Recording Artist and Event Host Macklemore Joins Fellow Golf-Loving Personalities from Sports, Business and Entertainment to Celebrate New and Emerging Ways to Enjoy and Live the Golfing Lifestyle. The Approach Promotes Inclusiveness Through NBC Sports’ Worldwide Virtual Event Celebrating a New Era of Consumerism for the Game.
Among the features included in the world streaming premiere of NBC Sports Group’s The Approach, 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 15, golf fans can discover the many ways a traditional sport like golf is making the leap to digitization.
No longer a playground for just the tech savvy, the world of digital assets has been introduced to sports with a vengeance in 2021 and increasing fan engagement digitally has become a priority for teams and athletes, alike.
As the popularity of digital assets rises, The Approach will explain why this form of commerce is a big deal in today’s economy, as well provide information on how to buy and use it, and how assets like cryptocurrency and NFTs are infiltrating the world of golf.
Conceived by GolfNow, The Approach will be hosted by Macklemore, recording artist and founder of Bogey Boys, whose passion for golf is all about accessibility, pointing to his recently launched fashion line as one catalyst that can bring more people to the game.
Golf Explores Story Behind Digital Currency
As the popularity of cryptocurrency rises, CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent Dominic Chu will join GolfNow personality Lauren Thompson on The Approach to explain why cryptocurrency is a big deal in today’s economy, how to buy and use it, and how crypto is infiltrating the world of golf. Thompson also will introduce Gavin Michael, CEO of Bakkt, the Official Payment Partner for GolfNow. The Bakkt app offers an innovative way for consumers to set up a digital wallet to aggregate unused gift cards, hotel points, airline miles and cryptocurrency. Some of these assets can then be sent or spent as digital payments, including rounds of golf through GolfNow.
“We’re excited to be partnering with GolfNow as we see consumer interest in digital assets and cryptocurrencies converge with the sports industry in a meaningful way,” said Michael. “Soon, Bakkt will become an option at checkout for GolfNow app users, enabling golfers to purchase a round using crypto, participating loyalty points or cash. With underutilized loyalty points from participating Bakkt partners, you can offset some of the costs to book that round.”
Other topics covered in The Approach include new ways to “consume” golf, like a look at modern gaming and how wagering on the course will never be the same again; technology, and how it can keep you fit and sharp when you’re not playing golf; new fashion trends, including a look at Macklemore’s new golf clothing line, called Bogey Boys; and the traveling golfer.
The Approach will be streamed by GolfPass and registration is free. All registrants will automatically be entered for a chance to win a four-night golf vacation for four from Troon Golf at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz. Special offers also will be extended by other participating companies. Registrants are encouraged to post their own videos to social media explaining their “approach” to the game, using the hashtags #theapproach and #whatsmyapproach.
Joining Macklemore will be a long list of celebrities, tour players, innovative business leaders and fellow golfers who share his message of inclusiveness and are eager to show all attendees that golf doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all sport.
Personalities Featured in The Approach (alphabetical order):
- Will Ahmed – CEO, Whoop
- Dominic Chu – Senior Markets Correspondent, CNBC
- James Davis – comedian, writer and host of Golf Road Trippin’ on GolfPass
- Dylan Dreyer – host and weather anchor for NBC’s TODAY show
- Jason Fierro – SVP of Sales & Marketing, Full Swing Simulators
- Will Gray – golf content, NBC Sports EDGE
- Teddy Greenstein – senior editor, PointsBet
- Jessica Korda – pro golfer; six-time winner on LPGA Tour; two-time U.S. Solheim Cup team member
- Macklemore – recording artist and founder of Bogey Boys
- Rory McIlroy – pro golfer; four-time major champion
- Gavin Michael, CEO, Bakkt
- Conor Moore – comedian, impersonator and host of The Conor Moore Show on GolfPass
- Blair O’Neal – co-host of Golf Channel’s School of Golf and social media influencer
- Paige Spiranac – social media influencer, professional golfer, PointsBet spokesperson
- Lauren Thompson – GolfNow personality
- Torrie Wilson – former WWE Diva/fitness expert
Pro athletes appearing in Full Swing home simulator videos include:
- Stephen Curry – professional basketball player; two-time NBA MVP
- Jason Day – pro golfer; PGA Champion
- Gary Woodland – pro golfer; U.S. Open Champion
- Jon Rahm – pro golfer; former World No. 1
Additional segments featured in The Approach include:
Sports Betting: Social media personality, professional golfer and PointsBet spokesperson Paige Spiranac will host this segment, which will educate the audience about the evolution of sports betting and its roots within golf. PointsBet Senior Editor Teddy Greenstein will provide an overview about how fans can enter the betting realm and why golf is one of the easiest and best sports for betting. Will Gray, who manages betting and daily fantasy golf content for NBC Sports EDGE, will discuss getting up to speed on all things betting or sharpening existing skills heading into the U.S. Open Championship, which will be broadcast later that week exclusively by GOLF Channel and NBC. Golf Channel personality Blair O’Neal will provide a tour of the new Compete app, which provides the opportunity for recreational golfers to compete and wager among themselves in a wide variety of ways during a round of golf.
Fitness Technology: The world of fitness technology has exploded, and no company exemplifies this industry more than Whoop, wearable digital technology designed to optimize daily human performance. Whoop CEO Will Ahmed will interview professional golfer and Whoop user Jessica Korda about performance, rest and recovery, which are the tenets of Whoop’s mission. Additionally, viewers will be able to watch a video featuring Rory McIlroy and how he optimizes his day with the help of Whoop.
In-Home Golf Tech: Not all golf is played on green grass, so this segment also features the world of golf simulation technology with the help of Full Swing’s Jason Fierro, who introduces video tours of the home simulators belonging to pro golfers and Team Full Swing members Jon Rahm, Gary Woodland and Jason Day, as well as NBA star Stephen Curry. Each athlete will showcase his unique home set-up and how it helps keep their games sharp. Fierro also will talk about the benefits of golf simulators for any home.
Fashion: In addition to learning more about Macklemore’s Bogey Boys golf fashion line, segment host O’Neal will introduce viewers to the PUMA Golf fashion icons Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau who will talk about the company’s latest styles – for the traditional and fashion-forward golfer – and their mission to be the brand of inclusion.
Travel: Comedian and writer James Davis will explain why golf and travel are the perfect companions and showcase scenes from his new GolfPass series, Golf Road Trippin’.
Sprinkled throughout The Approach will be video vignettes – titled My Approach – which will feature various personalities from the world of golf and television sharing their relationships with the sport of golf, and their hopes for the future of the game.
The Approach will be available on demand on GolfPass and on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, following the live presentation.