"IF YOU LIKE GOLF"
bi-weekly online golf column
by
Chris Dortch

June 21, 2005

The Tennessee Golf Association and the Tennessee PGA are coming soon to a television near you.

In his tenure as executive director of both the state’s governing bodies of golf, Dick Horton has come up with some innovative ways to expand the game’s reach. From the cutting edge Golf House Tennessee to the Tennessee Golf Foundation and Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame, Horton has kept state golf in a leadership role with his great vision and tireless effort. This time, a good idea fell into his lap.

Inside Tennessee Golf, which has already aired in other parts of the state, makes its Chattanooga debut on WDEF July 2. The 30-minute show, featuring a wide variety of topics, will generally air immediately before CBS’ national golf coverage, giving local golf fans a convenient way to devote even more of their Saturdays to the game.

“We look forward to showcasing the best courses, players, tournaments and PGA professionals Tennessee has to offer while informing the state’s golfers what Golf House Tennessee does to improve and grow the game,” Horton said. “The show will provide a great opportunity to highlight the many exceptional junior players and programs across the state. …

"Inside Tennessee Golf is a part of the media that we so desperately have needed over the years. With our website GolfHouseTennessee.com as the sponsor, we hope to drive golfers to that site for all of their golfing informational needs for TGA, PGA and junior golf. Over time this show can really be exciting."

Former TGA tournament director Mark Hill, now the executive director of the Kentucky State Golf Association, suggested the idea of a show to Horton. The KSGA has produced its own show for 16 years—proof enough of its success and popularity.

“It’s a cool show,” said Steve Merrill, the TGA’s point man for Inside Tennessee Golf. “We’ve got stuff from all over the state, not just middle Tennessee. And we don’t do much on the [PGA and LPGA] tour events in the state because those are already getting coverage elsewhere. It’s a pretty fast-moving half hour that we think the state’s golfers will enjoy.”

A typical show will consist of the following segments:

Instruction and Tips. Tennessee PGA professionals will provide 45-second and 90-second quick lessons. Chattanooga Golf and Country Club head pro Bruce Etter has already taped segments about the pre-shot routine.

Tennessee Golf Report. This spotlights local golf events, tournament results, and individuals. Already the show has focused on the TGA’s Father-Son tournament, country singer Vince Gill and his charity event, the Vinny, and the Bubba Conley junior tournament.

Golf and Technology. This segment covers the latest facilities and technology utilized in golf instruction.

Junior Golfers of the Week. The selection criteria includes academic achievement, school and community involvement and tournament participation.

Rules of Golf. Rules officials will provide insight into golf’s sometimes-complex rules book.

Etter had fun taping his segment, but was a little taken aback when told he had a minute and a half to do the job.

“I could talk about the golf swing for hours,” Etter said. “It was a challenge to condense it down into 90 seconds.”

Etter thinks the show will serve a useful purpose.

“It’s a fantastic thing,” Etter said. “If one of my tips can help a golfer improve, that makes my day. It’s a win-win, because it enhances the image of the golf professional, and also helps people improve their games.”

Chattanooga was the last significant TV market in the state to join the fold. Inside Tennessee Golf airs on Time Warner Cable in Memphis, Charter Media in the Tri-Cities, on Nashville’s Fox 17 and on UPN and CBS in Knoxville. The TGA is committed to the show for three years, which should give it ample time to catch on.

Long-time sportscaster Don Russell—the TV voice of the Louisville Cardinals—is host and executive producer of ITG. Russell founded Inside Kentucky Golf.

“Inside Tennessee Golf will be an excellent conduit to show the state’s golfers what an amazing job Dick Horton and his staff at Golf House Tennessee have done to incorporate the various associations into an organization with one vision—to make golf the best game it can be in Tennessee,” Russell said.

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