We’re witnessing a rising trend of shows being launched in partnership with sports leagues and organizations. A prime example is Skratch’s new weekly video series on YouTube, Dan Rapaport’s Dan on Golf. Skratch, a digital golf and culture brand, was initially majority-owned by the PGA Tour shortly after its 2015 inception. However, Pro Shop, a company founded by Full Swing executive producer Chad Mumm and former Puck CEO Joe Purzycki, acquired majority control of Skratch from the Tour as part of an investment deal after raising almost $20 million in startup funding in the spring.
After leaving Barstool Sports, Rapaport joined Skratch last fall, initiating various projects that include on-course player interviews and highlights, previously reserved for Tour rightsholders. Thanks to the PGA Tour’s ongoing stake in Skratch, these highlights and graphics will enhance Dan on Golf and help the show stand out in a sea of golf content. “It’s going to look and feel very different from what’s already in the space,” he stated. “It’s a show; we’re in a studio, we’re live, we’re using graphics and highlights and all the fun stuff. This felt like the right time, as it’s right around when the golf season really picks up. There are many legacy Tour events now, and I want to utilize our highlight rights to deliver a fresh product as the season ramps up.”
In the broader context of league partnerships, iHeartMedia has collaborated on a range of shows with the NBA, including an extended deal with NFL Media’s NFL Podcast Network and recent podcasts with the NHL, like NHL Unscripted and Energy Line with Nate and JSB. Rapaport expressed that working within a Tour partnership is a substantial advantage, especially regarding highlight rights. “It’s a game-changer. Before, I talked about golf shots. Now, I can talk about golf shots while I show them. The Tour is acting as a willing partner, understanding our mission and accommodating it.”
The affiliation with Pro Shop is also advantageous due to its connections with the Full Swing team and the Sugarloaf Social Club brand, enabling “synergies across the different companies,” as Rapaport described. They plan to incorporate Sugarloaf branding while producing content and utilize the Studio’s expertise for production to explore new opportunities under the Pro Shop umbrella.
Despite potential challenges related to league ownership amid the ongoing PGA Tour-LIV Golf situation, Rapaport assured that the Tour’s minority stake in Skratch won’t hinder coverage of LIV Golf events and athletes. “We’re independent, and that’s been made very clear to me. There’s not much tension between both parties now. We’re going to create content with LIV Golf players if it makes sense editorially.”
Excited about hosting a regular show again, Rapaport believes he can delve deeper into technical golf discussions than he could while with Fore Play. “It’s a return to my roots in a way. I have immense respect for Barstool and Fore Play, but I felt the urge to return to the more hardcore aspects of golf, the inside-the-ropes content.”
This show aims not only at golf experts; Skratch intends to connect the game with broader cultural elements like style and travel, fostering vibrant communities of golf enthusiasts. Rapaport highlighted that golf’s appeal is vast and currently thriving. “For all the negativity regarding the Tour and its ratings, golf is in a tremendous spot. It’s cooler than ever to play: celebrities, athletes, musicians, they’re all obsessed. It’s impossible to get a tee time anywhere. Golf is enjoying a significant cultural moment, and we think we’re uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between professional and recreational play.”
As this cultural moment unfolds, Rapaport is eager to launch the show. “I’m thrilled to get this show off the ground. I’ve gained valuable insights from journalists and broadcasters in other sports, and I’m excited to apply those lessons to my golf coverage. We have much more content coming in the Dan on Golf universe, and I hope all golf enthusiasts join me on this inside-the-ropes journey.”
The Dan on Golf show can be found on YouTube here, with new episodes airing live Mondays at 1 p.m. ET.
