Icons Series: A Fusion Of Sport And Entertainment
On the 30th June, sport and entertainment will come together in a new and innovative concept that will take place on the golf course. The ICONS Series brings together some of biggest names in sport to compete in a 10-hole round.
We caught up with ICONS Series founder Thomas Brookes to find out more…
What is the ICONS Series?
Icons Series is a world-first, innovative new concept in sport, lifestyle and entertainment. We are bringing together an array of global Icons from world sport who have a passion for golf and use their platform to inspire change in the world. The series celebrates everything positive about Golf such as its civility, sporting spirit, and the profound test of skill and wits.
The Icons will be taking part in a unique competition format. The 10-hole course means that every shot really does count. On the first day of the tournament, the series will go between the fourballs, and the greensomes formats, before on the final day doing the same as well as having singles.
What was the inspiration behind the Series?
The inspiration behind the series is to encourage a younger audience to try out golf and get them more involved in the sport. Traditionally, golf has been seen as a sport for the older citizen, and one that excludes a lot of people.
I want this series to break down these barriers and expose golf in an entertaining way to a new and dynamic audience and hopefully inspire them to pick up a golf club and get playing.
Which stars are involved?
The series will have two teams of 12, both captained by iconic golfers, who are two major winners. Team USA is headed by Fred Couples, along with: Michael Phelps, Michael Strahan, Ben Roethlisberger, J.R. Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Robbie Gould, John Smoltz, Marshall Faulk and Reggie Bush; with three more icons to be announced soon.
The rest of the world team is captained by Ernie Els, and making up the rest of the team are: Harry Kane, Pep Guardiola, Ash Barty, Canelo Alvarez, Ab De Villiers, James Milner, George Gregan, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Ivan Rodriguez and Yuvraj Singh; with one more icon to be revealed in due course.
The roster of Icons making up the 2022 Icons Series event are wonderful examples of individuals willing to use their influence to make a difference to good causes and maximise their impact on communities and society at large.
The ICONS Series seems like a merge of sport and entertainment, why is that important and how that help it succeed?
The entertainment side of the event is crucial and is what will make it a success. The punchy formats and innovative broadcast outputs, coupled with the unique and wide variety of icons on each roster, will make the series incredibly fun to watch.
A lot of the time, people watch sport to be entertained, and to see their team or favourite icon win. The two go hand in hand and so is vital. The series will be a success because the sport on offer is new and interesting, while the Icons and various cutting-edge broadcasters on top of this cap of the merging of sport and entertainment.
What partnerships are already confirmed, and how will the commercial deals help drive the Series forward?
We have a plethora of commercial deals already announced, with others in the works and to be announced soon. Currently, our partners are: Reflo, Hendrick’s Gin, Arccos, Viztek Sports Media, Tour Tee, Champagne Piaff and Ernie Els Wines.
These commercial partners are of great importance to the Icons Series. This is simply because they will help to increase our viewing base of fans, as well as providing us with new sources of revenue streams that will enable us to put on more series, in a wider selection of countries, throughout the whole year.
How important is the purpose-driven side of the Series?
The importance of our social and environmental impact cannot be overstated. Social, environmental impact and charitable partnerships are embedded at the heart of Icons Series operations as we aim to leave a legacy of significance at each of the destinations on our global schedule.
We are seeking to minimize our impact on the environment by initiating a five-shot plan and going ‘tee-to-green’ as quickly and cleanly as possible. This goes hand in hand with why we got the icons that we have involved in the series. They are all involved, or have been involved, in a range of fantastic initiatives that have raised the profile of key societal issues.
The charities we are partnered are very close to the series’ heart. We aim to enhance the inspirational work they all do to support those people that the charities help.
How much access will viewers get to the players?
We have a unique opportunity to allow the viewer to get up close and personal to the Icons. Each of them will be mic’d up and the whole event will be open access to broadcasters. The whole concept of the Icons Series Is to take the viewer Inside the event, from the locker room,, to the range and then out on the course. The players take their golf incredibly seriously and are going out there to win, the viewer will be with them every Inch of the way and will get a real feel of the mindset of these great sporting heroes and what has taken them to the very pinnacle of their respective sports.
How can people watch the ICON Series?
To date, we have secured three global broadcast partners: Fox Sports, Sky Sports and Peacock, for viewers in America and the UK to enjoy. Do make sure you tune into the event on 30th June to 1st July 2022
Tickets to the event are still available, children that are accompanied by an adult go free, with adult tickets starting from $70 per person. This includes return transport to and from Liberty National Golf Club.
