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NBC Sports Group Tournament Airtimes & Notes (Jan. 31-Feb.3): Waste Management Phoenix Open, Saudi International

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Mickelson and Defending Champ Woodland Headline Field at Waste Management Phoenix Open

 

Johnny Miller to Call His Final NBC Broadcast Saturday in Phoenix

 

Four of the Top-Five in the World Lead Field for the European Tour’s Saudi International

         

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2019) – The PGA TOUR heads to the Arizona desert this week for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, with live coverage on GOLF Channel and NBC. Saturday’s third round coverage on NBC will be Johnny Miller’s final call in the broadcast booth, following nearly 30 years spent as the network’s lead golf analyst. Saturday’s coverage will celebrate Miller’s three decades in the 18th tower through special tributes and reflections from the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. The European Tour will host its first-ever tournament in Saudi Arabia this week with the Saudi International, where four of the top five in the world – Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau – headline an international field.

 

PGA TOUR

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Dates: Jan. 31-Feb. 3

Venue: Stadium Course, TPC Scottsdale

 

Tournament Airtimes on GOLF Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         3-7 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Friday              3-7 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Saturday          1-3 p.m. (Live) / 7 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Sunday            1-3 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-11:30 p.m. (Replay)

 

Tournament Airtimes on NBC (Eastern)

Saturday          3-6 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            3-6 p.m. (Live)

 

Golf Central Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         2-3 p.m. / 7-8 p.m. (Live)

Friday              2-3 p.m. / 7-8 p.m. (Live)

Saturday          11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 6-7 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. / 6-6:30 p.m. (Live)

 

PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold (Eastern):

Thursday                     9:15 a.m.-7 p.m. (Featured Groups)

  • Cameron Champ/Webb Simpson/Justin Thomas (9:50 a.m. ET)
  • Tony Finau/Rickie Fowler/Matt Kuchar (10 a.m. ET)

 

Friday                          9:15 a.m.-7 p.m. (Featured Groups)

  • Hideki Matsuyama/Phil Mickelson/Gary Woodland (10 a.m. ET)
  • Additional Featured Group to be selected by Twitter’s “Fan Vote Friday”

 

Broadcast Notes:

Johnny Miller to call final broadcast on Saturday: Johnny Miller will call his final broadcast on Saturday after nearly 30 years as NBC Sports lead golf analyst. The broadcast also will represent the 20th consecutive year of Miller and Dan Hicks sitting alongside each other in the broadcast booth, a record for the longest-tenured 18th tower tandem in broadcast golf.

Golf Central and Morning Drive on-site Thursday-Sunday: Thursday-Sunday, Golf Central and Morning Drive will broadcast on-site from TPC Scottsdale. Golf Central’s set will be integrated into the grandstands on the famous par-3 16th hole.

Woodland defends: Gary Woodland defeated Chez Reavie with a par on the first playoff hole for his third career PGA TOUR win.  

Headlining the field: Cameron Champ, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Martin Kaymer, Matt Kuchar, Hideki Matsuyama, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Aaron Wise, Matthew Wolff (a) and Gary Woodland.

 

Golf Channel / NBC Tournament Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Rich Lerner (GOLF Channel) / Dan Hicks (NBC)

Analyst: Justin Leonard (GOLF Channel) / Johnny Miller (NBC, Saturday) / Paul Azinger (NBC, Sunday)

Tower: Gary Koch, David Feherty, Peter Jacobsen, Jimmy Roberts

On-Course: Notah Begay, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Roger Maltbie

Interviews: Steve Sands

 

EUROPEAN TOUR

Saudi International

Dates: Jan. 31-Feb. 3

Venue: Royal Greens G&CC – King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday                     3-5 a.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Replay)

Friday                          3-5 a.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Replay)

Saturday                      4-9 a.m. (Live) / 3-6 p.m. (Replay)

Sunday                        4-9 a.m. (Live) / 3-6 p.m. (Replay)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Inaugural event: This is the inaugural edition of the Saudi International which is the first international professional golf tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia.

Four of the top-five in the world headline field: Justin Rose (1), Brooks Koepka (2), Dustin Johnson (3) and Bryson DeChambeau (5) headline the international field that also includes Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood.

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Host: Mike Ritz

Play by Play: Dominik Holyer

Analyst: Tony Johnstone / Alison Whitaker / Jay Townsend

On-Course: Ken Brown / Warren Humphreys

 

 

-NBC Sports Group-

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

 

Jeremy Friedman

Golf Channel Communications

407-355-4058

Jeremy.Friedman@golfchannel.com

GOLF CHANNEL AIRING “SNEAK PEEK” OF PGA TOUR LIVE ON NBC SPORTS GOLD DURING THURSDAY’S OPENING ROUND OF FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

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Thursday’s Featured Groups Coverage of PGA TOUR LIVE on

NBC Sports Gold to Air on GOLF Channel Beginning at

Noon ET Ahead of Live Tournament Coverage at 3 p.m. ET

 

Thursday’s Featured Groups:

Day/Rahm/Snedeker (12:30 p.m. ET); Horschel/Rose/Spieth (12:40 p.m. ET)

 

Tiger Woods Highlights Friday’s Featured Groups Coverage;

Second Group to be Chosen via Twitter’s “Fan Vote Friday” Program


ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2019) – On Thursday, NBC Sports Group will offer fans a “sneak peek” of PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold, with the opening round Featured Groups coverage of the Farmers Insurance Open airing simultaneously live on GOLF Channel, beginning at Noon ET.

 

Thursday’s Featured Groups coverage on GOLF Channel will precede the network’s traditional live tournament coverage at 3 p.m. ET, giving viewers a glimpse at the video subscription platform available for purchase in the United States. In total, nearly 900 hours of premium live tournament programming will be available to PGA TOUR LIVE subscribers on NBC Sports Gold in 2019. This sneak peek for fans on Thursday follows last week’s official launch of PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold.

 

The Featured Groups being shown during Thursday’s PGA TOUR LIVE coverage include:

  • Jason Day/Jon Rahm/Brandt Snedeker (12:30 p.m. ET, 10th tee)
  • Billy Horschel/Justin Rose/Jordan Spieth (12:40 p.m. ET, 10th tee)

 

Friday’s PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on NBC Sports Gold will include Tony Finau/Xander Schauffele/Tiger Woods (1:40 p.m. ET, 10th tee) as one of two Featured Groups. The other group will be selected via Twitter’s “Fan Vote Friday” program.

 

“This sneak peek is in collaboration with the PGA TOUR in an effort to give viewers – who may have never seen PGA TOUR LIVE – a chance to experience the early-round access the service provides,” said Tom Knapp, executive vice president of partnerships and programming, GOLF Channel. “For those already familiar with the platform, Thursday’s simultaneous coverage on GOLF Channel will offer a glimpse at the enhancements and new offerings to PGA TOUR LIVE in 2019.”

 

Available on double the number of supported platforms versus 2018, PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold is available for purchase for $64.99/season at https://www.nbcsports.com/gold/pga-tour-live, featuring the most robust offering ever for the service, including:

  • Live four-day coverage from 27 PGA TOUR events
  • 10-minute “Speed Round” recaps for Featured Groups
  • Expansive VOD content
  • Integrated scoring and statistics

 

Through NBC Sports Gold, PGA TOUR LIVE is on more supported platforms than ever, including web, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast. In July, the PGA TOUR and NBC Sports Group announced a multi-year digital partnership to carry PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold.

-NBC Sports Group-

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

Golf Channel Tournament Airtimes & Notes (Jan. 23-27)

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Rose, Woods Headline Field at Farmers Insurance Open on GOLF Channel;

Additional Coverage Available via PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold

 

DeChambeau, Fleetwood, Lead Field at Omega Dubai Desert Classic

 

Bahamas Great Abaco Classic Concludes Wednesday, Live on GOLF Channel

 

Live Coverage of 2019 PGA Merchandise Show Airing on GOLF Channel

         

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2019) – The PGA TOUR continues its California stretch of the schedule with the Farmers Insurance Open, as world No. 1 Justin Rose and 80-time PGA TOUR winner Tiger Woods lead the field. GOLF Channel will carry early-round live coverage on Thursday-Friday, along with lead-in coverage on the weekend. In addition to traditional tournament coverage on GOLF Channel, fans can follow early-round coverage through PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold. On the European Tour, Bryson DeChambeau and Tommy Fleetwood headline the field at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, with live coverage beginning Wednesday night at 11 p.m. ET. The Web.com Tour wraps up its stretch in the Bahamas on Wednesday, with the conclusion of the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, airing live on GOLF Channel. Wednesday-Friday, GOLF Channel also will carry live coverage of the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

 

PGA TOUR

Farmers Insurance Open

Dates: Jan. 24-27

Venue: Torrey Pines Golf Course (North & South Courses), La Jolla, Calif.

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         3-7 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Friday             3-7 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Saturday          1-2:45 p.m. (Live) / 7-11:30 p.m. (Replay)

Sunday            1-2:45 p.m. (Live) / 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (Replay)

 

Golf Central Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         7-8 p.m. (Live)

Friday              2-3 p.m. / 7-8 p.m. (Live)

Saturday          Noon-1 p.m. / 2:45-3 p.m. / 6-7 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            Noon-1 p.m. / 2:45-3 p.m. / 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Live)

 

PGA TOUR LIVE Airtimes on NBC Sports Gold (Eastern):

Thursday                     Noon-3 p.m. (Featured Groups)

  • Jason Day/Jon Rahm/Brandt Snedeker (12:30 p.m. ET, 10th tee – North Course)
  • Billy Horschel/Justin Rose/Jordan Spieth (12:40 p.m. ET, 10th tee – North Course)

 

Friday                         Noon-3 p.m. (Featured Groups)

  • Tony Finau/Xander Schauffele/Tiger Woods (12:30 p.m. ET, 10th tee – North Course)
  • Additional Featured Group to be selected by Twitter’s “Fan Vote Friday”

 

Broadcast Notes:

Day defends: Jason Day defeated Alex Noren with a birdie on the sixth playoff hole in a Monday finish to earn his 11th career PGA TOUR victory.

Headlining the field: Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tony Finau, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Patrick Reed, Marc Leishman and Patrick Cantlay.     

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Steve Sands

Analyst: Nick Faldo

Tower: Matt Gogel

On-Course: Peter Kostis / Mark Immelman

Interviews: Lisa Cornwell

 

EUROPEAN TOUR

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

Dates: Jan. 24-27

Venue: Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course), Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday                     11 p.m.-4 a.m. (Live, Wednesday Overnight) / 6:30-8:30 a.m. (Live)

Friday                         2:30-8:30 a.m. (Live) / 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Replay)

Saturday                      3:30-8 a.m. (Live) / 10 a.m.-Noon (Replay)

Sunday                        3:30-8 a.m. (Live) / 10 a.m.-Noon (Replay)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Li defends: Haotong Li finished one shot ahead of Rory McIlroy for his second European Tour win.

Headlining the field: Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Haotong Li, Louis Oosthuizen, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Colin Montgomerie.

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Host: Mike Ritz

Play by Play: Dougie Donnelly

Analyst: Sam Torrance / Anthony Wall / Ken Brown

On-Course: Jay Townsend / Jamie Spence

 

WEB.COM TOUR

Bahamas Great Abaco Classic

Dates: Jan. 23

Venue: The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Great Abaco, Bahamas

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Wednesday     2-5 p.m. (Live) / 6-8 p.m. (Replay)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Second Sunday-Wednesday event in as many weeks: This is the third edition of the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic, and the event takes place Sunday-Wednesday, with live coverage on GOLF Channel.

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Steve Burkowski

Analyst: Craig Perks

Tower: Phil Blackmar

On-Course: Gary Christian

 

PGA OF AMERICA

2019 PGA Merchandise Show

Dates: Jan. 22-25

Venue: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.

 

Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Wednesday                 7-11:30 a.m. (Live)

Thursday                     8:30-11:15 a.m. (Live)

Friday                         8:30-11:30 a.m. (Live)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Live coverage of PGA Merchandise Show Wednesday-Friday: GOLF Channel will provide comprehensive live news coverage of the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The network’s Morning Drive show will feature live interviews with industry leaders, professional golfers from the world’s major tours, PGA of America members, and a comprehensive overview of the latest products and trends for 2019 from some of the nearly 1,100 golf brands exhibiting on-site.

 

-NBC Sports Group-

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

 

GOLF CHANNEL TOURNAMENT AIRTIME & NOTES (JAN. 10-16)

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Thomas, DeChambeau & Spieth Headline Field at

Sony Open in Hawaii, Airing in Primetime on Golf Channel

 

Web.com Tour Season Begins at Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, Sunday-Wednesday

Live on Golf Channel; Players to be “Mic’d Up” During Coverage

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2019) – The PGA TOUR continues its Hawaii stretch this week with the first full-field event of 2019 at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth headline the field at Waialae Country Club, with Thursday’s opening round coverage in primetime kicking off 18 consecutive days of live tournament coverage on GOLF Channel. The Web.com Tour opens its 2019 campaign with the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, airing Sunday-Wednesday live on GOLF Channel. The network’s coverage of the Web.com Tour in 2019 will feature select players being “mic’d up” during the course of their round to provide an innovative inside-the-ropes perspective for fans tuning in. The Tour also debuts a new season-long points system that will determine the 75 players advancing to the Web.com Tour Finals in August.

 

PGA TOUR

Sony Open in Hawaii

Dates: Jan. 10-13

Venue: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         7-10:30 p.m. (Live)

Friday             7-10:30 p.m. (Live)

Saturday          7-10:30 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            6-10 p.m. (Live)

 

Golf Central Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         6-7 p.m. / 10:30-11 p.m. (Live)

Friday             6-7 p.m. / 10:30-11 p.m. (Live)

Saturday          6-7 p.m. / 10:30-11 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            5-6 p.m. / 10-11 p.m. (Live)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Kizzire defends: Patton Kizzire made par on the sixth playoff hole to defeat James Hahn and earn his second PGA TOUR victory.

Headlining the field: Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, Cameron Champ, Patrick Reed, Gary Woodland, Marc Leishman, Bubba Watson, Zach Johnson and Patton Kizzire.

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Steve Sands

Analyst: Frank Nobilo

Tower: Mark Rolfing / Curt Byrum

On-Course: Jim “Bones” Mackay / Arron Oberholser

 

WEB.COM TOUR

Bahamas Great Exuma Classic

Dates: Jan. 13-16

Venue: Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas

 

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):

Sunday            2-5 p.m. (Live)

Monday           2-5 p.m. (Live) / 6-9 p.m. (Replay)

Tuesday          2-5 p.m. (Live) / 6-9 p.m. (Replay)

Wednesday     1:30-4:30 p.m. (Live) / 5:30-8 p.m. (Replay)

 

Broadcast Notes:

Coverage to include select players ‘mic’d up’ during their round: Web.com Tour coverage in 2019 – beginning this week – will feature select players being “mic’d up” during the course of their round, providing an intimate perspective for fans tuning in. The announcement was made Wednesday on GOLF Channel’s Morning Drive during a segment with Web.com Tour president Dan Glod and Web.com Tour player Andy Zhang.

Debut of new season-long points system mirroring FedExCup: This week also will mark the beginning of a new point system on the Web.com Tour that will be structured in a similar fashion as the FedExCup. Web.com Tour points will be distributed to players earning official money at Web.com Tour sanctioned events, with the top-75 players at the conclusion of the regular season advancing to the Web.com Tour Finals.

Headlining the field: Maverick McNealy, Norman Xiong, Doug Ghim, Andy Zhang, Scottie Scheffler, Henrik Norlander, Jordan Niebrugge, Lee McCoy, Morgan Hoffman and Rico Hoey.

 

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Steve Burkowski

Analyst: Craig Perks

Tower: Phil Blackmar

On-Course: Gary Christian

 

-NBC Sports Group-

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

GOLF CHANNEL ON THURSDAY BEGINS 18 CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF LIVE TOURNAMENT GOLF, JANUARY 10-27

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Stretch Features Nearly 140 Live Hours from Six Professional Tours,

Including Web.com Tour Events (Sunday-Wednesday) in the Bahamas

 

Web.com Tour Telecasts on GOLF Channel to Feature

Players “Mic’d Up” During Live Tournament Coverage

 

PGA TOUR LIVE Launches on NBC Sports Gold on

Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Desert Classic in California

 

ORLANDO, Fla., (Jan. 9, 2019) – On Thursday, GOLF Channel will kick off a stretch of 18 consecutive days of live tournament golf, spanning January 10-27 with coverage from six professional tours. The 18-day stretch will feature the first event(s) of the 2019 season for five of the six tours, and is linked by two Web.com Tour events in the Bahamas, each being contested Sunday-Wednesday. GOLF Channel’s stretch of 18 consecutive days of tournament golf begins tomorrow with the Sony Open in Hawaii on the PGA TOUR, with the span featuring nearly 140 live hours in total.

 

“This early-season stretch of live golf is a credit to the progressive scheduling of our tour partners,” said Tom Knapp, executive vice president of partnerships and programming, GOLF Channel. “For many viewers, the warm climate locales of these tournament venues will offer the ideal escape from the winter doldrums as they tune-in to follow the sport’s current and emerging stars.”

 

WEB.COM TOUR TO FEATURE PLAYERS “MIC’D UP” DURING ROUNDS

After experimenting with live player interviews during the course of their round at last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA TOUR, Web.com Tour viewers in 2019 will gain an even greater inside-the-ropes experience, with players being “mic’d up” during live tournament coverage. Announced earlier today on GOLF Channel’s Morning Drive during a segment with Web.com Tour president Dan Glod and Web.com Tour player Andy Zhang, telecasts will feature a player accompanied by a microphone, providing an intimate perspective for fans over the course of the player’s competitive round.

 

“We’re excited for the opportunity to mic our players in 2019,” said Glod. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to bring fangs closer to the game, and this provides a unique avenue for viewers to get an inside look at some of golf’s rising stars while also helping to raise the profiles of Web.com Tour players.”

 

PGA TOUR LIVE LAUNCHES ON NBC SPORTS GOLD ON THURSDAY, JAN. 17

Next Thursday, Jan. 17 marks the official launch of PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold. The PGA TOUR’s direct-to-consumer subscription video service that live streams extensive Featured Groups coverage of the best golfers in the world kicks off at the Desert Classic (Jan. 17-20) for fans in the United States to watch on NBC Sports Gold, NBC Sports Group’s direct-to-consumer live streaming platform. PGA TOUR LIVE will present the most robust service in its history in 2019, with four days of live coverage from 27 PGA TOUR events, new “Speed Round” recaps for Featured Groups players, expansive VOD content, and integrated scoring and statistics.

 

MILLER TO MAKE FINAL CALL AT WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN

On the eve of 30 years as NBC Sports’ lead golf analyst, Johnny Miller will make his final 18th tower call at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open (Jan. 31-Feb. 3). Miller was named lead analyst of NBC Sports’ golf broadcast team in 1990 and quickly made his mark as the game’s most candid commentator, calling some of golf’s most memorable shots across the past three decades. Garnering eight Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Sports Personality – Sports Event Analyst,” Miller’s insight and frank approach have earned him critical praise, professional golfers’ respect, and golf fans’ appreciation. At the WGC-Mexico Championship (Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 21-24) Paul Azinger will make his official debut as NBC Sports’ lead golf analyst. Azinger’s NBC Sports schedule will regularly include four days of tournament coverage across GOLF Channel and NBC.

 

18 DAYS OF LIVE TOURNAMENT COVERAGE ON GOLF CHANNEL:

 

EVENT TOUR DATES
Sony Open in Hawaii PGA TOUR Jan. 10-13
Bahamas Great Exuma Classic Web.com Tour Jan. 13-16
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship European Tour Jan. 16-19
SMBC Singapore Open Asian Tour Jan. 16-19
Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions LPGA Tour Jan. 17-20
Desert Classic PGA TOUR Jan 17-20
Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai PGA TOUR Champions Jan. 17-19
Bahamas Great Abaco Classic Web.com Tour Jan. 20-23
Omega Dubai Desert Classic European Tour Jan. 24-27
Farmers Insurance Open PGA TOUR Jan. 24-27

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

 

-NBC Sports Group- 

NBC SPORTS GROUP ROLLS OUT INNOVATIVE ON-AIR GRAPHICS REFRESH FOR LIVE GOLF COVERAGE

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Package Focuses on Bold, Brighter Look with Forward-Thinking Storytelling

Devices to Help Viewers More Easily Scan and Digest Information

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2019) – NBC Sports and GOLF Channel unveiled an innovative, refreshed graphics package for its slate of live tournament programming across its coverage of professional tours. The graphics package debuted during last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA TOUR and offers a clean and authentic viewing experience to enhance the network’s golf telecasts. Highlights include:

  • New forward-thinking storytelling devices making information easier to scan and digest through an optimized “mobile-viewing” lens.
  • Bright, bold look with more color, bigger font and a more effective use of typography for a cleaner viewing experience.
  • Greater consistency across the network’s platforms and franchises, building on the strengths of the pre-existing graphics package and the network’s brand recognition.

 

“Storytelling is at the heart of our live tournament coverage, and this refreshed graphics package will enhance the way viewers consume our coverage,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer, GOLF Channel. “As viewing habits continue to evolve for golf fans and across the media industry, these graphics offer a cleaner, more polished viewing experience on any device.”

 

The influence of the refreshed look also will be integrated into the network’s news, promotion and digital platforms, utilizing the graphic package’s colors, font and motion to establish greater brand consistency. The graphic refresh was developed in partnership with Troika/Mission Group (TMG) (OTC: MTWO), a global brand experience and integrated communications agency.

 

“It’s a real privilege for us to continue our collaborative partnership with NBC Sports Group and GOLF Channel on their flagship live-event presentations,” said Gil Haslam, executive creative director of Troika/Mission Group. “We appreciate NBC Sports’ vision and commitment to innovation and are excited to see this package bring new energy to the tournament viewing experience.”

 

The partnership between the two brands extends to when GOLF Channel first worked with TMG on a network rebrand in 2008, and again in 2013 to develop the network’s current logo. In 2016 – following NBC Sports Group securing the exclusive domestic rights for The Open – TMG also helped NBC Sports develop its graphics package for golf’s original championship.

 

ABOUT NBC SPORTS GROUP’S GOLF DIVISION

NBC Sports Group’s GOLF division delivers multimedia golf content, technology and services. Anchored by GOLF Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 – GOLF content is available to nearly 500 million viewers in more than 70 countries and nine languages around the world. GOLF features more live golf coverage than all other U.S. networks combined, including global tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, THE PLAYERS, The Open, Olympics, Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Delivering unmatched coverage from the world of golf via GOLF Digital, fans also can access GOLF’s 24/7 live streaming through the NBC Sports App, as well as complementary coverage via PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold. In addition, NBC Sports connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital technology and lifestyle services, including: GOLFNOW, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology and services partner; Revolution GOLF, the world’s largest direct-to-consumer digital platform in golf offering best-in-class video instruction, as well as products to help game improvement; GOLF Advisor, the ultimate digital destination for the traveling golfer, which features the largest number of user-generated golf course ratings and reviews in the industry; a North American network of GOLF Academy instructional facilities; and GOLF Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour. GOLF’s world headquarters is based in Orlando, Fla., with an international office in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the largest sales force in golf located in markets across North America and Australia.

 

ABOUT TROIKA/MISSION GROUP

Troika/Mission Group (TMG) is a global brand identity and integrated communications agency that specializes in brand voice and personality, physical and digital experiences, advertising solutions, marketing strategy and public relations. Leveraging emerging technology, data science and world-class creative, TMG helps brands deepen audience engagement throughout the consumer journey. Clients include Amazon, LVMH, Microsoft, Unilever, Tiffany & Co., Sony, Allergan, J. Crew, Apple, CBS, AT&T, Comcast, CNN, HBO, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, IMAX, Netflix, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Oath, Riot Games, Turner and UFC. For more information, visit http://thetmgrp.com/.

 

Media Contact:

Jeff Szklinski

Golf Channel Communications

407-248-3267

Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com

 

–NBC Sports Group–

WORLD LONG DRIVE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2019 SCHEDULE; INCLUDES INAUGURAL EVENT FEATURING MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS

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New Event to Feature Military Service Members Competing Alongside

World Long Drive Athletes in Fort Jackson (S.C.) in May

 

Six Events Being Televised Live on Golf Channel in 2019, Including Season-

Culminating Volvik World Long Drive Championship in September

 

Schedule Includes More Than a Dozen Qualifiers Worldwide

Ahead of 2019 Volvik World Long Drive Championship

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2018) – The World Long Drive Association (WLD) announced its 2019 schedule today, featuring an increased number of televised events airing live on Golf Channel: six, as well as more than a dozen qualifiers around the world offering exemptions into the season-ending Volvik World Long Drive Championship (Aug. 30-Sept. 4). In 2018, WLD posted its most-viewed season ever, with 8.3 million unique viewers (+23% year-over-year) according to data released by The Nielsen Company.

A new highlight of the 2019 WLD schedule will be the inaugural Celebrating Service: Fort Jackson event, presented by The Exchange and American Greetings. The event will feature a division represented by military service members competing alongside World Long Drive athletes, and will contribute to a stretch of televised WLD events airing live on Golf Channel each month from April-September:

 

2019 World Long Drive Association Events Airing Live on Golf Channel:

April 16            Ak-Chin Smash in the Sun (Maricopa, Ariz.)

May 7               Celebrating Service: Fort Jackson (Fort Jackson, S.C.)

June 5              Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash (Atlantic City, N.J.)

July 24             TBA Event

Aug. 12            Tennessee Big Shots benefiting Niswonger Children’s Hospital (Kingsport, Tenn.)

Sept. 3-4           Volvik World Long Drive Championship (Texas/Oklahoma border)

 

“The momentum and growth WLD is experiencing is a testament to the dynamic personalities and extraordinary talents of our competitors, driving the sport’s most-viewed season, as well as global engagement to an international audience across 66 countries in 2018,” said Matt Farrell, executive director, World Long Drive Association. “With the support of our partners in 2019, viewers will be able to connect with our competitors on an even deeper level, with events airing on Golf Channel each month beginning in April and leading up to the Volvik World Long Drive Championship.”

Celebrating Service: Fort Jackson to Highlight Service Members: The Celebrating Service: Fort Jackson event will be staged in partnership with AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) and IMCOM (United States Army Installation Management Command). The military division will consist of those having advanced from 12 preliminary qualifying events at U.S. Army bases around the country (March-April) leading up to the Fort Jackson event in May. Qualifying is open to all active, reserve and retired Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy service members. The winner of the military division in Fort Jackson also will earn an exemption into the field at the 2019 Volvik World Long Drive Championship.

“The Exchange is truly honored to partner with the Army’s Installation Management Command to support this event,” said Tom Shull, Executive Director/CEO, Army & Air Force Exchange Service. “The Exchange and IMCOM go hand-in-hand, supporting Quality-of-Life programs in military communities worldwide to ensure service members stay ready and resilient.”

“On behalf of the United States Army and Installation Management Command, I’m excited for the opportunity this event provides for our Service Members,” said Lieutenant General Bradley A. Becker. “The Soldiers of America’s Army are rugged professionals with a wide variety of talent they develop to make our Army the best in the world. In this event, a few special Soldiers will get to demonstrate the focus, timing and discipline it takes to compete alongside the best in the world, and to showcase Fort Jackson, one of the places where we start the process of training citizens to become Soldiers.”

Qualifiers Offer Spots Into Volvik World Long Drive Championship Field: In addition to the Tour events, nine official Volvik World Long Drive Championship qualifiers will take place throughout North America, offering exemptions into the World Championship for those aspiring to compete alongside the sport’s longest hitters. Showcasing the truly global nature of World Long Drive, several additional qualifying events will be staged in 2019 through officially sanctioned WLD international partners, including stops in Australia, Germany, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

 

2019 World Long Drive Association Schedule (Tour Events & Qualifiers):

 

DATE EVENT LOCATION
March 22-23 Yucca Valley, Calif. (Qualifier) Yucca Valley, Calif.
March 29-30 Memphis, Tenn. (Qualifier) Memphis, Tenn.
April 12-16 Ak-Chin Smash in the Sun (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event/Qualifier) Maricopa, Ariz.
May 2-3 Columbia, S.C. (Qualifier) Columbia, S.C.
May 5-7 Celebrating Service: Fort Jackson (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event) Fort Jackson, S.C.
May 16-17 Mesquite, Nev. (Qualifier) Mesquite, Nev.
May 30-31 Marine Park, N.J. (Qualifier) Marine Park, N.J.
June 3-5 Atlantic City Boardwalk Bash (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event) Atlantic City, N.J.
June 20-21 Texas/Oklahoma Border (WinStar, Qualifier) Thackerville, OK
July 6-7 Port Rowan, Ont., Canada (Qualifier) Port Rowan, Ont., Canada
July 19-24 TBA Event (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event/Qualifier) TBA
August 10-12 Tennessee Big Shots benefiting Niswonger Children’s Hospital (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event) Kingsport, Tenn.
Aug. 30- Sept. 4 Volvik World Long Drive Championship (*Golf Channel*, Tour Event) Thackerville, Okla.

 

ABOUT WORLD LONG DRIVE ASSOCIATION

Originating in 1976, the World Long Drive Association is an organization that brings together golf’s longest hitters from around the globe. Emerging as one of golf’s most popular grass roots competitions, World Long Drive was named a finalist at the 2018 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards in the League of the Year for a Breakthrough Sport and Live Coverage of a Breakthrough Sport categories. The broader sports industry also has taken notice, including ESPN proclaiming that long drive has “recently started to enter the mainstream of golf;” Men’s Journal noting “with the sport’s ascendant profile and ever-growing prestige,” fans should “buckle up for more high-octane action;” Golf Digest saying the World Long Drive is “on the upswing, gaining traction;” and Golf.com claiming it as “an eye-opening experience”. Sanctioned WLD events are open to amateur and professional golfers. The 2019 WLDA season consists of events across the United States and around the world, culminating with the Volvik World Long Drive Championship, Aug. 30-Sept. 4, from WinStar World Casino and Resort on the Texas / Oklahoma border, where competitors will convene under the lights for the world title on Golf Channel. In 2018, 8.3 million unique viewers watched at least some portion of World Long Drive events (live and replay), +23% year-over-year, and the most-viewed season of World Long Drive on-record according to data released by The Nielsen Company.

 

GOLF CHANNEL’S GOLF FILMS GREENLIGHTS SECOND SEASON OF DRIVEN, COLLEGE GOLF DOCU-SERIES PREMIERING IN SPRING 2019

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PGA TOUR Superstar Rickie Fowler (Main Event Productions) Returns as Executive Producer,

Taps Major Champion and Former World No. 1 Justin Thomas as Co-Executive Producer for Season Two  

Driven to Profile “Iron Bowl” Rivalry between Alabama and Auburn 

Video: Driven, Season Two: Alabama and Auburn Talk Rivalry

 

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 19, 2018 – Golf Channel’s Golf Films unit announced today a greenlight for a second season of Driven, a four-part documentary series executive produced by PGA TOUR superstar Rickie Fowler (Main Event Productions) that follows the competitive journeys and storied rivalries of college golf’s top programs.

Described as “Hard Knocks with golf clubs” by USA Today and “reminiscent of Friday Night Lights” by Golfweek, Driven’s second season will premiere in the spring of 2019 on Golf Channel and NBC, profiling University of Alabama men’s golf team and their “Iron Bowl” rivalry with Auburn University. The series will follow their journeys to return to the 2019 NCAA Golf National Championships in May, and also will track reigning National Champions Oklahoma State University (Fowler’s alma mater), featured on Driven’s inaugural season along with their “Bedlam” rivals, University of Oklahoma.

Fellow PGA TOUR superstar Justin Thomas, a member of the 2013 Alabama Crimson Tide national championship team, will partner with Fowler as co-executive producer. Driven is written and produced by Ollie Stokes, a 20-time Emmy Award winner who also wrote and produced Showtime’s ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. McGregor.

“Driven is a passion project of mine, and I’m proud to partner with Justin this season to highlight the intense Alabama-Auburn rivalry within the world of college golf,” said Fowler. “The first season of Driven was exciting to make as my Cowboys clinched our 11th national championship, ironically by beating Alabama in the finals. And we expect to capture all the drama as this season plays out by continuing to follow the reigning champions at Oklahoma State, but now also going behind the scenes with Alabama for our second season of Driven. Go Pokes!”

“I watched every episode of the first season of Driven and I told Rickie that Alabama would be great for a future season,” said Thomas. “I’m excited about the opportunity to team up with Rickie and showcase Alabama’s golf program like never before. And it’s weeks like this with the Iron Bowl that remind me why college sports are so great and how much fun I had playing golf for Alabama. Roll Tide!”

“Rivalries and traditions are synonymous with college sports. When we created Driven with Rickie Fowler, our aim was to help showcase those rivalries, traditions and college golf,” said Mike McCarley, president, Golf, NBC Sports Group. “The series provides PGA TOUR superstars the opportunity to connect with a broader fanbase who follow their college programs. Justin Thomas is the perfect partner for season two. There may be no larger and more rabid fanbase right now than Alabama, riding high going into this week’s Iron Bowl with the No. 1 football team in the nation. Similarly, Driven will capture how Alabama’s men’s golf team has national championship aspirations of their own after last year’s runner-up finish.”

Leading up to Golf Channel’s coverage of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships, Driven is scheduled to air on three consecutive Mondays starting May 6 on Golf Channel, with the final installment premiering on NBC following the championships. Driven will feature exclusive footage from production crews embedded with Alabama, Auburn and Oklahoma State’s men’s golf programs over the course of the 2018-19 season, culminating in Fayetteville, Ark., with the University of Arkansas hosting the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships at The Blessings Golf Club from May 24-29. Golf Channel will air live coverage of the championships Monday-Wednesday, May 27-29.

Alabama, currently the No. 4 ranked team in the country following the fall season, finished runner-up at the 2018 NCAA Championships, falling to Oklahoma State in the championship match. Auburn, the reigning SEC champions who advanced to the semifinals at the NCAA Championships before falling to Oklahoma State, defeated Alabama in the championship match at the East Lake Cup in early November, the final event of the fall season for all three programs.

Thomas, one of Alabama’s most decorated players, was the recipient of the Fred Haskins Award presented by Stifel as a freshman in 2012, honoring the most-outstanding collegiate golfer. In 2013, Thomas helped lead Alabama to its first NCAA golf national championship. He turned professional in 2013 and has amassed nine PGA TOUR victories in his career. In 2017, he recorded four PGA TOUR wins, the PGA Championship and was crowned the season-long FedExCup Champion. He ascended to World No. 1 for the first time in the spring of 2018 and was a member of the 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

One of Oklahoma State’s most-decorated players as the nation’s former top-ranked amateur, Fowler was the first freshman in NCAA history to win the Ben Hogan Award as the NCAA’s top men’s golfer in 2008. Fowler, who turned professional in 2009, has recorded eight international wins in his career, including four PGA TOUR victories, led by the 2015 PLAYERS Championship, and has contributed to winning U.S. Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams and represented Team USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Golf Channel is the television home for college golf, including the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Golf National Championships and East Lake Cup. The network has provided live coverage of the men’s national championships since 2014 and the women’s national championships since 2015, which now are hosted at the same venue in consecutive weeks in May. Golf Channel also presents the East Lake Cup collegiate match play championship, a three-day fall championship that invites the eight semifinalists from the previous NCAA men’s and women’s golf championships. The East Lake Cup is hosted at historic East Lake Cup Golf in Atlanta, Ga., and benefits the East Lake Foundation. In addition, Golf Channel deploys its comprehensive portfolio of news, digital and social media coverage year-round in covering collegiate golf, including specials for regional and national qualifying and on-site, wraparound news from golf’s biggest college events.

 

ABOUT GOLF CHANNEL

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available to nearly 500 million viewers in more than 80 countries and nine languages around the world. Golf Channel features more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, including tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, The Open, Olympics, and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Channel Digital and the NBC Sports App, powered by Playmaker Media. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; Revolution Golf, the largest direct-to-consumer digital platform in golf ; GolfAdvisor.com, the world’s largest golf course ratings and review resource for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour; and as the Official Media Partner of St. Andrews Links, the Home of Golf.

 

-NBC Sports Group-

 

DAVID FEHERTY HOSTS “BRILLIANTLY STUPID NOT SO SPECIAL YEAR-END SPECIAL,” TUESDAY AT 9 P.M. ET

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World Golf Hall of Famer Lanny Wadkins & Golf Channel Insider Jaime Diaz

Join Feherty to Recap the Most Memorable Moments of the Year in Golf 

PREVIEW: Discussing the enormity of Tiger Woods’ comeback in 2018     

                                                                            

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 19, 2018) – Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, Emmy-nominated host David Feherty will reflect on golf’s most memorable moments of the year on Feherty: Brilliantly Stupid Not So Special Year-End Special. The show will follow a conversation format, with Feherty being joined by World Golf Hall of Fame member (and Golf Channel analyst) Lanny Wadkins, along with Golf Channel Insider Jaime Diaz.

Among the topics discussed during the special are:

  • Recapping Tiger Woods’ 2018 season filled with close calls, and ultimate redemption.
    • “It was almost like the ghost of Tiger Woods appearing. With the crowd closing in behind, it was a moment that kind of transcended sport. Like the world stopped and was watching.” – Feherty on Woods’ TOUR Championship win.
  • Reflecting on the top performers on the PGA TOUR in 2018, including three-time winners: Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson.
    • “I think he’s the most complicated player I’ve seen since Phil Mickelson.”

– Feherty on Dechambeau, who added a fourth win two weeks ago.

  • Recounting the biggest moments from throughout the season, including dramatic conclusions at the majors and Brooks Koepka cementing himself among golf’s elite.
    • “His resting heart rate must be about 50. He reminds me a little bit of Jack Nicklaus in his demeanor.” – Wadkins on Koepka’s two majors in 2018.
  • Breakout performers ready to take the next step in their career in 2019.
    • “He’s got that indefinable element of power. He doesn’t have Tiger’s pedigree, but he’s sort of separating himself in a similar way.” – Diaz on Cameron Champ.
  • Comeback seasons from the likes of Woods, Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley.
  • Making sense of Europe’s dominant Ryder Cup win and the U.S.’ underwhelming week.
  • A series of “rapid fire” questions offering predictions for the 2019 golf season.
  • The special also will celebrate the emergence of Golf Channel social media influencer Conor Moore, and recap some of his most entertaining impressions from 2018.

 

A two-time Emmy-nominated host (Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host), Feherty has been described as “golf’s iconoclast,” by Rolling Stone, and “the last unscripted man on TV,” by Men’s Journal. His all-star lineup of golf-enthused and culturally relevant guests feature celebrities from across entertainment, sports and politics. To date, Feherty has sat down with four U.S. Presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump); sports legends Charles Barkley, Nick Saban, Stephen Curry and Bobby Knight; Hollywood icons Matthew McConaughey, Larry David and Samuel L. Jackson; World Golf of Fame members Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson; and a host of current golf superstars including Paula Creamer, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Michelle Wie. Feherty is produced by Golf Channel’s original productions group, which also oversees production for Driver vs. Driver, Golf Films as well as the network’s instruction platforms.

 

-NBC Sports Group-

 

SAN DIEGO’S EVAN HOFFMAN AND THE CORTEX DRIVER DESIGN NAMED WINNER OF DRIVER VS. DRIVER 2

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Hoffman Takes Home $250,000 Grand Prize; Cortex Named Wilson Golf’s Latest Driver

Cortex On-Sale Starting Today at 1,000+ Golf Retail Stores Worldwide and Online

 

 ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 14, 2018 – A year and a half after submitting his initial application and driver design idea, Evan Hoffman (San Diego, Calif.) and his driver concept – Cortex – was named the winner on Tuesday’s finale of Driver vs. Driver 2 presented by Wilson. Hoffman takes home the $250,000 grand prize and the Cortex driver becomes Wilson’s newest driver on the market. The driver is officially on sale at more than 1,000 golf retail stores around the world and online at Wilson.com/Cortex.

“I was confident, but still you can’t prepare yourself for something like this,” Hoffman said after being announced as the Driver vs. Driver 2 winner. “So many emotions going on, the main one being shock. This has been an experience of a lifetime and a dream come true.”

Tim Slama (Salem, Ore.), and his Rozwell design finished runner-up on Driver vs. Driver 2. Tim Clarke, President of Wilson Golf, surprised Slama when he announced at the conclusion of the finale that Wilson Golf will pay for his final year of college at Oregon State University.

“It was a gold lining in the clouds,” said Slama after the finale. “This really echoes what Wilson has been the entire show, which has been true to themselves. They have been so honest, so generous and so amazing to everyone on this show, especially me.”

“I am so proud of the team I work with at Wilson,” said Clarke. “Not only did this team deliver products that are amazing in working with both designers, but also the reality is we got a driver that tested better than any driver Wilson has ever produced.”

“It was very close between the final two designs and a very tough decision to make,” said nine-Time NHL All-Star Jeremy Roenick, one of the three judges on Driver vs. Driver 2. “I teetered between the two, but I think we made the right decision and the best driver won with Evan.”

“To be a part of the process and seeing what hard work and effort goes on behind the scenes has been amazing,” said Rick Shiels, golf equipment reviewer and judge on the series. “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

The finale took place at Wilson Sporting Goods’ worldwide headquarters in Chicago. During the finale, PGA TOUR professionals Troy Merritt, Brendan Steele and Kevin Streelman tested the two finished prototypes and provided their feedback. The judges on the series – Clarke, Roenick and Shiels – also hit the final two prototypes before ultimately making their decision in announcing Hoffman as the winner.

DRIVER VS. DRIVER 2 WINNER PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

  • Cortex: At the heart of the Cortex driver is Fast Cage Technology. 44 percent of the head has been replaced with lightweight carbon fiber, leaving a rigid titanium skeleton that provides structural stability and more precise weight distribution for adjustability, maximizing distance and optimizing spin for all swings.

SERIES PRODUCTION: Production for Driver vs. Driver 2 began in the Fall of 2017 and concluded in August, 2018. The series is produced by Golf Channel’s original productions division, whose portfolio include the Emmy-nominated interview series Feherty hosted by Emmy-nominated sports personality David Feherty, high-quality instruction shows including School of Golf, Golf Channel Academy and Playing Lessons and a slate of award-winning and critically-acclaimed Golf Films.

ABOUT DRIVER vs. DRIVER PRESENTED BY WILSON

Driver vs. Driver presented by Wilson debuted in 2016. The show, from inception, was designed to utilize the power of crowd-sourcing combined with Wilson LABS’ (the innovation hub at Wilson) deep golf experience and expertise to create a world-class golf driver in a way that had never been done before. Driver vs. Driver also was created to infuse new energy and excitement into the golf equipment conversation, open the game of golf to a broader audience and bring highly innovative products to the marketplace, all while educating golfers on how drivers are designed, developed and manufactured. Eric Sillies, an industrial design graduate from the University of Cincinnati, was crowned the winner of Driver vs. Driver’s first season.

ABOUT WILSON GOLF

Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a subsidiary of Amer Sports, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sports equipment, apparel and accessories. Wilson Golf is a global leader in high performance golf equipment and uses player insights to design products that push golf innovation into new territories. Through its dedication to creating products that enable athletes at every level to perform at their best, Wilson has earned its place as a leader in sporting goods for over a century.

ABOUT GOLF CHANNEL

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available to nearly 500 million viewers in more than 80 countries and nine languages around the world. Golf Channel features more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, including tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, The Open, Olympics, and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Channel Digital and the NBC Sports App, powered by Playmaker Media. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; Revolution Golf, the largest direct-to-consumer digital platform in golf ; GolfAdvisor.com, the world’s largest golf course ratings and review resource for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour; and as the Official Media Partner of St. Andrews Links, the Home of Golf.

 

-NBC Sports Group-