Something I was glad to hear at Augusta

[bpatrick]

As irritated as I get with golf commentators outright
rooting for Tiger Woods (I know, he's ratings insurance),
I take my hat off to one announcer yesterday. Tiger had
just hit a tee shot and a spectator shouted that overused
"GET IN THE HOLE!" The announcer said, "Oh, no. Not at
Augusta." I'm glad to hear it and wish the announcers said it at
other tournaments. Of course, it says something about
changing modes of behavior that golf fans don't show the
decorum they once did. Oh, well. They ran "YOU THE MAN"
into the ground; maybe eventually they'll run this one too.

 

[whit979]

Some noobs don't understand the tradition and respect of Augusta. Then again, people who are on the sidelines yelling crap like it's a football game probably don't have any business being at any golf tournament. Go pull up a chair at the 19th hole and enjoy the show.

 

[jal41]

In the US, ESPN and CBS (since the 1950's) are not on multi-year contracts. Augusta National offers the tournament on a year by year basis. It is believed that this keeps the broadcasters in line with Augusta demands, which includes strict decorum by the announcers, and limits on commercials to four minutes per hour.

1960's and 1970's era broadcast style in the 21st Century. How Augusta National has been able to keep that up is a mystery.

 

[TheRob]

That sort of thing makes me laugh, when a spectator yells "get in the hole!" as Tiger Woods tees off on a 600-yard par 5.

 

[upstate29651]

1960's and 1970's era broadcast style in the 21st Century. How Augusta National has been able to keep that up is a mystery.

It's simple. Masters = eyeballs = money. If CBS broke from tradition, I'm sure NBC & ABC would be more than willing to abide by the rules.

G

 

[vibe]

But is total control on the part of A.N. detrimental or benefical to the viewer? Announcers are not allowed to comment on anything that remotely upsets the A.N. hierarchy. Why no discussion (on CBS, ESPN, or TGC) why this "major" is the weakest of all 4 majors since it has considerably smaller field (about 40% smaller) that the other 3 majors?

That fan (oops patron) was out of line but a verbal spanking by the CBS announcer was not necessary either.
When T.W. emits one of his very frequent "GDI's" does anyone ever take HIM to task? Taking the Lord's name in vain is a lot more serious than a stupid remark from someone who may have had one too many pimento sandwiches.

 

[Mario500]

That fan (oops patron) was out of line but a verbal spanking by the CBS announcer was not necessary either.
When T.W. emits one of his very frequent "GDI's" does anyone ever take HIM to task? Taking the Lord's name in vain is a lot more serious than a stupid remark from someone who may have had one too many pimento sandwiches.

I understand the phrase "get in the hole" might distract other players when it's shouted, but it's not a stupid remark if you were to think of another well-known phrase: a hole in one. By the way, I realized what you meant by "GDI" after the final sentence you wrote.

 

[radioguy555]

As far as the Masters broadcast, I notice that they still use the same graphics that they probably started using 13 or 14 years ago. It looks kind of odd in today's TV world, but I love the tradition and uniqueness of it all.

 

[radiolives]

I thought those graphics were only used in maybe the last couple years or so. Also during the week when The Masters were on ESPN how come ESPN didn't place their transparent logo in the bottom right?

 

[whit979]

I thought those graphics were only used in maybe the last couple years or so. Also during the week when The Masters were on ESPN how come ESPN didn't place their transparent logo in the bottom right?

I noticed today that CBS did not have their logo bug on the screen either. This must be one of the contractual agreements between the media and Augusta National.

 

[vibe]

2 observations:
1. On both a par 3 and on the green (w/ a 50 ft putt) there were multiple shouts of "get in the hole" after T.W. struck his shots. No problem with that comment sice presumably that's where T.W. was aiming.
2. In the opening minute or so CBS described A.N. as a "sacred sanctuary." It's just a golf course, albeit in pristine condition due the fact that it's closed down 3-4 months/yr, the fact that it gets 90% fewer rounds than most super hi end courses, and because of all the TV $$$$$$$ pumped into course changes/improvements/ much higher degree of course maintenance. But its a golf course, not a monastery.
I wonder if the membership is populated by at least a few CEO's whose organizations have received the taxpayers bailout money. Now THAT would be a good topic for 60 minutes, wouldn't it?

 

[KeithE4]

2 observations:
1. On both a par 3 and on the green (w/ a 50 ft putt) there were multiple shouts of "get in the hole" after T.W. struck his shots. No problem with that comment sice presumably that's where T.W. was aiming.

Golfers are such babies. Tiger Woods should try to sink a putt with the same distractions as Shaquille O'Neal has when attempting a free throw. ;D

2. In the opening minute or so CBS described A.N. as a "sacred sanctuary." It's just a golf course, albeit in pristine condition due the fact that it's closed down 3-4 months/yr, the fact that it gets 90% fewer rounds than most super hi end courses, and because of all the TV $$$$$$$ pumped into course changes/improvements/ much higher degree of course maintenance. But its a golf course, not a monastery.

"Sacred sanctuary" is a bit much, but Augusta National is considered a "shrine" in its sport, like old Yankee Stadium (boy is it weird saying that!), Lambeau Field, Madison Square Garden, Joe Louis Arena, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are in theirs. This is based on longevity/history, fan appeal, and championships/tournaments held in those places.

I wonder if the membership is populated by at least a few CEO's whose organizations have received the taxpayers bailout money. Now THAT would be a good topic for 60 minutes, wouldn't it?

Only if CBS wants the Masters on ABC or NBC next year.

 

[oldiesfan6479]

Only if CBS wants the Masters on ABC or NBC next year.

Or how about on Fox? Yeah, Joe Buck can host, along with with McCarver. :
(BTW, did they do a baseball game yesterday? They weren't in Anaheim.)
And don't forget all those whirrin' and wizzin' graphics.

 

[KeithE4]

Only if CBS wants the Masters on ABC or NBC next year.

Or how about on Fox? Yeah, Joe Buck can host, along with with McCarver. :
(BTW, did they do a baseball game yesterday? They weren't in Anaheim.)
And don't forget all those whirrin' and wizzin' graphics.

Nah, I was thinking ESPNonABC with Chris Berman and Dick Vitale.

Berman: "Tiger in your tank" Woods makes his shot..backbackbackbackbackbackbackback..."
Vitale: "He just made a hole in one! A dipsy-doo dunkaroo! Tiger Woods is awesome, bay-bee!"

Actually, a broadcast team of Vitale and John Madden would wake up those stuffy old geezers at Augusta National. Too bad it won't happen; Coach K and Brett Favre aren't professional golfers. ;D

 

[Robnoxious]

If CBS were to lose The Masters after 53 years, the last network I would see Augusta National talk to would be FOX. Hell, PBS would have a better shot at Masters coverage over FOX.

 

[jal41]

If CBS were to lose The Masters after 53 years, the last network I would see Augusta National talk to would be FOX. Hell, PBS would have a better shot at Masters coverage over FOX.

CBS aired the Masters without commercials in 2004 and 2005 after the Martha Burk protest in 2003 regarding women becoming members. The membership list includes the who's who of American business, from Jack Welch to Bill Gates, so it is concevable that the telecast could be bankrolled by donors and aired on PBS, with Georgia Public Broadcasting producing the event (they already produce live high-school sports playoffs with professional quality, so they have the capability).

But...CBS has been the broadcast partner for over 50 years. So unless something extreme happens involving one of the broadcasters, don't expect that to change. But given the old-fashioned "stuffy" nature of the membership and the way the deals are done, one little incident can cause a change in broadcast partners in a heartbeat.

 

[easttxtv]

As irritated as I get with golf commentators outright
rooting for Tiger Woods (I know, he's ratings insurance),
I take my hat off to one announcer yesterday. Tiger had
just hit a tee shot and a spectator shouted that overused
"GET IN THE HOLE!" The announcer said, "Oh, no. Not at
Augusta." I'm glad to hear it and wish the announcers said it at
other tournaments. Of course, it says something about
changing modes of behavior that golf fans don't show the
decorum they once did. Oh, well. They ran "YOU THE MAN"
into the ground; maybe eventually they'll run this one too.

Apparently the galleries were unaffected by the announcer...I still heard variations on the 'hole' cheer during today's round, especially during Tiger's and Phil's shots.

About the presentation/coverage, I found it refreshing to see the play WITHOUT bells/whistles/things added, and the limited commercial time was good too, although I catch myself sometimes wondering where the Cadillac and Travelers spots are 8)

Great to see clips of Tom Watson among the blasts from the past.

PS::: Get well soon, Seve!

 

[bpatrick]

I doubt if the "patron" even heard the CBS announcer
on Friday, and there's really nothing anyone can do
to stop people from saying it, any more than anyone
can stop Tiger's swearing when he makes a bad shot.
I just get tired of hearing "get in the hole" and am glad
somebody in higher places agrees--at least this once.

The Tiger-Phil matchup was still high drama, reminding
me somehow of Ali-Frazier or Ali-Foreman. But let's not
overlook the fact that neither is invincible, despite the
hype; the last three Masters winners are people you wouldn't
expect: Zach Johnson ('07), Trevor Immelman ('08), and
Angel Cabrera (this year).

 

[mjlarochelle]

Golf changed forever with Happy Gilmore. Oh, and there was also this yesterday...viewer discretion advised. Surprisingly this hasn't gotten much media attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlrxew-siIU