Of all the networks, CBS has to be the worst at covering golf. I tuned in to watch John Daly, but he has dropped back from the top of the leaderboard, so they won’t show him at all.
Oh, excuse me. Daly makes two birdies in a row and they decide to show one of his putts.
On top of that, they were discussing Vijay Singh’s election into the Golf Hall of Fame. What other sport allows someone to get into their HoF while still playing? Then, one of the announcers made the comment that the vote system is obviously flawed because Singh only got 56% of the votes. “It’s a travesty that someone with Vijay’s record gets only 56% of the votes.” Normally, at least 65% is required. But when nobody gets that amount, the top vote-getter gets in as long as he received at least 50%.
The travesty is that Singh is in. He has had a very good career, but it isn’t yet over. Why is it important for him to even be considered?
Back to CBS. Terrible. Only the players in first or second place get any coverage. Then, there are plenty of non-tournament segments.
When I drink whiskey, I drink whiskey. When I drink water, I drink water. When I watch golf, I want to watch golf. I don’t want to see only the shots made by the player currently leading, and a bunch of filler and commercials.
Oh, I think NBC has the worst coverage, not just golf but all sports. They always seem to miss the big plays and your are left to watch replays.
At least the CBS announcers have an idea about the sports they cover. The only one at NBC who does, now that Marv Alberts is on TNT, is Bob Costas. And he’s only around for the big-ticket events such as the Olympics. I’m sad they are getting the NFL again. They have made it hard to watch Notre Dame football, so Sunday night games will be quite disappointing.
Comment by Slice — April 25, 2005 @ 2:33 pm
Costas is a journalist–a writer who happens to be in television, much like George Will. Both are baseball experts, as good as any of their predecesors in covering the game. Their skill with words sets them above the rest, and their knowledge of the games they cover elevate them to a level few others can match.
Peter Kessler was always my favorite interviewer. Arnie fired him from the Golf Channel when Peter dared to berate him for using equipment not approved by the USGA. Nicklaus did them same, but Palmer has no more power over him now than he did in the ’60s!
I think it’s time to import some more Brits for golf coverage. The old classical education still yields benefits in that venue!
Comment by Bunker — April 26, 2005 @ 1:56 pm