By Mark Ambrogi
Brian Hammons has been a prominent fixture in the golf world for years. Now, he is using that knowledge to start HoosierGolfer.com.
The Carmel resident spent 21 years at the Golf Channel, first as a studio host when the network started. He eventually became a play-by-play host at tournaments, with his final broadcast in November 2015 after his contract wasn’t renewed because of budget cuts.
“This is an ideal way for me to stay in the game,” said Hammons, who has been working as a freelance broadcaster. “I still have a fairly recognizable name in the sport.”
Hammons said the subscription-based website covers PGA Section and amateur tournaments, junior and high school golf. There will be course reviews.
“These are not the kind of reviews you normally find online, where it’s ‘three stars, fun to play,’” Hammons said. “These are comprehensive video reviews.”
There is a tip of the week from instructors from across the state, blogs and podcasts.
Hammons said there are more than 20 golfers with Indiana ties playing on the various professional tours.
“We’re keeping track of those players, and we have blogs from a lot of those players,” Hammons said. “It’s coverage they’re not going to get anywhere else because newspapers don’t have golf writers anymore. It’s hopefully filling that void.”
Hammons said there are many places to get PGA Tour coverage but not local coverage.
“It’s been fun to get down to the grassroots,” Hammons said. “Once people see all the content they can get on the site, I think they’ll enjoy it.”
The website had a soft launch in late May before officially launching in June.
Hammons is providing much of the content on his own.
“I bought a camera, learned how to use it and to edit,” he said.
Subscriptions are $10 a month or $100 for VIP membership for a year.
Hammons said in an effort to help grow the game of golf a percentage of all membership fees will be donated to The First Tee of Indiana, whose mission is to provide an affordable golf program for children in areas where it might not be available.
