BACK9NETWORK, the 24/7 golf lifestyle network, announced today the addition to its talent roster of Shane Bacon, Erica Bachelor, Matty Blake, Caite Upton, Jeff Rude, John Maginnes, and Will Christien. The group of on-air personalities will headline the network’s studio shows as the network debuts on DIRECTV on September 29th. BACK9NETWORK, located on DIRECTV channel 262, will launch with nearly 1,100 hours of original programming in its first year including midday and evening studio shows entitled “The Turn,” “Off-Par” and “The Clubhouse.”
“While we will certainly pay attention to professional golf’s leaderboard, our coverage will focus on the lifestyle of the game where golf enthusiasts are spending their time and money — the courses and resorts they can play, the latest fashion, gadgets and equipment, and the behind-the-scenes stories that will highlight the personalities and characters that make golf so much fun,” said Scot Thor, Senior VP of Programming, BACK9NETWORK. “We’re dedicated to introducing lifestyle entertainment to the game of golf while respecting its values and traditions, and we’ve brought on some incredibly talented people to emphasize the depth, humility and humor in the game.”
BACK9NETWORK’S flagship hour of golf, pop culture, debate, and entertainment will be delivered on “The Turn,” which will premiere Monday, September 29th. Co-hosted by Shane Bacon and Erica Bachelor, “The Turn” will air on BACK9NETWORK daily at Noon and 7 PM Eastern.
Bacon, a veteran CBSSports.com and Yahoo! Sports golf writer, and Bachelor, former E! Network host, will tackle the industry’s biggest topics by blending news, analysis and user-generated content with behind-the-scenes perspectives from the game’s most colorful icons and personalities.
“Golf is a universal sport that tends to stick with people as they grow older, and I can’t wait to join a group that remembers that first and foremost, golf should be fun,” said Bacon.
Co-hosted by acclaimed comedian and actor Matty Blake, and American model Caite Upton, “Off Par” is an inventive look at the world of golf and entertainment, with a comedic twist. Blake, Upton, and a rotating cast of characters will deliver free-flowing laughs in the form of viral internet videos, user-generated social media content, golf-themed skits, and guest appearances by other comedians. The program will air weeknights at 8PM Eastern.
“I’ve long said there’s a difference between loving the game of golf and taking it too seriously. BACK9NETWORK gets it,” said Blake. “I can’t wait to get started and share my thoughts on everything golf and pop-culture.”
Former PGA Tour pro John Maginnes, former Golfweek Senior Writer Jeff Rude, and women’s extreme sports champion Will Christien will co-host “The Clubhouse” which will air on weeknights at 10 PM Eastern. The playful banter of Christien, Maginnes, and Rude will echo the conversations one would hear at the 19th hole. The trio’s no-holds-barred conversations will cover the latest happenings both on and off the course, as they incorporate questions and guidance from viewers at home, celebrities and the game’s professionals.
“John and Jeff come from the golf world, they’ve known each other for years and can literally finish each other’s sentences. I’m the new kid, but I definitely don’t feel that way, it’s such a fun dynamic.” said Christien. “Our show is a conversation; we talk about life, but use golf as a theme. It’s for you if you’ve played once and it’s for you if you play every day.”
In addition, BACK9NETWORK will utilize Charles Everett and Universo Pereira as network co-hosts. Everett is a veteran voice, theatre, and television actor, and Periera has both television and stage experience. Alexis Morgan(TV Personality/Reporter) and Katie Sundseth (TV Personality/Model) join the network as lifestyle correspondents. All will offer personalized, satirical, and at times brutally honest opinions on what’s trending in golf on “The Turn,” “Off Par” and “The Clubhouse.”
BACK9NETWORK Executive Producer Ahmad Rashad was previously announced as host of BACK9NETWORK’s “AHMAD RASHAD,” which will premiere on BACK9NETWORK Monday, September 29th at 9 PM Eastern. “AHMAD RASHAD” is one of three BACK9NETWORK 30-minute, original primetime series. Others include “Golf Treasures,” and “Ball Hogs,” which will air weeknights at 9 pm Eastern.
Back9Network Launches on DIRECTV Sept. 29. Tell Your Cable Operator, “I Want Back9Network!”
More Back9Network Video:
– Chuck Irons, Golf P.I. – Valhalla Victory
– Does it Drive: Onyx Moonshine
– Video: Tiger, Rory and Ahmad Uncensored at Mission Hills
– Flying In Style: ACP Jets
– Golf Gives Back: LEGO Children’s Charity Tournament
– The Pine Crest Inn: A Piece of Pinehurst History
– Behind The Brew: Downeast Cider
– Trickshot Tuesday: Roof Shots and Flop Shots
– Back9 Gear: SuperStroke Grips
– Tiger and Rory: Mission to China
– Ahmad Rashad Hassled By Guy On Driving Range… And It’s Tiger Woods
– Behind the Design: Granite Links Golf Club
– Bryan Bros Trick Shots: Under the Lights
– Michael Jordan: Presidents Cup Memories
– TaylorMade CEO Mark King on Growing The Game
– B9N Exclusive: New Haven’s 116 Crown
– Coach Ditka Unwinds at Mickey Blake’s Cigars
– Ball Hogs: Pond Diving with Paige Ocktobur
– Golfing and Giving Back: NY Giants Charity Tournament
– Okemo: Summer Golf Resort, Winter Wonderland
– Ted Bishop & Jim Remy: Growing The Game
B9N Programming Previews:
Of Course | Work of Cart | Ball Hogs | Golf Treasures
