GOLF Channel

Category: Media and Technology

LEADERSHIP

Tom Knapp, Executive Vice President, Golf

Sam Flood, EVP & President of Production, NBC Sports

Company Overview

GOLF Channel was the first-ever single-sport cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer and Joe Gibbs in 1995. It has evolved into a global multimedia powerhouse reaching nearly 500 million viewers across 70 countries in nine languages.

GOLF Channel is an anchor for NBC Sports, delivering comprehensive live golf tournament, studio and shoulder programming; technology; and services around the sport of golf. GOLF Channel and USA Network feature more live coverage of the sport than all other U.S. television networks combined, including global tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, DP World Tour, NCAA, USGA Championships – including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open – Olympics, The Ryder Cup and The Presidents Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. 24/7 live streaming can be accessed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, as well as exclusive content on Peacock.

While GOLF Channel acquired GolfNow in 2007, the two now operate largely independently, part of the NBC Sports Network’s broader focus on both business-to-business and business-to-consumer properties. NBC’s owner, Comcast, said in late 2024 it plans to spin off GOLF Channel along with a half-dozen other cable networks into a new publicly traded company.

Key Facts:

Golf Channel:

• Available in 70 countries and 9 languages
• Reaches nearly 500 million viewers globally
• Provides coverage of PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, DP World Tour, USGA Championships, Olympics, Ryder Cup, and The Presidents Cup
• Produces over 4,000 hours of golf programming annually
• Largest engaged digital audience in golf

Business Innovation

Through Golf Channel’s media innovation, the company has pioneered new ways of delivering golf content. Their streaming platform integrates seamlessly with NBCUniversal’s Peacock service, while their international distribution network ensures golf content reaches audiences across multiple platforms and devices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Golf Channel is a dominant force in golf media and technology, continuing to shape the future of golf engagement through strategic partnerships and comprehensive content delivery, the company continues to shape the future of golf engagement and course operations while maintaining its position as the largest digital audience in golf.