Golf Channel will kick off the new year by introducing a fully overhauled studio complete with high-definition cameras, a host of new technology and one feature that network executives believe cannot be found on any other studio show in the world.
“We’ve even got a sand trap,” said Dan Overleese, vice president of operations at Golf Channel.
New technology includes the addition of an AboutGolf brand simulator and a 23-by-13-foot video screen that will expand the capability of golf instruction shows and analysis shots made during PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments. AboutGolf has image rights to six courses on the 2010 PGA Tour schedule, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
A big video screen works as part of a shot simulator. A corner of the sand trap is at lower right.
Golf Channel has long-term exclusive cable deals with the PGA Tour and LPGA.
The new studio also includes upgrades from SportsMedia Technology, including interactive touchpoint screens, telestrators and update scrolls linked to scoring programs operated by the different golf tours.
There were three news and interview sets built into the 4,700-square-foot studio during its last overhaul in 2003. “The Golf Fix,” the network’s lead instructional show, was shot on a portable set that was wheeled in front of a small projector covered by a net.
The studio now has what Overleese calls four “environments.” The shot demonstration area has a putting green, sand trap, tee box, fairway and two cuts of rough. There is also an analysis area in front of the touch screens and a new interview set. The anchor desk used for the network’s “Golf Central” news show pivots 180 degrees to provide different background looks and more depth of field.
Other updates include overall design, lighting and other infrastructure. The changes are part of a facilitywide upgrade to high-definition. Previously, only live coverage of events and nonstudio original programming aired in HD.
Golf Channel declined to disclose the price of the upgrade, but said a wider variety of sponsored elements should help offset the costs. The design was completed by Jack Morton/PDG, which has worked on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” the NBA on TNT, MLB Network, Showtime and NBA TV. Construction was handled by Massachusetts-based Mystic Scenic Studios, which has built sets for ESPN, NESN and CN8.
Comcast-owned Golf Channel launched its own HD network in November 2008 and is now in 26 million homes. The new studio will debut on Jan. 4 with “Golf Central.”
A little shout out for another area golf blog – the Country Club at Woodmore Golf Course Maintenance Blog– an Account of Golf Course Maintenance Through the Eyes of a Superintendent. Recent topics include Snow Cover; Supes & Golf Pros: A Working Relationship; and “What do you do all winter?”.
Here’s a snipet of their post on frost and its impact on the course conditions.
“We will generally see frost when temperatures are around 40 degrees and below. If you see night time temperatures in these ranges and have a tee time the following morning, it would be a good idea to call the Pro Shop for golf course conditions and estimated start times.
Below is an informational video on how a simple footprint can cause severe damage to a putting green.
PGA Tour reaches deal for late-season Malaysia Asia Pacific Golf Classic
By Associated Press – from the LA Times – December 6, 2009 | 11:43 p.m.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The PGA Tour has reached a multiyear deal with the Asian Tour to stage the Malaysia Asia Pacific Golf Classic. The tours said Monday the event will be played late next year at The Mines Resort and Golf Club, with the winner receiving $1 million from the $6 million purse.
The top 25 players from the PGA Tour’s final FedEx Cup standings and the top 10 available players from the Asian Tour money list will get spots in the 40-man field. The event also will include five sponsor exemptions and at least one Malaysian professional will be guaranteed a spot at The Mines.
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