The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has issued a reminder to its members following reports that representatives from the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) have been contacting golf facilities across the country. These visits and calls are part of MPLC’s ongoing effort to ensure that businesses are properly licensed to show movies and television content in public spaces.
Unlike music licensing organizations such as ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) or BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), the MPLC represents the motion picture industry and is authorized under federal trademark protection laws to license the public performance of copyrighted visual content.
The NGCOA advises club managers to carefully review the content being displayed on TVs in their clubhouses, restaurants, or fitness centers. While most golf and country clubs typically tune into sports programming, some may also offer general entertainment or streaming services for guests — which could expose them to licensing violations if not properly covered.
Golf clubs that subscribe to DIRECTV Business packages are in a favorable position, according to NGCOA, because those packages are designed to cover public performance rights for approved broadcast channels. However, that coverage does not extend to privately purchased movies, DVDs, or streaming apps used within the clubhouse. That’s when a separate MPLC license becomes necessary.
The MPLC was established to protect the rights of film and television producers by licensing public performances in commercial venues, including hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Violations can carry significant fines, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars per instance.
Experts emphasize that the goal is not to penalize but to ensure fair compensation for content creators. It’s about respecting intellectual property,. Golf courses are public gathering places, and just like any business, they need to make sure they’re legally displaying content.
For golf club operators, the best approach is to review all content sources, confirm what’s included under their current subscriptions, and seek clarification from service providers if needed. NGCOA encourages its members to reach out with questions or to consult directly with licensing organizations to ensure compliance.
As media consumption habits evolve, the intersection of technology, entertainment, and business responsibility continues to grow more complex. When it comes to showing content in your facility, the best policy is simple — when in doubt, check it out.
