PGA TOUR unveiled a new 165,000-square-foot production facility on its Ponte Vedra Beach campus in Florida on New Year's Day.
Through PGA TOUR Studios, executives state that they will seek to shape the TOUR's own narrative by gaining more control and oversight over the thousands of hours of golfing content produced during the various matches and tournaments that media outlets want to use.
To mark the launch, PGA TOUR Studios dropped its first original content from Studio 1A’s virtual set with Tiger Woods, while today’s opening round of The Sentry on PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ will be produced from the new facility.
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Executives also stated that the new production facility will allow them to create content to be able to sell to streaming services like Amazon, or Netflix, widening its audience reach.
“PGA TOUR Studios is a landmark step in golf media, signaling a tangible investment to more deeply connect with our fans through energetic, compelling content that brings them further inside the ropes and closer to their favorite stars,” PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a press release.
PGA TOUR Chief Commercial Officer Rick Anderson added that delivering "new, dynamic productions" will enable the production studio to "help usher in the next chapter for the PGA TOUR" as decision-making is guided by global feedback through its Fan Forward initiative.
Meeting Fans’ Global Demand
PGA TOUR Studios will focus on delivering innovative programs that resonate with a global audience, including an all-new “World Feed” tailored for international viewers with specialized cameras and localized graphics.
The facility boasts eight production rooms, seven LED-equipped studios, and the capacity to monitor thousands of video and audio feeds from 144 cameras. The PGA TOUR Studios also houses:
- A custom-built video review center
- A 34-seat theater
- Studio-specific booths for podcasts
- Hollywood premium content partner Pro Shop
The facility is designed to handle everything from social media content for platforms like YouTube to network shows for NBC and CBS, such as the reimagined “The Cut,” set to debut as a studio show later this year.
By taking ownership of its content, the PGA Tour is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving world of sports media, ensuring its stories and athletes reach fans around the globe in more dynamic and engaging ways.
“Every new technology and forward-thinking innovation we introduce is about serving our fans and meeting them where they are, and the creative capabilities of PGA TOUR Studios will help us further that mission while showcasing the beauty of our sport,” Monahan shared.
Golf is not the first sport planning to penetrate the streaming space, with the recent NFL Christmas GameDay Live, Mike Tyson VS Jake Paul match.
