Exclusive All-New Instructional Specials Provide 12 Nights of Tips from Golf Greats, Including Palmer, Nicklaus and Player, Along With Finalists from Golf Channel’s Nationwide Instructor Search 12 Nights at the Academy Airs Nov. 29 through Dec.10 at 7 p.m. ET
ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2010) – In the spirit of the holiday season, Golf Channel tidings will come in the form of a first-of-their-kind instructional specials – 12 Nights at the Academy – when some of the biggest names to ever play the game will share their secrets of success. For 12 consecutive nights, golf legends, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Gary Player will each host their own, all-new instructional show, sharing stories and experiences from their legendary careers and providing viewers with everything they need to know in order to improve their golf game. Several of the game’s top instructors, including Hank Haney and Sean Foley, will take part, as will one of the all-time greats in LPGA Tour history, Annika Sorenstam. 12 Nights at the Academy premieres on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. ET, with a new episode airing each night through Dec. 10.
In addition to the all-star lineup, 12 Nights at the Academy also will feature episodes hosted by three up-and-coming golf instructors selected from a nationwide search conducted by Golf Channel earlier this year – all hoping to host their own instructional series on the network. The finalists’ shows will air Nov. 30, Dec. 5 and Dec. 7.
“12 Nights at the Academy is an opportunity for us to treat our viewers this holiday season to something very special,” said Tom Stathakes, Golf Channel senior vice president of programming, production and operations. “Imagine having a half hour lesson with Jack Nicklaus or tips on how to improve your swing from Greg Norman. We’re thrilled to bring several of these legendary golfers into the living rooms of golf fans and provide them with inside access to knowledge from some of the game’s best.”
Viewers will learn everything from how to practice like Tiger Woods to keeping better balance. Each show will be co-hosted be a member of Golf Channel’s on-air team. Exclusive video tips from each instructor also will be featured on www.GolfChannel.com/12-Nights.
Golf Channel’s Michael Breed, host of the network’s Monday night instruction show, The Golf Fix, will give viewers a sneak peek into some of the best moments and tips coming up in the series of shows in a half-hour preview show airing Monday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. ET. Breed also will kick off the episodes on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. ET, when he will discuss spin – left-to-right and right-to-left off the tee – as well as backspin and topspin while putting.
Additional episodes of 12 Nights at the Academy include:
Arnold Palmer, regarded as the most-loved and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, opens up his garage – his workshop – at his home at Orlando’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Palmer shares with viewers the importance of the grip on the golf club and provides tips for low, mid and high handicap players. In addition, he also shares stories and memories from the past six decades. Air date: Dec. 10.
Gary Player, the most successful international golfer of all time and winner of 165 tournaments worldwide, reveals his secrets in how to play bunker shots. Air date: Dec. 8
Jack Nicklaus, one of the world’s most iconic golfers who changed the face of the sport, teaches how to keep mental toughness and a good round going. Air date: Dec. 9
Greg Norman, nicknamed the “Great White Shark” for his aggressive golf style, shows viewers his teaching philosophy when it comes to ball striking and the short game. Norman also discusses the importance of physical fitness. Air date: Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. ET
Annika Sorenstam – TBD. Air date: Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. ET
Hank Haney, one of the world’s best golf instructors and Tiger Woods’ former swing coach, gives his cure for slices and hooks, and shares the best tip he ever received. His former pupil, Charles Barkley, also will call-in to the show. Air date: Dec. 4
Sean Foley, Woods’ current swing coach, will discuss swing drills he takes Woods through. Foley also discusses the swing philosophy he instills in all of his students – swinging around the spine. Air date: Dec. 3
Short game specialist, Dave Stockton will be joined by his sons – Dave Jr. and Ron – to provide tips on putting. Air date: Dec. 6
Rocco Mediate and swing coach Jimmy Ballard will discuss with viewers how Mediate changed his golf swing and resurrected his game after nearly retiring due to lingering back injuries. Air date: Dec. 2
Golf Channel analysts Brandel Chamblee and Frank Nobilo will show viewers how the moment of impact is the most important aspect of the swing. Air date: Dec. 1
12 Nights at the Academy Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Nov. 22 Preview Show, hosted by Michael Breed 7 p.m.
Nov. 29 Michael Breed 7 p.m.
Nov. 29 Greg Norman 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 30 Instructor Search Finalist #1 7 p.m.
Dec. 1 Brandel Chamblee/Frank Nobilo 7 p.m.
Dec. 1 Annika Sorenstam 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 Rocco Mediate with Jimmy Ballard 7 p.m.
Dec. 3 Sean Foley 7 p.m.
Dec. 4 Hank Haney 7 p.m.
Dec. 5 Instructor Search Finalist #2 7 p.m.
Dec. 6 Dave Stockton 7 p.m.
Dec. 7 Instructor Search Finalist #3 7 p.m.
Dec. 8 Gary Player 7 p.m.
Dec. 9 Jack Nicklaus 7 p.m.
Dec. 10 Arnold Palmer 7 p.m.
About Golf Channel
Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer and a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.
Contact:
Dan Higgins, Golf Channel Public Relations, 407-355-4018, dhiggins@golfchannel.com
Jeremy Friedman, Golf Channel Public Relations, 407-355-4058, jfriedman@golfchannel.com
Beth Mellow, Dan Klores Communications, 212-981-5143, beth_mellow@dkcnews.com
