Working as a golf writer online, there are basically two rules you should know. First, anything Tiger Woods does is worth posting. Second, if isn't about Tiger, you damn well better mention the guy, because page views feed the kids, and Tiger equals page views. The interesting part about that is, people get upset about it. "Why are you talking about Tiger?!" "Why not mention the leaders?"
As a golf fan first and writer second, I find myself reacting that same way to the television coverage. As I'm viewing the Players Championship right now, Tiger is seven shots back of the leader, Alex Cejka, yet we have seen every single swing Tiger has made. At that same time, I haven't seen but a handful of Ian Poulter shots, and he sits in second place alone.
The idea is the same as mine. When Tiger is on the television, people tune in. When he isn't, they tend to find time to do other things.
That is partially the problem with our sport. People only care about Woods. Sure, he's earned that right with his play over the last 12 years, but at some point he is going to fade and what will we be left with? We're missing out on a chance to watch kids like Rory McIlroy (shown regularly but not often) and Anthony Kim (is he even in this tournament? You wouldn't know from watching). We starve for more Tiger and less anyone else. Even Phil Mickelson, the second most popular golfer on tour, and John Daly can't settle our appetite for Tiger.
What needs to happen now is for golfers (and fans) to appreciate the game more than one guy. If Tiger is playing, that's great, but he shouldn't always be the top story (and trust me, I'm as guilty as The Golf Channel). We need to find more interest in other players so when Tiger finally falters, and that bald spot continues to grow, we aren't left wondering where the Swoosh went.
It will eventually happen. I'm sure Tiger will be content when the day comes. The question is, will we?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-08-2009 @ 6:11PM
Rick said...
It's the moronic media, Rich Lerner on the golf channel is the worsthe'd blow Tiger in a New york minute!! Just have a Tiger cam in the lower corner of the screen, Nick Faldo in the middle of the leaders swing can say " Looks like Tigers headed for the LOO, likes like that tuna wraps knocking at the back door" and the leader just made another birdie!! Stop worrying about the happy gilmores and think about real golfers!!!
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5-09-2009 @ 10:10AM
Ali said...
Are u for Tiger or not? Your comment made no sense to me.
5-09-2009 @ 9:07AM
DGPeterson said...
I would not watch golf if it were not for Tiger Woods. That is why the game is so popular these days. It is all about Tiger. Win or Loose. Phil could be better, but not fun to watch. Who is dressing him these days. He should never wear tailor shirts, or white pants. Go Tiger go!
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5-09-2009 @ 10:13AM
Ali said...
I agree with DGPeterson. When Tiger was out last year because of having knee surgery I couldn't care less to watch golf. Win or lose, I'm always with Tiger and wish him well.
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5-09-2009 @ 3:00PM
futbook said...
Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. A great player but, a lot of other talent out there. The media has their heads so far up Tiger's butt, it's disgusting. Tiger this, Tiger that. He can be losing by 10 or more strokes but still gets all the air time.
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5-11-2009 @ 11:26AM
bilko said...
DG & Ali certainly are idiots. DG, do you really care who "dresses Phil?" Remember payola in the radio business? Pay a DJ to play a song repeatedly until the audience actually likes the song? Same thing with Tiger. He wasn't worth watching this weekend. Neither was Phil. My best friend works for CBS Sports (yes, I know the Players was on NBC) and the producers are under orders from CBS New York to show EVERY SHOT of Tiger Woods. It's BS. David Feherty joking with him and calling him a loser is a featured video on You Tube. It's man made hype. Most golfers I know want to see the leaders -- NOT TIGER WOODS. And Rick, you are spot on about Rich Lerner. He is to Tiger what Keith Olbermann is to Obama -- a sick sycophant!
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5-11-2009 @ 5:03PM
ecjones19 said...
So what do you have - 4 minutes or so between shots? Show every shot of Tiger - he's # 1 and has earned it. But show the others also. I tuned onto the Golf Channel at 11:30C and not one other golf was talked about until approx. 12:07. Give me a break!!
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