Pro Shop, a new media and commerce startup, has secured nearly $20 million in funding to expand golf's presence in the entertainment industry. Co-founded by industry veterans, the company aims to capitalize on Hollywood's growing interest in golf content.
The startup has raised $19.25 million from various investors, including lead investor Powerhouse Capital, the PGA Tour, and EP Golf Ventures. As part of the deal, Pro Shop will acquire Skratch, a digital brand launched by the PGA Tour to engage younger audiences, and gain access to tour rights and footage.
Pro Shop will serve as the PGA Tour's preferred partner for entertainment projects, leveraging its expertise in Hollywood. The company will also produce the Netflix docuseries Full Swing, with plans to explore additional projects in documentary series, scripted content, and live TV-golf events.
With offices in Los Angeles and New York, Pro Shop will collaborate closely with the PGA Tour to expand its reach into new content areas and collaborations. The company's mission is to bridge the worlds of entertainment, commerce, and golf, catering to both players and fans of the sport.
By connecting golf to mainstream culture, Pro Shop aims to tap into the current cultural resurgence of the sport, fueled in part by increased interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company plans to explore acquisitions in golf fashion and potential partnerships in travel, tech, and fitness sectors.
Overall, Pro Shop envisions itself as a unique media company that brings together the consumer enthusiasm for golf with the professional game's grand stage. By uniting these two realms, the company aims to create a distinctive space in the entertainment landscape.
