FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 30th, 2013

TRANSCRIPT: Johnny Miller, Frank Nobilo and Mark Rolfing Preview 2014 Golf Storylines and Hyundai Tournament of Champions

Attached is a transcript from today’s media conference call with Golf Channel on NBC analyst Johnny Miller and Golf Channel analysts Frank Nobilo and Mark Rolfing in previewing the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the top storylines in golf heading into 2014.

Some of the topics discussed include:

–          The traditional start of the new season Hawaii

–          2014 as a Ryder Cup year, and players’ mindsets as they approach a Ryder Cup year

–          Thoughts on potential first-time Major winners in 2014

–          Thoughts on ShotLink as players analyze their games more from tee-to-green

–          Thoughts on the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open being played back-to-back weeks at Pinehurst

–          Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods’ chances on winning a Major Championship in 2014

–          Predictions on Dustin Johnson’s 2014 season

–          Schedule reduction on the PGA TOUR, and will players follow in Steve Stricker’s footsteps

Below is the Hyundai Tournament of Champions tournament programming release.

**NOTE – First round coverage of the Hyundai TOC is NOW AIRING from 4:30-10 p.m. ET on Friday**

NBC Sports Group Rings in 2014 with Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii Featuring a Rare Monday Finish 

NBC and Golf Channel Airing More Than 20 Hours Of Live Tournament Coverage 

Golf Channel To Carry Hyundai Tournament of Champions Pro-Am In Primetime, Thursday from 8-10 P.M. ET 

Golf Central Airing Live All Week On-site At Kapalua

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 30, 2013 – NBC Sports Group will present comprehensive coverage of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, featuring a stellar field comprised of winners from the 2013 PGA TOUR season as well as those who have won so far in the 2013-14 wraparound season.  The tournament, which is scheduled as a Friday through Monday tournament  (Jan. 3-6) will feature a combined 20 hours of live tournament action on NBC and Golf Channel, including NBC’s third-round lead-in coverage on Sunday.  Golf Central, Golf Channel’s signature news program, will complement live coverage throughout the week with shows hosted on site at Kapalua.

Hyundai Tournament Of Champions

Dates: January 3-6

Venue: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Tournament Airtimes On Golf Channel (Eastern):

Thursday         8-10 p.m. (Pro-Am)

Friday              4:30-10 p.m. (Live) / 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. (Replay)

Saturday          2:30-7 p.m. (Live) / 7:30 p.m.-Midnight (Replay)

Sunday            4-10 p.m. (Live) / 10:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m. (Replay)

Monday           4-8 p.m. (Live) / 9 p.m.-1 a.m. (Replay)

Tournament Airtimes On NBC (Eastern):

Sunday             3-4 p.m. (Live)

Golf Central Airtimes (On-site at Kapalua, Eastern):

Thursday         6-8 p.m. (Live)

Friday              3-4:30 p.m. (Live) / 10-10:30 p.m. (Live)

Saturday          1:30-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 7-7:30 p.m. (Live)

Sunday            2-3 p.m. (Live) / 10-10:30 p.m. (Live)

Monday           3-4 p.m. (Live) / 8-9 p.m. (Live)

Broadcast Notes:

Elite Field: The field is comprised of winners from the 2013 PGA TOUR season, along with those who have won so far in the 2013-14 wraparound season. The field includes 13 first-time winners.

Golf Central Produced and Broadcast On-Site At Kapalua: Golf Channel’s Golf Central will air live and on-site throughout the week providing full pre-game and post-round coverage.

Golf Central Scheduled Features:

  • A recap on the effect that Mother Nature had on the 2013 PGA TOUR season
  • Jordan Spieth interview with Todd Lewis: Outlining his amateur career and rise to full status on the PGA TOUR along with the relationship he has with his sister Ellie

Pro-Am Airing In Primetime Thursday, 8-10 p.m. ET: The Hyundai Tournament of Champions Pro-Am will air on Thursday in Primetime from 8-10 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.

Return Of Special “Sunday Night Football Style” First Tee Player Introductions: Tournament coverage will once again feature a unique “Sunday Night Football Style” first tee player introductions during first round play on Friday on Golf Channel, as well as third round play on Sunday on NBC.

Headlining The Field: Woody Austin, Sang-Moon Bae, Jonas Blixt, Scott Brown, Jason Dufner,  Ken Duke, Harris English, Derek Ernst, Brian Gay, Bill Haas, Russell Henley, Billy Horschel, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Chris Kirk, Matt Kuchar, Martin Laird, John Merrick, Ryan Moore, D.A. Points, Patrick Reed,  Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Jordan Spieth, Kevin Streelman, Michael Thompson, Jimmy Walker, Boo Weekley and Gary Woodland.

Tournament Broadcast Team:

Play by Play: Dan Hicks / Rich Lerner

Analyst: Johnny Miller / Frank Nobilo

Tower: Gary Koch / Mark Rolfing

On Course: Roger Maltbie / Jerry Foltz

Interviews: Steve Sands

Golf Central Broadcast Team:

Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee, Curt Byrum, Tim Rosaforte, Matt Ginella

 

-NBC Sports Group-