The Golf Channel Origin Story: Del Wood on Arnold Palmer & The Network That Changed Sports Media

The Golf Channel Origin Story: Del Wood on Arnold Palmer & The Network That Changed Sports Media

From The Cart Barn Podcast by Chris Lemley and Gregg Dewalt

March 4, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

Del Woods shares the inside story of founding The Golf Channel and the challenges faced in its early days.

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

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Lemley, Gregg Dewalt

Guest: Del Woods

Topics covered

  • golf history
  • sports media
  • startup story
  • Arnold Palmer
  • financial challenges
  • Birmingham Alabama

Keywords

  • Golf Channel
  • Arnold Palmer
  • sports media
  • startup capital
  • financial pressure
  • golf network
  • Bay Hill
  • Birmingham Alabama

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Golf Channel

Places: Birmingham, Alabama, Bay Hill

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