PGA EXPO Runs Next Week and You Can Watch on TV

The golf world heads to Orlando next week. The PGA of America, PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions and Golf Channel announced today the expansion of Golf Channel’s on-site coverage of the 62nd annual PGA Merchandise Show, Tuesday, Jan. 20-Friday, Jan. 23, providing viewers an insider’s look at all of the newest products and trends at the world’s largest golf trade show. In total, Golf Channel’s news franchises will air nearly 15 hours of live coverage over four days from an expanded set located in the heart of the PGA Show floor and incorporating new production elements like the overhead “Fly Cam,” a unique camera technology made popular in televising football and other sports. Suspended above the PGA Show floor, the Fly Cam will span more than 700 feet giving viewers an aerial viewpoint of all of the excitement inside the Orange County Convention Center. Morning Drive, Golf Channel’s morning news and lifestyle show, will cover the PGA Merchandise Show Tuesday-Friday, kicking off with live reports from the PGA Show’s Outdoor Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge on Tuesday and from the PGA Show floor Wednesday-Friday. Golf Central, the network’s evening news show, also will report live throughout the week and feature interviews and segments. Golf Channel’s PGA Merchandise Show streaming coverage will be available via Golf Live Extra, and comprehensive online editorial and video coverage also will be available on GolfChannel.com. Golf Channel’s social media platforms will keep viewers engaged in the conversation about what’s generating buzz at #PGASHOW throughout the week via the network’s social media channels – @GolfChannel and @GCMorningDrive on Twitter, @GolfChannel and @GCMorningDrive on Instagram and /GolfChannel and /GCMorningDrive on Facebook. “We’re pleased to welcome back our valued partners at Golf Channel to the 62nd PGA Merchandise Show, the ‘Major’ of Golf Business,” said PGA Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua. “Their elevated coverage and live programming greatly enhances PGA Show Week, highlighting the important role of PGA Professionals in the growth, business and enjoyment of golf. There’s no better place to be during PGA Show Week than in Orlando, and millions of viewers can experience our vibrant industry through Golf Channel’s extensive coverage.” “The PGA Merchandise Show is one of the golf industry’s busiest weeks, and our expanded presence will provide unprecedented coverage of the innovation emerging within the golf industry,” said Mike McCarley, president of Golf Channel. “Our PGA of America partnership continues to showcase the PGA professionals’ impact on growing the game and we look forward to providing golfers an exclusive look at the excitement and energy of the PGA Merchandise Show.” MORNING DRIVE AND GOLF CENTRAL LIVE FROM THE PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW Morning Drive and Golf Central will showcase hundreds of companies during the PGA Merchandise Show, ranging from industry leaders unveiling this season’s new line of equipment and apparel to small, family-owned companies with innovative ideas that could be the next must-have product. Golf Channel’s expanded set and demonstration village will include a large elevated stage with three sets, a putting green and a golf simulator. On Tuesday, Morning Drive coverage will focus on the PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day, featuring the game’s newest equipment, training aids and golf accessories from the more than 200 hitting bays and practice greens at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge. From Wednesday through Friday, Morning Drive will air from inside the Orange County Convention Center, highlighting the merchandise generating the most buzz amongst the exhibit aisles. Additionally, Morning Drive will welcome a “Who’s-Who” on set, including 2014 Masters Champion Bubba Watson, Major Champion Graeme McDowell, PGA of America President Derek Sprague and PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua, among many others.

Reporter Jim Gray Again Becomes Part of the Story

Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray was pulled off the assignment because of the way he reacted to the two-stroke penalty imposed on American player Dustin Johnson during Thursday's opening round.

Johnson was penalized after arriving late for his teeoff time at Riviera Country Club and later told reporters his caddie Bobby Brown had given him the wrong information.

According to Brown, Gray asked Johnson as the player was walking to the 14th tee to explain why he had been late for his scheduled start. At the end of the round, Brown scolded Gray for speaking to a player out on the course during competition.

"Our aim is to provide the best possible golf coverage for our viewers. Anything else is a disservice," Golf Channel spokesman Dan Higgins said in a statement Friday.

"In order not to provide further distraction, we've decided to remove Jim from this particular assignment."

Looks to me like Gray's tenure with the Golf Channel is about over.

A similar move was made by Golf Channel last August at the PGA Championship, where Gray got into a heated argument with U.S. Ryder Cup team captain Corey Pavin.

Gray had reported that Pavin told him that Tiger Woods was a lock to be picked for the team; Pavin denied doing so.

Gray's interview with Pete Rose during the 1999 World Series drew an reaction that was not positive when many fans and critics thought he badgered Rose about his ban from baseball.  One media member even called his interview style "bush league."

Gray, who was working as a freelance reporter, was involved in ESPN's airing of  LeBron James publicly announced decision to leave Cleveland last summer and take his talents to South Beach.

A think people watch sports for enjoyment and the competition, not to see a sideline reporter try to inject himself into the story.