Golf Channel’s Weekend Spotlight Coverage Showcasing “The Bear Trap” Closing Stretch at PGA National Resort & Spa
Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks’ Partnership Begins 16th Year for Golf Channel on NBC, Setting All-Time Network Record for 18th Hole Broadcast Tandem
Morning Drive Welcomes Cara Robinson as New Co-Host
ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2015) – Golf Channel and Golf Channel on NBC will present 23 live hours of The Honda Classic this week, as the PGA TOUR moves east for the Florida Swing and NBC Sports Group kicks off exclusive coverage of the TOUR’s next six weeks.
The Honda Classic, with 16 of the top-25 players in the world in the field, will feature marquee names, such as World No. 1 Rory McIlroy – making his U.S. debut in 2015 – Sergio Garcia (7), Justin Rose (8), Martin Kaymer (11), Rickie Fowler (12), Hideki Matsuyama (14), Patrick Reed (15), Victor Dubuisson (16), Billy Horschel (17), Phil Mickelson (18) and Brooks Koepka (19).
Hicks & Miller Set Record: Leading Golf Channel on NBC’s weekend coverage will be Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller, who will begin their 16th year as play-by-play announcer and lead analyst, which sets a record in golf for the longest-tenured 18th-hole broadcasting tandem for any network. Joining Hicks and Miller will be Gary Koch, Roger Maltbie, Peter Jacobsen, Notah Begay and Steve Sands. Calling the action for Golf Channel’s early round coverage will be Terry Gannon and Frank Nobilo, supported by the NBC crew, as well as Todd Lewis and Angela Hamann reporting for Golf Central.
Spotlight Coverage: Golf Channel’s Spotlight Coverage debuts in 2015 at The Honda Classic, featuring live action of players navigating what has become one of the toughest three-hole stretches in golf and complementing Golf Channel on NBC’s award-winning traditional coverage. While NBC is on the air live with traditional coverage, Golf Channel also will be on the air live, but focusing on “The Bear Trap,” encompassing Nos. 15-17 on the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA National Champion Course. Calling the action will be Bob Papa, Curt Byrum, Tom Abbott and Jerry Foltz.
The Honda Classic – Live Tournament Airtimes
Wednesday 5-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel Pro-Am coverage)
Thursday 2-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live traditional coverage)
Friday 2-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live traditional coverage)
Saturday 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live lead-in coverage)
Saturday 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC live traditional coverage)
Saturday 3-5 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live Spotlight Coverage)
Sunday 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live lead-in coverage)
Sunday 3-6 p.m. ET (NBC live traditional coverage)
Sunday 3-5 p.m. ET (Golf Channel live Spotlight Coverage)
Exclusive PGA TOUR Coverage: The Honda Classic will commence six consecutive weeks of PGA TOUR action on Golf Channel and Golf Channel on NBC, including:
- The Honda Classic, PGA National Resort & Spa – Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Feb. 26-March 1)
- World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship – Trump National Doral, Doral, Fla. (March 5-8)
- Puerto Rico Open – Trump International Golf Club Puerto Rico, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico (March 5-8)
- Valspar Championship – Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor, Fla. (March 12-15)
- Arnold Palmer Invitational – Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, Fla. (March 19-22)
- Valero Texas Open – TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (March 26-29)
- Shell Houston Open – Redstone Golf Club, Humble, Texas (April 2-5)
Cara Robinson Joins Morning Drive: English sports television presenter Cara Robinson will make her on-air debut as the newest co-host for Morning Drive on Thursday, Feb. 26. A London native, Robinson brings extensive experience in television and golf. She most recently served as host of Golfing World, a weekly, internationally distributed program that travels to golf’s biggest events to conduct player interviews and features about all aspects of the game. She also participated in @TheOpenLIVE, a live digital telecast of the Open Championship, and has contributed as a studio host and reporter for productions surrounding Wimbledon, World’s Strongest Man, rugby and tennis at the London 2012 Olympics.
-NBC Sports Group-
