The Golf Channel was founded in Birmingham, Alabama — and nearly collapsed before it ever became profitable.
In this episode, Del Woods, founding CFO of The Golf Channel, shares the inside story of building the first 24-hour golf network, bringing Arnold Palmer into the deal, raising startup capital, and surviving the financial pressure that nearly ended the company.
You’ll hear:
• How the idea for a 24-hour golf network began
• How Arnold Palmer became involved
• The capital raise that made it possible
• The near-bankruptcy moment in 1996
• What it was like playing Bay Hill during that stretch
This is a golf history episode — and a sports media startup story.
Follow the Cart Barn Podcast for more conversations documenting Alabama’s impact on the game of golf.
Golf Channel history
Arnold Palmer
Sports business
Golf media
Sports television
Media startup
Birmingham Alabama
Golf history
Bay Hill