Not What It Sounds Like: PGA Tour, Twitter Launch "Global Live Content Execution"

After hearing about cumbersome task facing CBS in returning during a pandemic and social unrest, it’s noteworthy that the first events back appear to be anything but a soft re-launch.

Down the road I see the merit here, but I’m not sure anyone really wants to hear from the influencer/presenter/personality sector just yet. But good news, it’s totally optional.

Though I am wondering how, after all those Zoom meetings, someone didn’t squelch the “execution” word. For Immediate Release:

PGA TOUR, Twitter announce innovative fan engagement initiative
TOUR’s return to golf to feature celebrity and athlete commentary across nine different live video streams

 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA, AND SAN FRANCISCO – To mark the PGA TOUR’s return to competition at the Charles Schwab Challenge, June 11-14 at Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth, Texas, the TOUR and Twitter today announced a global live content execution that will be a first-of-its kind for the social media platform.

“Twitter Multicast” will take place on Thursday, June 11, from approximately 1-2:30 pm ET and will showcase athletes, celebrities and other personalities creating their own live, audio/video commentary in conjunction with PGA TOUR LIVE Featured Groups coverage during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge. Twitter Multicast will feature the likes of Danny Kanell, Dude Perfect, Darren Rovell, Darius Rucker, Annika Sorenstam, Golden Tate and others.

“The PGA TOUR is proud to be among the first major sports leagues to return to competition,” said Rick Anderson, Chief Media Officer of the PGA TOUR. “With no spectators on site, we want to work harder than ever to connect our fans to the event, across numerous platforms and devices in addition to the PGA TOUR LIVE, Golf Channel and CBS broadcasts. Working with Twitter on this all-new fan engagement initiative is a nod to how important fans are to the TOUR and our players.”

The Charles Schwab Challenge features the top-five ranked players in the world and 17 of the top 20 in the FedExCup Standings. The Twitter Multicast will offer nine versions of the live stream with distribution from more than 20 different Twitter accounts. The video streams will cover pre-game, practice sessions, and the first two holes of competition of players such as Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth. Each stream will carry PGA TOUR LIVE featured groups coverage complemented with live audio/video commentary from commentators who will provide their point of view on the return of the TOUR.

A full list of the guest commentators across nine video streams:
CBS Sports:  Charles Davis (@CFD22) and Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) 
SKY Sports/NBC Sports:     Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) and Conor Moore (@ConorSketches)
Discovery/GOLFTV:    Henni Zuel (@hennizuel) and Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie)
Golf Digest:     Hally Leadbetter (@hallylead) and David Leadbetter (@davidleadbetter)
The Action Network/GolfBet:Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell), Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) and guest
LPGA: Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) and Brittany Lincicome (@Brittany1golf)
Celebrity Stream:  Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) and Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate)
Celebrity Stream:  Dude Perfect (@DudePerfect)
Celebrity Stream:  Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) and Wells Adams (@WellsAdams)

“This first-ever Twitter Multicast will give golf fans a viewing experience they won’t find anywhere else,” says TJ Adeshola, head of U.S. sports partnerships for Twitter. “By adding conversation and commentary from a range of Twitter notables to premium golf content, the Multicast will have something for everyone, regardless if you’re looking for real-time reactions, analysis or just some laughs to pair with live footage from Colonial. This is a prime example of how to create a richer, more customized fan experience through the power of Twitter.”