The LPGA Tour's "T-POINT Ladies Golf Tournament" was the first full-scale internet live broadcast of a Japanese women's professional golf tour event, and it concluded with over 400,000 viewers from 62 countries worldwide!
2013.03.29
Press Releases
T-POINT Japan Co., Ltd.
—Highlights of the online broadcast will be available on VOD until April 26th—
T Point Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Muneaki Masuda; hereinafter referred to as "TPJ"), which operates "T-POINT," Japan's largest common point service, implemented full-scale internet live broadcasting for the first time in the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) regular tour for the "T-POINT Ladies Golf Tournament" (Kagoshima Takamaki Country Club), which it sponsors, on March 22nd (Fri) and 23rd (Sat), 2013. By collaborating with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as various other media outlets, and broadcasting to a global audience, the total number of accesses over two days exceeded 400,000 from 62 countries worldwide, primarily in Asia and America (total of PCs and smartphones).
The online broadcast ran for 8.5 hours on the first day (7:30 AM to 4:00 PM), and on the second day, in response to numerous requests from viewers, the broadcast time was extended to 7 hours (7:00 AM to 2:00 PM), for a total of 15.5 hours of streaming.
Four humorous commentators provided live commentary from their respective perspectives, with Mai Arai offering particularly insightful commentary from a female professional golfer's point of view. The commentators also engaged in interactive communication by soliciting comments via Twitter and answering questions. On Twitter, viewers responded with comments such as, "This is the most fun broadcast I've ever seen," "I wish they'd done this sooner," "It's more interesting than anything I've seen before," and "I hope they do this for other tournaments too," and there were also tweets from viewers overseas.
From Friday, March 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2013, TPJ will be offering a limited-time VOD (Video On Demand) service featuring highlights from their online broadcasts, including detailed hole coverage, super slow-motion footage of tee shots, player interviews, and gear introductions.
This online broadcast project began with the idea that there is a lot of information that can be broadcast from the venue during a golf tournament, and that this could be beneficial for expanding the golf fan base and for the players and the golf world as a whole. Previously, the LPGA Tour only permitted online streaming of the practice area, but for this tournament, after following a newly established procedure, online streaming of the entire tournament, including the play itself, has been officially approved and made possible.
TPJ believes that this initiative has created a new way to enjoy golf that has never existed before, and that it has been able to propose a new lifestyle through golf.
"T-POINT Ladies Golf Tournament" Internet Live Broadcast and VOD Distribution Overview
■ Live streaming page (PC/smartphone compatible) http://www.tpointladies.tv/
■VOD streaming page (PC compatible) http://www.tpointladies.tv/pc/vod.html
■ Live streaming date and time:
Friday, March 22nd: Qualifying Round (Day 1) 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, March 23rd: Qualifying Round (Day 2) 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM *Changed from the originally scheduled 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
■VOD distribution period: March 22, 2013 (Fri) - April 26, 2013 (Fri)
■VOD streaming content:
(1) Day 1 of the qualifying round: Live broadcast of Hole No. 1, live broadcast of Hole No. 18
(2) Day 2 of the qualifying round: Live coverage of Hole No. 1, Live coverage of Hole No. 12
(3) Special footage: Tee shot super slow motion footage, great plays, practice range, gear introduction, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage
■Live commentary and commentary:
Golf caster Hiroshi Yakushiji
I believe we were able to offer a groundbreaking and new way to enjoy the game. I would be happy if this could inspire as many people as possible to watch or even start playing golf.
Golf journalist Takashi Uesugi
It was a huge success not only in Japan but also around the world. I've been involved in many online live broadcasts, but I think this one received the most positive response.
Coach Manabu Nakai
I was able to watch the play closely and was once again impressed by the high level of the women's tour and the rapid pace at which the level is improving. I believe I was able to fully convey the high level of quality.
Professional female golfer Mai Arai
Being able to show the play of all the players is something that can only be achieved through live online broadcasting. If you found a pro player you want to support after watching this, please go and cheer them on at the venue or on TV!
Documents related to this matter
The LPGA Tour's "T-POINT Ladies Golf Tournament" was the first full-scale internet live broadcast of a Japanese women's professional golf tour event, and it concluded with over 400,000 viewers from 62 countries worldwide!
Inquiries regarding this matter
T Point Japan Co., Ltd.
Public Relations Representative: Ando
TEL: 03-6800-4464
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