Golf Channel brings in Ray Romano for retooling; reality show tries to improve game of a celeb

Ray Romano going to golf doctor for reality show

NEW YORK — Comic Ray Romano is going to the golf doctor.

The Golf Channel says the “Everybody Loves Raymond” star will be the focus of its new reality series, “The Haney Project.” The series follows Tiger Woods’ swing coach Hank Haney as he tries to improve the game of a celebrity.

The first season of “The Haney Project” with former NBA player Charles Barkley was the second-highest rated program in the network’s history. Only “The Big Break,” about competing for a spot on the professional tour, did better. The Golf Channel started in 1995.

Barkley’s appeal was his hideously bad swing. Funnyman Romano, who’s “obsessed” with golf and wants to get better, will add entertainment value to the show, said Tom Stathakes, the network’s programming chief.

The Romano project is expected to air in March.

The Golf Channel is trying to become more than just putts and slices. “Law & Order” actor Anthony Anderson is host of a news program called “Golf in America,” and the network is filming a reality series about troubled golfer John Daly.