By JON SHOW/ Staff writer – Sports Business Journal

Published December 14, 2009 : Page 05

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.”

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.

Informative and to-the-point – we like it!

By Associated Press – from the LA Times - December 6, 2009 | 11:43 p.m.

From Jason Sobel’s Blog on espn.com – Wednesday, November 25, 2009 

It’s that time of year again, golf fans. Time to gather ’round the 19th hole and discuss what we’re most thankful for during this, uh, Thanksgolfing holiday. Hint: It’s certainly not puns like that one. 

With the way Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods finished the 2009 season, golf fans can only hope that rivalry continues for the 2010 campaign. Truth is, I’m still thankful for many of the things on last year’s list of 99, but let’s revisit the idea with a new version of this notion for 2009.

 1. The impending 2010 golf season. When Whistling Straits is considered the least exciting of the four major championship venues, you know it’s going to be a special year.

2. Tom Watson. Let’s recap: He almost won the Open Championship … at Turnberry … 32 years after the Duel in the Sun … at age 59. Yep, that’s worth a “thanks.”

3. Seve Ballesteros’ influence. Nearly every European player coming through the ranks in the past three decades lists Seve as one of his favorites.

4. “Caddyshack.” Almost 30 years later, the flick still hasn’t lost its fastball.

5. “Caddyshack II.” More than 20 years later, it still goes down swinging.

Check out the other 94 reasons  HERE on Jason’s Blog.

And just for fun…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ATLANTIC GOLF!

The Brick Companies (managing company of Atlantic Golf) crew got into the Halloween spirit on Freaky Friday (Oct 30th) by unleashing their creative juices and dressing up in costumes from a CSI detective to a BRICK! The fun didn’t stop there – Joan pulled a Martha Stewart and baked a cut off hand (below) and brain cake!

Tell us about your halloween costumes – if you have pictures post them to our Facebook Atlanic Golf FanPage!

From the Bay Times, October 14, 2009

Includes cottages, villas, conference center and spa.

The plan was presented by Lex Birney, CEO of The Brick Companies, which owns the golf course and the 40 acres of land on which “Queenstown Harbor: A Green Key Resort” would be built. 

For the full article, click here: Queenstown Harbor Resort Concept Plan Presented – Bay Times, 10/14/09

ERIK PETERSON, Travel Editor, GolfChannel.com
For the first time in more than a century, golf is finally an Olympic sport again.

The International Olympic Committee voted Friday in favor of adding golf to its list of 26 Olympic sports. Golf will debut at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The announcement was made after a campaign by the International Golf Foundation, led by Ty Votaw, PGA Tour executive vice president for communications and international affairs. A final presentation to the IOC was made Friday in Copenhagen, and it included a videotaped message from Tiger Woods.