I see an opportunity for someone here.....
Q: Do I need to have a patent to participate?
A: No, you do not need a patent to submit your idea nor to audition; but for your own protection, you should file a patent or provisional patent application (or have a current patent pending) in order to participate in the series.
Q: Can you help me to patent my invention?
A: No, Golf Channel cannot represent you or provide legal counsel in your patent acquisition. You will need to contact The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or a patent attorney, for more information.
Seems like someone should be heading over to TGC forum and see if he can fish anyone in...