Japan’s Golf Channel & Golf Network to Combine Assets

TOKYO: Golf Channel Japan and its long-time competitor Japan’s Golf Network have entered into a strategic partnership to form one co-branded channel, starting in April 2012.

The two will combine their assets to become a single destination serving golf fans in Japan. The combined network will debut on April 1, 2012, with additional rights to televise coverage of all the world’s major golf tours, including the PGA tour, LPGA tour and European tour. Golf Channel’s signature news shows, including Golf Central and Live From, will be localized on a live or near-live basis for Japanese viewers. Also on the grid will be entertainment shows like Top 10 and instructional programming such as The Golf Fix and School of Golf. The programming will continue to be produced by Golf Channel’s Japanese production and commentating teams from its Florida-based headquarters.

“This new partnership has been 15 years in the making and fans of golf in Japan are the beneficiaries,” said Mike McCarley, the president of Golf Channel. “The overwhelmingly positive support we have received from the golf community around the globe in putting this agreement together has made this a strong relationship that will serve the millions of Japanese golfers for years to come.”

“We are very excited to team up with the greatest golf-dedicated channel in the world,” added Masashi Ishii, the president of Golf Network. “Combining Golf Channel’s highly acclaimed programs with our programs will result in a great expansion, providing Japanese golf fans a value-added service. I am sure that this is a significant page for each of our company’s history, and will be looking forward on bringing together the best of golf to Japan.”