Golf fans tuning into Friday afternoon PGA TOUR coverage on Golf Channel in 2026 will once again be greeted by one of the sport’s most relaxed and entertaining broadcast segments: Happy Hour with Smylie presented by Michelob Ultra. The popular feature, hosted by on‑course reporter and former PGA TOUR winner Smylie Kaufman, debuts during the Opening Drive at the Sony Open in Hawaii, bringing back the conversational, player‑friendly energy that made it a standout in 2025.
The segment has quickly become a staple of Friday broadcasts, offering a refreshing break from traditional tournament coverage. With its mix of casual conversation, live player interactions, and Kaufman’s signature charm, Happy Hour with Smylie has carved out a unique space in golf media—one that resonates with both players and viewers.
This year, the segment returns with renewed momentum and a new presenting sponsor logo from Michelob Ultra, which will be unveiled during Friday’s 8–9 p.m. ET broadcast window on Golf Channel.
A Look Back: How Happy Hour with Smylie Became a Fan Favorite
Smylie Kaufman’s transition from PGA TOUR competitor to on‑course broadcaster has been one of the more seamless and celebrated moves in recent golf media. Known for his easygoing personality and genuine rapport with fellow players, Kaufman brings an authenticity to the broadcast that feels more like a conversation among friends than a formal interview.
In 2025, Happy Hour with Smylie elevated that dynamic even further. The segment featured candid, often humorous live interviews with some of the game’s biggest names, including Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Kevin Kisner. Kaufman also welcomed notable athletes from outside the golf world, such as two‑time World Series Champion Roger Clemens, adding a cross‑sport appeal that broadened the segment’s reach.
These interactions weren’t scripted or stiff—they were spontaneous, relaxed, and often insightful. Players opened up about their rounds, their mindset, and even off‑course stories, creating a rare window into the personalities behind the scorecards. Fans responded enthusiastically, praising the segment for making PGA TOUR coverage feel more human, more fun, and more connected to the players they love.
The success of Happy Hour with Smylie is rooted in Kaufman’s ability to make players feel comfortable. His background as a TOUR professional gives him credibility, but it’s his personality—warm, relatable, and quick‑witted—that makes the segment shine.
Golf Channel EVP & GM Tom Knapp captured this perfectly when discussing the segment’s return: “Happy Hour with Smylie brings a different tone & energy to our Friday afternoon live broadcasts on Golf Channel. Smylie Kaufman’s natural relatability and authentic relationships create a very conversational vibe—as all happy hours have. He doesn’t force it.”
That conversational vibe is precisely what sets the segment apart. Kaufman doesn’t approach interviews with a rigid agenda. Instead, he reacts in real time, letting the players steer the conversation. The result is a broadcast moment that feels spontaneous and genuine—something increasingly rare in modern sports media.
Michelob Ultra’s Continued Partnership and New 2026 Branding
A key part of the segment’s identity is its presenting sponsor, Michelob Ultra, a brand long associated with active lifestyles and the golf community. Their return for 2026 reinforces the success and popularity of the partnership.
This year, Michelob Ultra introduces a new logo that will make its debut during the Sony Open broadcast. The refreshed branding aligns with the segment’s upbeat, social atmosphere and underscores the brand’s commitment to connecting with golf fans in meaningful, lifestyle‑driven ways.
The synergy between Kaufman’s laid‑back style and Michelob Ultra’s messaging has been a natural fit. The partnership enhances the segment without overshadowing it, allowing the content to remain player‑focused while still delivering strong brand visibility.
What Fans Can Expect in 2026
With its return, Happy Hour with Smylie is poised to build on the momentum of last season. Viewers can expect:
More Live Player Interactions
Kaufman’s on‑course access allows him to catch players in the moment—sometimes between shots, sometimes after a big putt, and sometimes during a walk down the fairway. These interactions often reveal candid insights that traditional booth interviews miss.
A Relaxed, Social Atmosphere
True to its name, the segment maintains a “happy hour” feel. It’s light, fun, and conversational, offering a welcome contrast to the intensity of tournament play.
Expanded Guest Variety
Given the success of past appearances by athletes like Roger Clemens, fans may see more cross‑sport guests or notable personalities from entertainment, fitness, or lifestyle spaces.
A Stronger Identity with New Branding
Michelob Ultra’s updated logo and continued support help solidify the segment as a signature part of Friday PGA TOUR coverage.
The Broader Impact on Golf Broadcasting
Happy Hour with Smylie reflects a broader trend in sports media: fans want more than scores and stats—they want personality, storytelling, and connection. Golf, in particular, has seen a surge in lifestyle‑driven content, from Netflix’s Full Swing to social‑media‑driven player engagement.
Kaufman’s segment taps into that demand by offering something that feels authentic rather than manufactured. It humanizes the players, showcases their humor and camaraderie, and brings viewers closer to the action in a way that traditional coverage often cannot.
As the PGA TOUR continues to evolve its media presence, segments like this help bridge the gap between competition and entertainment, making the sport more accessible to casual viewers while still delivering value to longtime fans.
A Strong Start to the 2026 PGA TOUR Season
With its season debut at the Sony Open in Hawaii, Happy Hour with Smylie sets the tone for another engaging year of PGA TOUR coverage. The combination of Kaufman’s personality, high‑profile guests, and Michelob Ultra’s refreshed branding ensures the segment remains a highlight of Friday broadcasts.
As fans tune in during the 8–9 p.m. ET hour on Golf Channel, they’ll once again experience the unique blend of insight, humor, and authenticity that has made Happy Hour with Smylie one of the most beloved additions to modern golf media.
Happy Hour with Smylie 2026 Schedule:
- January 16 – Sony Open in Hawaii
- January 23 – The American Express
- February 6 – WM Phoenix Open
- February 27 – Cognizant Classic
- March 6 – Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard
- March 13 – THE PLAYERS Championship
- March 20 – Valspar Championship
- March 27 – Texas Children’s Houston Open
- April 3 – Valero Texas Open
- May 1 – CadillacChampionship
- June 26 – Travelers Championship
- August 21 – BMW Championship
