Co-Hosts Martin Hall and Blair O’Neal Have Been Helping Golfers Improve Their Games for More Than a Decade
ORLANDO, Fla. – After more than a decade of providing golfers with top-notch golf instruction, School of Golf today celebrates its 400th episode, a record-breaking milestone celebrating the longest-running NBC Sports-produced instruction series. The episode is streaming exclusively on GolfPass via its website, app and connected devices.
When Martin Hall was introduced in 2011 as the winner of GOLF Channel’s nationwide instructor search and the host of the new, weekly instruction series – School of Golf – he didn’t realize the series would produce more episodes than any other series on the network over a span of 13 years. On June 30, NBC Sports Next’s GolfPass became the exclusive home of all new School of Golf episodes.
A golf professional for more than 40 years, Hall has received numerous awards for his incredible instruction and dedication to the game of golf, which includes the 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year. He has taught players of all levels, including tour players and major champions, and is a frequent speaker at golf conventions and other industry gatherings around the country and in various parts of the world.
“What a pleasure and privilege it has been to film 400 shows of School of Golf,” Hall said. “Teaching golf has been my passion for many years and through this platform and with incredible help from Blair O’Neal, I’ve been given the chance to help millions of golfers all around the world.”
The milestone episode will feature Hall and co-host Blair O’Neal building new tips and drills as they recall some of the best instruction and visited some of golf’s most famous venues over the course of 400 School of Golf episodes. By focusing on engaging the viewer while presenting golf drills and technical direction, School of Golf’s more approachable format has proven its popularity among golfers looking for guidance to improve their golf games. The show also utilizes social media for viewer questions, which are answered by Hall and O’Neal during every episode
“Rather than watching the pros to build a better game, which was a very popular teaching method back then, we wanted this series to see our viewers as students and focus on making them better one lesson at a time – like going back to school,” said Kevin Schultz, Senior Director of Lifestyle Content for GolfPass and producer of School of Golf. “And for viewers of the show, Martin has been like a favorite teacher, very likeable, not condescending in the least, and willing to have a little fun along the way. And they’ve kept coming back.”
O’Neal is a two-time NCAA Long Drive Champion, played professional golf on various tours and was the champion of Big Break Prince Edward Island, the 11th season of the popular Big Break reality series on GOLF Channel.
“Martin is an absolute professional and I’ve been so honored to work alongside him for the majority of this journey,” O’Neal said. “We have so much fun creating this show and I have so much respect for him as a person and a golf instructor. I’m looking forward to many more episodes!”
GOLFPASS HELPS GOLFERS PLAY MORE AND BETTER GOLF
GolfPass features a vast library of original video content available exclusively as part of a GolfPass membership, including original shows like Home Course Advantage, On Tour/On Course, My Roots, My Daily Routine, and more. GolfPass also offers a vast instructional library featuring more than 4,500 video titles, including Ask Rory, The Golf Fix, with host Devan Bonebrake; Lessons with a Champion Golfer; and Build a Better Game – all hosted by top instructors like Martin Hall, Chris Como and Michael Bannon, as well as golf fitness expert Don Saladino. Developed in partnership between global golf superstar Rory McIlroy and NBC Sports Next – the innovation and technology division of NBC Sports – a GolfPass+membership is designed for today’s golfer and is the only digital golf membership that delivers exclusive content and benefits, including monthly tee-time credits, waived convenience fees, tee-time cancellation protection, credit toward equipment purchases, and more. GolfPass is designed to help every type of golfer – from beginner to expert – play more and better golf. A GolfPass+ membership is available in North America at GolfPass.com, in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland at GolfPass.co.uk, and in Australia at www.GolfPass.com.au. The GolfPass+ membership also is available via connected TV, iOS and Android apps.
About NBC Sports Next
NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within Golf and Youth & Recreational Sports. Known for its sports technology product innovation, NBC Sports Next provides operations technology and services to more than 11,000 golf courses around the world, and equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans with more than 25 sports solution products, including GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace; GolfPass the ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; SportsEngine, an industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.
Dan Higgins
NBC Sports Next
Dan.Higgins@nbcuni.com
407-496-8107
