PGA TOUR LIVE To Stream 150 Hours During FedExCup; 14 Hours Streamed on Twitter, Facebook Live

PGA TOUR also trialling live-streaming players during practice rounds, pro-am days. Perform Group acquires PGA Tour streaming rights in Japan

The PGA TOUR has announced a pair of digital initiatives aimed at increasing distribution of PGA TOUR LIVE video and better connecting its players with fans on social platforms. The PGA TOUR LIVE app will offer 150 hours Featured Group and Featured Hole coverage as well as studio programming for the FedExCup Playoffs beginning this weekend. The TOUR also plans to stream more than 14 hours of PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on Twitter and Facebook Live during the opening rounds of The Barclays and the Deutsche Bank Championship, the first two events of the Playoffs. In addition, the TOUR will also run a trial allowing players to stream live video and post photos during practice rounds and pro-am days on approved social-media platforms. In addition, Perform Group has acquired the rights to stream PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on DAZN in Japan. 

Beginning today at The Barclays at Bethpage State Park (Black Course) and continuing until the FedExCup champion is determined on Sept. 25 at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta, the app will provide nearly 150 hours of Featured Group and Featured Hole coverage as well as studio programming. As the Playoffs are whittled to 100 players for the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston; 70 for the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, IN; and the final 30 for the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club, fans will have access to PGA TOUR LIVE’s extensive coverage across iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android phones and tablets, and PGATOURLIVE.com.

In addition to the live stream of The Barclays and the Deutsche Bank Championship on Twitter and Facebook Live, the TOUR will hold a fan vote on Twitter to determine which groups PGA TOUR LIVE will follow during certain rounds. This streaming on Thursday and Friday mornings will bolster the streaming options available during FedExCup Playoffs broadcast windows on Golf Channel, CBS, and NBC.

“PGA TOUR LIVE has been a tremendous success in its first year,” says Luis Goicouria, SVP, digital platforms and media strategy, PGA TOUR. “Taking this new step with Twitter and Facebook Live will provide a free preview of premium PGA TOUR LIVE coverage for our fans around the world, while also providing an understanding of how our social audiences engage with our live programming as we explore deeper relationships with these platforms in the future.”

In addition, the TOUR has signed a key international media-distribution agreement in Japan. Perform Group has acquired the rights to stream PGA TOUR LIVE coverage on DAZN, Perform’s new live–sports-streaming service, which launched yesterday in the Japanese market. Starting tomorrow at The Barclays, DAZN Japan will distribute PGA TOUR LIVE coverage from more than 30 events each year through 2018.

“The distribution agreement with Perform is another step toward better serving golf fans in Japan,” says Rick Anderson, EVP, global media, PGA TOUR. “As PGA TOUR LIVE evolves, we will continue to look for innovative ways to market our players, tournaments, and the game of golf on a global stage and further engage with our fans, driving them to the high-drama action captured by our broadcast partners.”

Says DAZN CEO James Rushton, “We’re passionate about providing fans with access to the best sports at an affordable price. PGA TOUR golf is a fantastic addition to our product in Japan. Now our subscribers can enjoy watching golf’s superstars compete throughout the year, live and primetime on DAZN.”

In another key digital development, the TOUR has announced an initiative to help players further enhance their marketability via social media. In a trial, players will be allowed to stream live video and post photos during practice rounds and pro-am days on TOUR-approved social-media platforms.

“We feel it is important for the PGA TOUR to continually look at ways for our players to showcase their personalities and connect with their fans,” says PGA TOUR Chief of Operations Andy Pazder. “If the trial goes well, we believe this expanded social-media policy for our members will enhance how fans follow their favorite players throughout the season.”

Twitter and Facebook Live streaming schedule:

• Barclays, 8/25 and 8/26
  Global: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. ET
  U.S. and Canada only: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Twitter only)
• Deutsche Bank Championship, 9/2 and 9/3
  Global: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET
  U.S. and Canada only: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Twitter only)