‘Shotmakers’ Is a Game-Changer for Golf Channel This Spring

No water hazards. No penalty strokes. And best of all, no putting.

See golf in a whole new way when Golf Channel launches Shotmakers, an innovative competition premiering April 9. Nine mixed teams of two players put their shot-making precision to the test in a high-pressure, fast-paced contest for cash and prizes at Topgolf in Las Vegas.

Among the 18 competitors are professional golfers, former college athletes, a World Long Drive winner, a trick-shot artist, decorated military veterans and champions from the Topgolf Tour.

Shotmakers consists of seven rounds airing Monday and Tuesday nights at 9/8c beginning April 9 and wrapping up with one team left standing in the finale April 30.

While Topgolf venues are known for their fun and relaxed atmosphere, Shotmakers amps up the pressure as teams go head-to-head in tests of shot accuracy, distance and control. Each shot will be visualized by Topgolf’s  Toptracer technology, which immediately displays the ball’s flight, speed, distance and curve onscreen. 

Shotmakers video preview:

“We wanted it to be a little more strategic and a little more dramatic than when you’re playing on a Friday night with your buddies,” says Keith Allo, Golf Channel vice president of programming development and original productions. Allo describes Shotmakers as similar to an American Ninja Warrior for golf. “We wanted to emulate the pressure of real golf and the pressure of real tournament play.” 

Three-time NCAA Player of the Year Amanda Blumenherst and Shane Bacon host Shotmakers along with Golf Channel reporter Chantel McCabe and social media correspondent Alexandra O’Laughlin. 

SHOTMAKERS TEAMS

IMPACT, sponsored by CDW:
Susana Benavides (27, Cochabamba, Bolivia) Professional golfer, only Bolivian-born golfer to compete on the LPGA Tour, former top-ranked amateur in South America.
Tommy Biershenk (44, Greenville, S.C.) Former PGA TOUR professional, two-time All-American at Clemson University, golf course owner.

SHARKS, sponsored by Corona Premier:
Tania Tare (29, Auckland, New Zealand) Professional golfer, trick-shot artist, record-holder for lowest single round while competing for Florida International University with a 63.
Maurice Allen (36, Pine Hills, Fla.) Former World No. 1 World Long Drive competitor, 3-time World Long Drive winner, All-American at Florida A&M in track.

STRIKERS, sponsored by Travelocity:
Victoria Lovelady (31, Sao Paolo, Brazil) Professional golfer currently competing on the Symetra and Ladies European Tour, Olympian who represented Brazil in 2016 Rio Olympics.
Robbie Biershenk (41, Greenville, S.C.) Driving range owner, former mini-tour player, featured on Golf Channel’s Chasing the Dream series.

LIGHTNING, sponsored by MGM Grand:
Kenzie O’Connell (26, Denver, Colo.) Golf teaching instructor, Women With Drive ambassador.
Chad Pfeifer (36, Caldwell, Idaho) Professional golfer, decorated U.S. Army Corporal (retired) who credits golf saving his life, two-time Warrior Open champion, amputee (lower leg).

SEEKERS, sponsored by Waste Management
Christina Lecuyer (35, Conway, Ark.) Professional corporate/charity golf host and media personality, two-time All-American from the University of Central Arkansas, former professional golfer.
Matt Cousens (26, London, England) PGA teaching professional, 2017 Topgolf Tour Championship runner-up with fellow Shotmakers competitor Brad Barnes.

WARRIORS, sponsored by Avis:
Nikki Bondura (25, Sacramento, Calif.) Golf lifestyle blogger, co-owner of Women With Drive.
Brad Barnes (23, London, England) 2017 Topgolf Tour Championship runner-up with fellow Shotmakers competitor Matt Cousens.

ACES, sponsored by Topgolf:
Tisha Abrea (24, Murrieta, Calif.) Professional golfer competing on the mini-tours in 2018, co-owner of Women With Drive.
Jamie Puterbaugh (33, Carlsbad, Calif.) PGA of America professional and teaching instructor, 2016-17 Topgolf Tour Championship finalist with fellow Shotmakers competitor Peter Campbell.

RINGERS, sponsored by Massage Envy:
Hailey Ostrom (24, Phoenix, Ariz.) Professional golfer currently competing on mini tours.
Andrew Bachelder (36, Fort Worth, Texas) 2015 Warrior Open champion, decorated U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant (retired) who credits golf with saving his life.

HAWKS, sponsored by Topgolf:
Chelsea Pezzola (25, Scottsdale, Ariz.) Professional golfer, standout junior golfer at IMG Academy, two-time Academic All-Big Ten at University of Michigan.
Peter Campbell (33, Carlsbad, Calif.) Former PGA TOUR professional, golf instructor, 2016-17 Topgolf Tour Championship finalist with fellow Shotmakers competitor Jamie Puterbaugh.