IAGA Insider Digest Series
Breaking Boundaries: The Power of Live Streaming at the Chicago Adaptive Open
In our conversation with the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA), we discussed how they ventured boldly into new territory with the live broadcast of their Inaugural Chicago Adaptive Open. This forward-thinking event not only introduced a new level of excellence for adaptive competitions, but also marked a pivotal advance in the journey toward inclusivity in golf. The decision to provide live coverage elevated the event’s profile, adding a level of professionalism and visibility that was both meaningful and impactful to the adaptive community.
Casey Richards, the CDGA’s Senior Managing Director of Communications and Marketing, recalls how quickly the idea materialized, “Once we decided to hold the event in early January 2024, we wanted to find ways to make this inaugural event special. Beyond administrative enhancements like offering a purse, we saw live streaming as a powerful tool to spotlight the event and give it a broader appeal within and beyond the golf community.”
The event itself is already unique and special, so adding a live coverage element was something that helped take it to the next level. Richards and Tim Merrick, the CDGA’s Senior Director of Communications, highlighted that live coverage was not something the CDGA had ventured into before. The goal was to create a production that felt professional and engaging, something viewers would expect from a televised event. “If we were going to do it, we wanted to do it right,” said Merrick.
For the CDGA, entering the realm of live streaming required a steep learning curve. Merick described the process: “We put out feelers to various companies to see what this would look like, what it would cost, and what resources would be required. We wanted this to be really well-produced, not just a one or two-camera setup. Ultimately, we decided to work with College Golf Network, a company experienced in live streaming amateur and college events.”
The CDGA’s partnership with College Golf Network led to meticulous planning sessions that began in March 2024, just a few months before the event. “We had bi-monthly calls to plan out everything—from graphics and logos to the format of the stream. We wanted to make sure we were prepared to deliver a top-tier production,” said Merick. This level of planning was crucial, especially since live streaming a golf event involves numerous variables, ranging from camera placements to the selection of featured holes and groups.
The CDGA’s efforts were not made in isolation. They drew on the USGA’s Adaptive Golf Playbook, particularly in terms of terminology and storytelling strategies. Richards explained, “We wanted to balance the competition aspect with telling the remarkable stories of the competitors. The USGA’s coverage of other adaptive events provided a lot of content that we synthesized to figure out the best way to spotlight these stories.”
Additionally, CDGA staff members traveled to other adaptive events across the country to observe and learn. These visits allowed the team to fine-tune their approach and really piece together the details for their event. Lastly, the CDGA knew it would need to recruit volunteers to help pull this off, and they were able to get 70 people to help out.
One of the biggest challenges in producing a live stream of this scale was the cost, both in terms of money and resources. “We built it into our overall budget, but we also had opportunities to monetize the stream through corporate sponsorships,” Richards noted. The planning and execution were time-consuming, requiring extensive involvement from the CDGA communications team, who had to balance their usual duties with the demands of producing a live event.
Another challenge was determining the structure of the stream. The CDGA opted to feature specific holes rather than individual groups, ensuring that every competitor would be shown at least a few times. However, they learned that hole choices can significantly impact the flow of the broadcast. “We chose the 16th and 18th holes, but the 16th had a water hazard, which led to some awkward dead time. You want to be strategic about what holes you pick in terms of the ones that are going to be the most playable and provide the most opportunity for highlight moments,” Richards added.
The success of the live stream has set a new standard for the CDGA. With over 1,500 total views and overwhelmingly positive feedback from players and their families, live coverage will become a staple of the Chicago Adaptive Open in the future. “The total watch time exceeded 400 hours, and the feedback was off the charts,” said Richards. The success of this event has also opened the door to potentially live-streaming other CDGA Championships.
For other associations considering a similar venture, Richards and Merick emphasize the importance of thorough planning and resource allocation. “It’s time-consuming and resource-intensive, but the impact it had on our event made it all worth it,” Richards reflected. Merick added, “Seeing the joy and fulfillment that the adaptive golfers got from the event, and knowing that we were able to share that with a wider audience, made all the challenges worthwhile.”
The live coverage of the Chicago Adaptive Open wasn’t just about broadcasting a golf tournament—it was about producing a high-quality, engaging experience that showcased the incredible stories of adaptive athletes. By investing in a professional production, the CDGA not only spotlighted their event, but also redefined how live coverage can enhance visibility and inclusivity in golf.
By: Santana Shipley