U.S. Open week features include: Examining the Jones’ course architect family tree; the evolution of the U.S. Open rotation; a retrospect on
the memorable 1990 U.S. Open that lasted 91 holes; and more; GolfChannel.com also providing news, features, perspective and analysis; plus video reports from on-air personalities and GolfChannel.com writers from Chambers Bay
ORLANDO, Fla. (June 10, 2015) -U.S. Open Week begins on Monday, June 15, with Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open signature news coverage contributing to more than 60 total hours of live news programming surrounding the 115th U.S. Open.
Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Anchoring the network’s coverage of Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open will be Rich Lerner, Brandel Chamblee, David Duval, Frank Nobilo, Kelly Tilghman, Mark Rolfing, Notah Begay, Arron Oberholser, Steve Sands, Ryan Burr, Todd Lewis, Michael Breed, Tim Rosaforte and John Feinstein.
Chambers Bay: Tee to Green with Frank Nobilo
In addition to his role as an analyst during Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open, Frank Nobilo will give viewers an in-depth look at Chambers Bay through his “Tee to Green” segments, which will run in Golf Channel news programming throughout the week and highlight the signature holes that could play a crucial role to players in contention down the stretch during Sunday’s final round.
Tournament Preview Roundtable, Wednesday June 17, 4-5 p.m. ET
Within the network’s Golf Central Live From the U.S. Open programming on Wednesday, June 17, Golf Channel will feature a roundtable discussion, beginning at 4 p.m. ET with World Golf Hall of Famer and two-time U.S. Open Champion (1988, ’89) Curtis Strange, as well as contributing reporters John Feinstein and Geoff Shackelford. Golf Channel on NBC’s Steve Sands will moderate the discussion, which will examine the steps taken to elevate Chambers Bay as a U.S. Open venue, the history of the course, and top tournament storylines on the eve of the Championship.
Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open Scheduled Features (previews available upon request):
• Getting to Know Chambers Bay – A relative unknown for nearly all 156 players in the U.S. Open field, Matt Ginella details the ins and outs of Chambers Bay, and how the course – which was built in cooperation with the USGA – was initially met with heavy backlash from locals before emerging as 2015’s staging of summer’s toughest, highly anticipated test.
• A Family Affair? – Jimmy Roberts uncovers the complicated and often rocky relationship between course architects (and brothers), Rees Jones and Robert (Bobby) Trent Jones Jr. Following in the footsteps of their father, Robert Trent Jones Sr., – a renowned course architect in his own right – the Jones brothers have made their own mark on the game, albeit in markedly different ways, and with an inordinate amount of friction along the way.
• Evolution of the U.S. Open Rotation – Oakmont, Shinnecock, Winged Foot and Oakland Hills are course venues synonymous with the U.S. Open, popularized by having held a place in the rotation for several decades. This year, Chambers Bay plays host to America’s national championship for the first time, and Erin Hills (Hartford, Wis.) will host its first U.S. Open in 2017. John Feinstein reports on the meticulous process for selecting the course location of golf’s most challenging major, and how it has evolved over the years.
• 1990 U.S. Open – A look back at the 1990 U.S. Open, and the 19-hole playoff that eventually separated Hale Irwin from Mike Donald. On the 25-year anniversary of the showdown at Medinah Country Club, Donald recalls his “almost” moment of glory and discusses what could have been.
Morning Drive
Morning Drive will kick off each morning of U.S. Open week with the latest news and storylines surrounding the competition. The show will feature live reports with Matt Ginella and other guests from Chambers Bay, as well as in-studio analysis from Gary Williams, Charlie Rymer, Cara Robinson, Damon Hack, Lauren Thompson, John Cook and Chris DiMarco from Studio AP at Golf Channel’s World Headquarters. Coverage also will include original content previously shot on-site at Chambers Bay, including features with Rymer on the challenging green complexes and various tee shots that players will encounter.
The Golf Fix
Hosted by 2012 PGA Professional Teacher of the Year Michael Breed, The Golf Fix will air on Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m. ET and focus on how to have success playing a course like Chambers Bay, which is known for its uneven lies and windy weather conditions. The show also will focus on certain players who may have a leg-up on the rest of the field, and how learning to shape the ball can simplify your game.
International U.S. Open Programming
Golf Channel also will produce live international U.S. Open news programming from its Orlando World Headquarters in both Japanese and Mandarin. The shows will feature live reports and custom content from Chambers Bay throughout the week. These productions will complement the international distribution of Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open, which is distributed to markets within Golf Channel’s worldwide footprint in more than 80 countries, 200 million households and 11 languages.
Digital Coverage
GolfChannel.com will feature expanded coverage from its team of writers on-site at Chambers Bay: Rex Hoggard, Ryan Lavner, Will Gray and Jay Coffin. Content will include news reports, feature stories and exclusive video, as well as a daily live blog keeping readers up-to-date on all the developing storylines. Online video will include highlights and analysis from Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open, recaps and reports, and an episode of For the Record with Rex Hoggard shot from on-site in Washington.
U.S. Open Week Programming Air Times (all times ET):
Monday, June 15
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
2-6 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
7-9 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Tuesday, June 16
7-11 a.m. Morning Drive
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
7-9 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Wednesday, June 17
7-11 a.m. Morning Drive
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
7-9 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Thursday, June 18
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
9 a.m. – Noon Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
11 p.m.-1 a.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Friday, June 19
7-9 a.m. Morning Drive
9 a.m.-Noon Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
11 p.m.-1 a.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Saturday, June 20
9-11 a.m. Morning Drive
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
10 p.m.-Midnight Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Sunday, June 21
9-11 a.m. Morning Drive
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Golf Central’s Live From the U.S. Open
Contact:
Jeff Szklinski
Golf Channel Communications
Jeff.Szklinski@golfchannel.com
814-880-6933
David Schaefer
Golf Channel Communications
David.Schaefer@golfchannel.com
407-429-8402
