30-10 p.m.
Golf Central Golf Channel 10-10:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 6
Hyundai Tournament of Champions NBC 3-6 p.m.
Hyundai Tournament of Champions Golf Channel 6-10 p.m.
Golf Central Golf Channel 10-10:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 7
Morning Drive Golf Channel 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Pre Game Golf Channel 3-4 p.m.
Hyundai Tournament of Champions Golf Channel 4-8 p.m.
Golf Central Golf Channel 8-9 p.m.

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel

Arnold Palmer Named Regular Columnist For Golfchannel.Com

December 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

golf_channel_NBC“The King” Provides His First “Arnold Palmer’s State of the Game” Post, Which Includes His Take on the Growth of the Game and the Anchored Putter

GolfChannel.com Link: www.golfchannel.com/arnoldpalmerstateofthegame

ORLANDO, Fla., (Dec. 17, 2012) – “The King,” Arnold Palmer, will become a regular columnist for GolfChannel.com, where he will share his opinions about issues affecting the game of golf through an exclusive column, “Arnold Palmer’s State of the Game.” This op-ed piece will be published by GolfChannel.com several times a year.

“I have been around the game of golf since I first hit a ball when I was 3 years old. That was 80 years ago. I still have interests in golf course design, course ownership and so on, but I haven’t really played competitive golf for quite some time. So as 2012 comes to an end, I’m seeing the game as you do: as a casual player, as a fan and as a businessman,” Palmer says in his first column posted today on GolfChannel.com.

“Arnold Palmer’s opinions are backed by a lifelong love affair with the game of golf, where he has seen nearly every issue from an insider’s point of view. He is not only one of the most sought after and respected figures in the game, but also a treasured icon adored by fans of all ages across the world. So when he speaks, everyone in the game of golf listens,” said Golf Channel President Mike McCarley. “We’re proud to provide a platform where Mr. Palmer can express those views as golf’s elder statesman and that we can share this with visitors to GolfChannel.com.”

Reflecting on 80 years inside the game of golf, Palmer through Golf Channel – the network that he co-founded in 1995 – now has a platform to share his views about a game that he played professionally for more than 57 years. Since turning pro in 1954, he has become one of golf’s most beloved players and most important trailblazers. The first “Arnold Palmer’s State of the Game” column was just published and includes Palmer’s thoughts on the growth of the game, the emergence of golf’s newest global stars and the recent proposed ban on the anchoring of clubs. To read the entire column, go to www.golfchannel.com/arnoldpalmerstateofthegame.

PALMER ON ISSUES AFFECTING GOLF:

“Do we have issues? Sure – what truly global enterprise doesn’t? We need to keep bringing the game to youngsters and women. We need to address the distance that today’s ball travels. Slow play is turning time-starved people away from the sport. We need to encourage nine-hole rounds. We have environmental concerns to deal with and we have to keep a vigilant eye on the standards of sportsmanship that set our game apart.”

PALMER ON PROPOSED ANCHORING BAN:

“The U.S. Golf Association and R&A recently announced a ban on the practice of anchoring clubs – usually a long or belly-length putter – against the body. I applaud them for not only their ruling, but also for the patient and thoughtful approach they took, studying the issue for years and across all levels of golf before making their decision. There was nothing knee-jerk about it. The game is in good hands.”

-NBC Sports Group

Filed Under: Golf, Golf Channel

Video and Quotes: Norman, Nicklaus, Miller, Chamblee, Nobilo, Breed, Poulter, Davis and Dawson Discuss Proposed Anchored Putter Rule Change

November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Earlier today, the USGA and The R&A jointly announced a proposed rule change on anchoring the putter.  USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and R&A Chief Executive Peter Dawson join Golf Channel in-studio today to discuss the decision in a Golf Central Special following the announcement.  Golf Channel’s news coverage also included reaction from Golf Channel and NBC’s team of analysts and insiders, including Johnny Miller, Brandel Chamblee and Frank Nobilo, along with interviews with from throughout the world of golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Ian Poulter.

Below are links to interviews from Morning Drive and the Golf Central Special earlier today with discussion, reaction and analysis to the announcement:

Golf Channel Analyst Brandel Chamblee: USGA and R&A Are Making a Mistake

Chamblee: “I think the USGA and the R&A are making a mistake.  This is not a decision that so much affects just the touring professionals.  If you consider the fact that there are 25 million golfers in this country and perhaps 50 million golfers around the globe, and if we are led to believe that their numbers are in fact true, that upwards of 20-25 percent of the population that plays golf are going towards this putter, you are talking close to 20 million golfers that are affected by this.”

Chamblee, Nobilo, Breed and Rosaforte Debate Proposed Anchored Putter Ruling

Rich Lerner: “To the recreational player who has gotten some enjoyment and had some success with the anchoring method, might be upset right now.  What would you say to that person?”

Michael Breed: “Come and see me for a lesson!  This is going to be good for us to teach.  We are going to have a chance to rework the instruction part of the game.”

Jack Nicklaus Reaction to Announcement on Morning Drive

Johnny Miller Reaction to Announcement on Golf Central

Miller: “I don’t have anything against, quote-unquote, banning.  But when you are not able to anchor the putter when you’ve got the yips, boy that takes a lot of the goodness away from the long putter.”

Greg Norman Reaction to Announcement on Golf Central

Norman, on the idea of bifurcation: I agree with them (Chamblee and Miller) 100 percent.  It should be bifurcated…We are in a position in this sport where we generate a lot of interest no matter what we do, from an economic standpoint or from a manufacturing standpoint.  These players move the needle and so we have to be able to make sure we move the needle in the right direction.  Bifurcation is the right thing to do.”

Mike Davis and Peter Dawson Discuss Announcement on Golf Central

Ian Poulter Discusses Proposed Anchored Putter Ruling with Steve Sands

-NBC Sports Group-

Filed Under: Golf Channel

RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship Moves To Golf Channel In 2013

October 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Golf Channel Will Showcase Personalities and Excitement Surrounding Golf’s High-Adrenaline Competition Where Champions Hit ‘Straight-as-an-Arrow’ Drives More Than 400 Yards

Oct. 29, 2012 – Long Drivers of America announced today a new, long term broadcast partnership with Golf Channel for the premier event in power golf, the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, which will move to Golf Channel in 2013 after 17 years on ESPN.

“The move to Golf Channel and NBC will attract a new legion of long drive fans and garner exposure that is unmatched for this event. This is the right move at the right time for the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, and it will benefit our sponsors, our competitors and, most importantly, our fans,” said Art Sellinger, LDA’s owner and chief executive officer. “With this explosion of interest in the sport, viewers will be able to go behind the curtain of power golf and see the ways and means to achieve superior swing speed and distance.”

The RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship – and the bigger-than-life personalities of the men and women that compete in long drive – will be showcased next year throughout October on Golf Channel through three primetime specials and the first-ever live, two-hour finale. Additionally, NBC will air a 60-minute recap show of the entire RWLDC later in the year, which will mark the first time golf’s premier long drive event in its 38-year history will be seen on network television.

Golf Channel will allow viewers to experience the high-adrenaline excitement of the RWLDC, beginning with grassroots qualifying through regional LDA Tour events and culminating with the Finals on October 30, 2013, when eight finalists compete for the title of RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion.

“As a viewer, it is mesmerizing to see these competitors hit drives to unimaginable distances,” said Tom Knapp, senior vice president of programming for Golf Channel. “This new partnership with the Long Drivers of America will provide Golf Channel the opportunity to showcase one of the most electrifying facets of the game and profile these big hitters across our schedule next October.”

The RWLDC is an annual world championship of long driving, which has taken place each year since 1975 and attracts competitors from all over the world. Finalists in the competition often have swing speeds of up to 150 miles per hour and can hit a ball more than 400 yards, which is more than 100 yards longer than the average PGA TOUR professional. The record distance achieved in the RWLDC is 474 yards.

“There’s no question long drives are one of the most exciting aspects of the game of golf, and the RE/MAX world finals identifies the longest hitters on the planet,” Sellinger said. “In my opinion, LDA’s new partnership with Golf Channel delivers one of the most exciting events in golf to millions of enthusiastic fans and represents the most dramatic development in the evolution of long drive since RE/MAX International signed on as title sponsor. The sky’s the limit for us now.”

About Golf Channel:

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

About Long Drivers of America:

Based in Roanoke, Texas, Long Drivers of America (LDA) is the organizational and administrative body for the sport of long drive. Owned and operated by long drive legend Art Sellinger, LDA conducts and oversees the premier event in power golf — the annual RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship. LDA also stages the annual LDA Tour, a series of professional long drive competitions, and the LDA Power Academy, intensive three-day power golf schools.

Filed Under: Golf Channel
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