-By Katy Bachman, Mediaweek

NEW YORK Backed by funding from a group of investors led by Red Eagle Ventures, Sports Retail Networks plans to roll out The Golf Network to more than 100 retail locations in the next two months. By early 2009, the digital out-of-home net hopes to expand its distribution to more than 400 locations, increasing to 1,000 by 2010.

The new digital network is addressable, enabling it to deliver targeted content and advertising over the Internet to large, flat-screen displays placed in high-traffic consumer areas within retail stores. The network also uses radio frequency identification (RFID) mobile messaging and interactive displays to trigger promotions at the point of purchase.

"In extensive audited production tests, TGN increased retail revenues as high as 30 percent at sporting goods stores, golf specialty shops and green grass pro shops," said Alan Donahue, co-founder and evp of SRN, which has been testing the network in the Midwest.

The network is working on deals with several retailers including Dunham's Sporting Goods, Golf, Etc., Golf USA, Pro Golf and ParMasters. For content, TGN is mostly self-produced, but it is also seeking partners.

In a related development, David Pottruck, an investor with Red Eagle, has joined the company as chairman of the board.