ORLANDO, Fla. -- Golf Channel will combine exclusive early round live tournament coverage with Live From The Players news reporting for 35 hours of The Players programming.

Golf Channel's Brian Hammons and Nick Faldo will spearhead 12 hours of live tournament coverage, in HD, airing next Thursday - Friday (May 7-8) at 1 p.m. ET. At 9 p.m. ET, the network will air a condensed three hour prime-time replay that will be infused with topical features.

Originating from the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass's Stadium Course, Live From The Players, the network's signature news show produced in HD, goes inside the ropes throughout the week with live news reports, authoritative analysis and compelling features from a variety of angles to provide viewers a comprehensive examination of The Players. Coverage begins Tuesday - Wednesday (May 5-6) at 2 p.m. ET with pre-tournament news conferences and continues with a preview show at 6 p.m. ET each evening. Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m. ET, and 12:30 p.m. ET on the weekend, Live From The Players will preview each round with player interviews and analysis, as well as up-to-the-minute leaderboard updates. A tournament wrap-up airs after each round at 7 p.m. ET.

Live From The Players team will include: Vince Cellini, Rich Lerner, Steve Sands, Kelly Tilghman, Brandel Chamblee, Frank Nobilo, Charlie Rymer, Inga Hammond, Scott Walker, Alex Miceli, and John Hawkins.

In addition, GolfChannel.com's team of writers will contribute to the popular shag bag blog with entries and posts throughout the week, along with daily columns, news articles features and breaking news.

Golf Channel Airtimes for The Players (all times ET)
Thursday, May 7 1-7 p.m. / 9 p.m.-midnight (Replay)
Friday, May 8 1-7 p.m. / 9 p.m.-midnight (Replay)

Live From The Players TV Times (all times ET)
Tuesday, May 5 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6: 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6: 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday, May 7: 7-9 p.m.
Friday, May 8: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Friday, May 8: 7-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 9: 12:30 -2 p.m.
Saturday, May 9: 7-9 p.m.
Sunday, May 10: 12:30-2 p.m.
Sunday, May 10: 7-9 p.m.

For more information contact Golf Channel public relations at 407-355-4653.