ORLANDO, Fla. -- Golf fans are getting a holiday treat today as GOLF CHANNEL launches its own separate, high-definition channel into more than 12 million homes across the United States.

"Golf is one of the sports that is best-watched in high definition," said GOLF CHANNEL President Page Thompson. "Because it’s played around the world at some of the most beautiful locations - and not just on a static playing field - the enhancement that HD can bring to the viewing experience is dramatic."

GOLF CHANNEL HD will simulcast with its standard-definition channel. Both channels will cover more than 100 tournaments in 2009 featuring many of the world’s best players, like Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim and Phil Mickelson. Included will be more than 40 events from the PGA TOUR, as well as the LPGA Tour, European Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour. Also, marquee events like The Presidents Cup and Solheim Cup will be featured.

The first three events of the PGA TOUR season will be carried exclusively on GOLF CHANNEL, including the opening Mercedes-Benz Championship from the picturesque Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii, which will be televised in high definition for the first time.

More than 2,100 total hours and more than 750 original hours will air in native HD in 2009, including new, original series like Project Barkley with Hank Haney, Golf in America and Big Break, and specials such as Uneven Fairways.