Digital media company Bedrocket and the PGA Tour have entered into a joint venture to launch golf-specific internet video network Skratch TV.
Claimed as a first for the sport by the PGA Tour, Skratch TV will feature daily golf video content in the form of original and curated programming, highlights from PGA Tour events and bespoke productions that will showcase golfers’ lifestyles away from the on-course action.
Bedrocket has overseen similar projects with Network A – an action sports network that it operates – and the KickTV YouTube channel that it launched for Major League Soccer. The PGA Tour views the partnership as a key part of its strategy in appealing to younger fans.
Skratch recently launched a social-platform beta in conjunction with PGA Tour tournaments the Phoenix Open and Farmers Insurance Open, delivered across Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Vine, and YouTube. The initiative featured leading players including Rickie Fowler (pictured), Ryan Palmer, Patrick Reed and Keegan Bradley.
According to the New York Times newspaper, Skratch TV’s production approach could extend to filming with cameras mounted on drones at events and through players using wearable camera technology.
Skratch TV will be overseen by former PGA Tour Digital vice-president Lee Bushkell as general manager; Stefan Van Engen, Bedrocket’s executive vice-president of media properties, and Aaron Spielberg as director of programming. It will be built on Bedrocket’s premium video channel platform Boxxspring.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the PGA Tour to build a first-of-its-kind media property targeting the millions of young golfers and fans who love the game—not to mention many of the most influential celebrities and athletes in the world,” Bedrocket founder and chief executive Brian Bedol said. “It’s time this audience had its own place.”