Discovery to launch GOLFTV streaming service in January

Discovery and the PGA TOUR are due to launch GOLFTV, a new live and on-demand video streaming service, globally outside the US on January 1, 2019.

The service will supersede PGA TOUR LIVE across global markets, with the new branded service to offer a wide range of golf content – including 2,000 hours of live action each year.

“Our long-term goal is to create a must-have experience that truly enhances the way global fans watch, play and engage with the game every day. Unveiling the new GOLFTV brand is an exciting next step in our journey,” said Alex Kaplan, president and general manager, Discovery Golf.

News of the GOLFTV launch comes after Discovery struck a 12-year deal with the PGA Tour in June to create a new multi-platform home for golf that includes global TV and multi-platform rights outside the US to all PGA Tour properties.

Discovery said at the time that it will create a new PGA Tour-branded OTT video streaming service to attract international golf fans across all screens in 220 markets and territories, with the partnership between the pair to kick off in 2019 and carry through to 2030.

Live PGA Tour coverage will become available via GOLFTV in line with the market-by-market rights activation dates. In 2019 live coverage will be available in Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain; in 2020 the live rights will extend to Poland and South Korea; in 2021 to Belgium, China, Germany, South Africa; in 2022 to Denmark, Finland, India, Norway, Sweden, and the UK; and finally in 2024 to France.

“Building on Discovery’s heritage of real-life storytelling and direct-to-consumer platform experience, we’ve already established a world-class GOLFTV team,” said Kaplan. “With work well underway, our carefully considered plans will allow us to continually enhance GOLFTV as we roll-out and further develop the product.”