By Jeff Gilder
Over the past year or so, I personally have lost (or failed to acquire) sponsorship opportunities that ultimately went to other sports series such as the Korn Ferry Tour. Let me begin by saying, that I LOVE the Korn Ferry Tour. I’m a huge fan of anything golf related, and I am not writing this to negatively reflect on that series….they just happen to be an example in two such lost opportunities. We lose in these situations because of perception. The Korn Ferry Tour is perceived to be a much bigger draw than long drive, and specifically ULD. The facts may surprise you. WingDing MEDIA™ is mentioned in this article since we use the platform to distribute ULD content. Yes, I founded and am an owner of WingDing. Part of the reason behind it’s development was for the distribution of niche sports content….from entities such as ULD. If you engage on WingDin, you’ll see much more nick sports content there in the coming months. This article is the beginning of us “taking off the gloves”, so to speak, and claiming the space.
In the fast-evolving landscape of content sponsorship, standing out means delivering unmatched reach and engagement. Ultimate Long Drive (ULD) has been leveraging WingDing MEDIA™ since 2021 to distribute its thrilling content, and the results speak volumes. With WingDing MEDIA™ achieving 30 million views in 2024 as a mid-tier streaming platform, ULD accounts for about one-third of that total—roughly 10 million views—putting it head and shoulders above competitors like the Korn Ferry Tour (KFT). Even more impressive? Golf content, including ULD, drives about 60% of WingDing’s overall viewership, creating a powerhouse niche for sponsors. Here’s why ULD, fueled by WingDing’s innovative distribution, outshines the KFT and other entities…. and offers brands superior value.
Distribution Channels: Expansive Reach vs. Selective Broadcasts
WingDing MEDIA sets ULD apart by syndicating content across a diverse array of platforms, ensuring broad accessibility and active promotion. Views pour in from Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, X, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. This multi-platform strategy isn’t passive—WingDing actively markets ULD’s high-energy golf events, driving virality and sustained engagement year-round.
Compare that to the Korn Ferry Tour, which sticks to a more conventional model. KFT events air primarily on the Golf Channel (NBC Sports), with streaming via the NBC Sports app, Peacock, ESPN+, and services like fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. International coverage comes through partners like Sky Sports or DAZN, but it’s limited. Only about 10 events per season get televised, often behind cable paywalls, restricting discoverability and appeal compared to ULD’s accessible, marketed ecosystem on WingDing.
Viewership Metrics: Dominant Scale vs. Niche Numbers
The numbers highlight ULD’s edge. WingDing’s 30 million views in 2024 mark its rise to mid-tier status, with golf content comprising 60% (~18 million views) and ULD claiming one-third of the platform’s total (~10 million views). This consistent, on-demand viewership reflects WingDing’s marketing prowess and ULD’s compelling appeal in the golf space.
In stark contrast, the KFT’s metrics fall short. Golf Channel broadcasts average 50,000 to 150,000 viewers per round, with recent figures around 69,000 to 77,000. Peaks reach 239,000, but lows hit 46,000. With just ~10 televised events (3-4 broadcasts each), annual viewer instances total an estimated 3-5 million—far below ULD’s 10 million. Streaming boosts it slightly, but the KFT’s developmental niche and limited promotion keep overall reach underwhelming. ULD’s viewership on WingDing is 2-3 times greater, delivering sponsors more impressions and impact.
Audience Demographics: Broad Appeal vs. Limited Fanbase
ULD benefits from WingDing’s diverse audience, attracting golf enthusiasts and beyond across ages and interests. The platform’s interactive formats—like live streams on Twitch or shares on Facebook—foster high engagement, making it perfect for brands seeking dynamic exposure in golf’s growing digital space.
The KFT, however, targets a narrower crowd of dedicated golf fans, often older and more passive. Even in outliers like the 2023 Barstool Sports stream (82% under 35), the audience remains small. Without WingDing-level marketing, KFT sponsors miss the broader, energized reach that ULD provides.
The Sponsorship Advantage: Why ULD via WingDing Wins
ULD outshines the KFT because of WingDing’s platform power—offering larger scale, year-round flexibility, and innovative marketing at potentially better ROI. Golf’s 60% dominance on WingDing amplifies ULD’s ~10 million views, dwarfing KFT’s metrics and proving why brands should invest here.
If you’re vying for sponsorship dollars against less impressive options, choose ULD on WingDing for real results. Contact WingDing MEDIA™ today to explore customized opportunities and elevate your brand!
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