-- Golf FanHouse

Dan LeBatard Doesn't Think Tiger Woods Is an Athlete, Golf a Sport

Posted: Jun 18th 2008 2:29 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN

I like Dan LeBatard. He doesn't take himself too seriously, he's a solid writer, and he seems to annoy the hell out of Mr. Tony. But while chatting it up with the The Big Lead yesterday, he gave quite possibly the most ridiculous answer to an honest question since Phil Mickelson insisted he's grown an inch in the last year.

Q: LeBatard, what's your views on Tiger and whether or not he's an athlete and if he is, where does he rank among other greats?

LEBATARD: not an athlete.....what he does is a skill, not a sport....it is like being a brain surgeon or a seamstress.....golf isn't a sport....you can't be eating an apple during key moments of athletic triumph.....that said, he's a better athlete than everyone else doing that.....but it isn't a sport when someone carries your stuff and the most grueling thing you do is walk

Wow, that's short-sighted. Maybe LeBatard was joking (Mr. Tony plays golf!), but let's assume he wasn't. What makes an athlete? That's kinda tough to answer, but does anybody consider Dmitri Young more of an athlete than Woods? And is baseball more of a "sport" than golf? I mean, didn't Manny take a water bottle with him to left field a few years ago? Is that any better than eating an apple (or in Young's case, a pizza)?

Chris Berman Defends Shtick, Will Be in the Booth for U.S. Open

Posted: Jun 6th 2008 12:49 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

6 COMMENTS

This is great news for, well, Chris Berman: the ESPN "personality"/gasbag will be at Torrey Pines next week doing the play-by-play for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open. He's been a fixture at the event since 1986, so it's hardly surprising, but much like a scheduled colonoscopy, just because you know it's coming doesn't make it any more enjoyable.

Earlier this year, there were concerns that Berman could be part of ESPN's Masters coverage; fortunately, the Green Jacket Mafia* had no interest in being associated with the traveling one-clown circus.

Interestingly, the consensus seems to be that Berman, golf announcer, is a bigger train wreck, than Berman, angry guy with combover. Quite a feat, for sure, yet, ESPN keeps trotting him out for the Open.

Yesterday, the San Diego Union-Tribune's Jay Posner spoke with Berman about the perception that he's a buffoon, and, predictably, he defended his shtick:

"First of all," he said, "it's unfair because if you're on the air for six hours and heaven forbid I say, 'Ground control to David Toms,' you're writing it like I said it 500 times. Not the case."

Yes, because nothing makes a golf telecast more enjoyable for the viewer than to be distracted by the banal ramblings of a guy in love his own voice. But it gets better. In response to the charge that he puts himself above the event he's broadcasting, Berman offered this:

Win a Chance for a Bob Knight Beatdown, Support Cancer Research in the Process

Posted: Apr 23rd 2008 11:20 AM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN

2 COMMENTS

This might be the worst fundraising idea ever. The only saving grace is that it's for a great cause, although the Dick Vitale Gala for Cancer Research organizers should consider taking out extra personal-injury insurance in case the way-too-obvious eventuality is realized:

As part of his yearly fundraiser for cancer research, Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale is offering the opportunity for a round of golf with Bob Knight and John Havlicek on May 16 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.

Bids for two threesomes will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Saturday for nine holes with each basketball legend.

Bids start at $10,000 and include 18 holes of golf in the morning, a pre-gala party and the third annual Dick Vitale Gala for Cancer Research that evening at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

I suppose nine holes is in everyone's best interest; if nothing else, it'll minimize the chances Knight wraps a putter around some guys head for a seemingly innocuous comment about chairs or something. To be fair, Knight has mellowed since retiring, although, as FanHouse's Chad Rich suggests (via Knight's cat, via MJD), that may have more to do with the mind-numbingly awful Digger Phelps and his highlighter.

So here's to hoping Doug Gottlieb is the high bidder. Not only would the money go to a worthy cause, but there's a better than 50 percent chance that Knight maims Gottlieb before the third hole. That's a win for cancer research and college basketball.

UPDATE: FanHouse reader Johnny leaves moving-pictures proof of what Gottlieb can expect. Which makes me think pay-per-view is the way to go.

Hat tip: Larry Brown Sports

ESPN's Masters Coverage Draws Huge Ratings Even Without Chris Berman

Posted: Apr 13th 2008 8:05 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

1 COMMENT

Apparently, the ESPN yukkety yuks in charge of this year's Masters programming were right to leave Chris Berman at home (preparing for the NFL Draft, no doubt). The Network has been internationally televising the tournament since 1993, but this was the first year it covered it domestically. In addition to the first two rounds, ESPN also carried the Par-3 Contest, the first time the event was ever put on the teevees.

And it went better than anybody could've imagined:

The broadcast of the second round Friday was the most-viewed golf telecast on cable, producing a 3.1 rating. It's the first time either of the first two rounds of the Masters has drawn a 3.0 rating. Coverage of Thursday's first round produced a 2.2 rating. ...

"We are very excited about both the broadcast and new media results from our initial domestic association with ESPN," Masters chairman Billy Payne said. "This expanded reach, along with our other initiatives, significantly helps us with our goal of growing the game of golf."

The next logical question is how can ESPN expand their coverage going forward. Which, for fans who don't respond particularly well to the Skip Bayless-ing of the sports news landscape, raises all sorts of concerns.

Luckily, Augusta National, unlike professional sports leagues, doesn't care about money. There's a reason we get to watch The Masters with "limited commercial interruptions." It's because the green-jacketed mafia feels the commercialization of their little event somehow sullies its good name.

Of course, the net worth of Augusta's members is well into the billions of dollars (Bill Gates is in the club), so it's not like they're looking to make a quick buck . Whatever, thank God for really rich old white dudes.

Augusta National Might Want to Consider Televising 'Patron Race Walk' Next Year

Posted: Apr 12th 2008 12:55 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

2 COMMENTS

Augusta National is all about tradition. From the green jackets and the ceremonial tee shot, to the limited commercial interruptions and the silly rule about calling everybody "patrons." The club has an almost religious following, so it's hard to argue.

I mentioned earlier some of the things viewers miss while sitting on the couch. Well, I've got another one: watching patrons make their way to prime viewing locales around the course. It sounds simple enough: situate yourself at a particular tee box/fairway/green and wait for the golfers.

That strategy might work at the John Deere Classic, but it doesn't fly at a major championship, especially at The Masters. Ron Sirak explains the unintentional comedy that takes place every morning:

The parking lots open at 6 a.m. The gates open at 7 and patrons are allowed on the golf course at 8. So what you have between 7 and 8 is thousands of people waiting on the edge of the course in eager anticipation of claiming a prime viewing spot. For the third round. The challenge is this: Running is prohibited at Augusta National.

Mike Tirico Doesn't Want to Talk About Why Chris Berman Isn't at The Masters

Posted: Apr 10th 2008 5:29 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

5 COMMENTS

Chris Berman is still not on the property at Augusta National. I have yet to hear anybody complain. To echo my thoughts from last month: I'd say (no Berman at The Masters is a) victory for democracy and a blow to chubby, narcissistic windbags.

Perhaps a bit much, but there's only so much a guy can take.

On Tuesday, the Washington Post's Leonard Shapiro questioned ESPN's claim that it was their decision to not send "Bluster" Berman to Augusta. According to ESPN executive vice president John Wildhack, Berman is too busy preparing for ESPN's NFL draft coverage. Shockingly, Shapiro was skeptical, as would anybody be who's seen Berman previously cover the NFL draft. If he actually prepares for that, then, well ... I got nothing.

On the other hand, Mike Tirico, the only ESPNer working the early-round coverage, was fully embraced by the club. Probably has something to do with being good at his job. Fancy that. Interestingly, though, Tirico says that he received no advice (read: stern warnings) about what is and isn't acceptable on-air behavior.

Tiger Explains Why He Will Break Your Neck for Snapping His Photo Mid-Backswing

Posted: Mar 27th 2008 12:39 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

295 COMMENTS

First of all, I want to applaud ESPN's Dana Jacobson for making it through this interview without cracking up. Or worse, raising her fist and cursing Jesus for all his magnificence and splendor.

Second, I want to applaud Tiger Woods for making it through this interview without calling Jacobson a "jackass" or threatening to break her neck.

Seriously, I love the fact that Jacobson gives Woods an opportunity to apologize for his expletive-laden tirade at last weekend's CA Championship and he instead chooses to laugh it off. Like he's the only guy cursing on the PGA Tour.

Look, golf is a professional sport where athletes are competing at a pretty high level. If networks are worried about Eldrick dropping a few f-bombs, here's a radical idea: don't have a mike in his face from the time he steps on the first tee until he putts out on 18.

Just thinking outside the box here.

Latest Golf Photos

Angela Stanford reacts after making a long birdie putt on the 17th hole during the first round of the LPGA Safeway International golf tournament at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Superstition Mountain, Ariz. Stanford finished with a course record 10-under par 62, and the first-round lead. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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Angela Stanford watches her tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the LPGA Safeway International golf tournament at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Superstition Mountain, Ariz. Stanford finished with a 10-under par 62, good for the first round lead, and a course record 62. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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Chez Reavie drives on the ninth hole in the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Dean Wilson unsuccessfully tries to roll in a long birdie putt on the 18th green but he made par for sole possession of the lead in the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Angela Stanford celebrates her birdie on the 18th hole, finishing with a course record 62 and a first-round lead, at the LPGA Safeway International golf tournament at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Superstition Mountain, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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Briny Baird studies his putt on the ninth hole during the PGA's Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. Baird finished the first round with a 5-under-par 67. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

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Peter Lonard, of Australia, watches his putt on the ninth hole during the opening round of the PGA's Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. Lonard finished the first round with a 5-under-par 67. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

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Briny Baird walks off the eighth green after making par in the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Dean Wilson waves as he walks off the 18th green with at least a share of the lead in the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Zach Johnson drives on the 12th hole in the first round of the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, March 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Previously on FanHouse
Is Tiger Woods PGA's Most Fined Golfer?
Tiger Woods Will Break Your Neck if You Snap a Photo in His Backswing

ESPN Will Televise the Masters; Thankfully, We Won't Be Subjected to Chris Berman

Posted: Mar 21st 2008 10:00 PM ET by Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

2 COMMENTS

In case you missed it, ESPN announced last fall that it would be televising the first two rounds of the Masters Tournament. Great news for fans who couldn't stand consulting the on-screen programming guide to find USA Network. Less enthralling news for everybody else (read: everybody) terrified by one recurring thought: What if Chris Berman is a featured part of the telecast?

It gives me great pleasure to report that the potty-mouthed meatball with anger-management issues won't be at Augusta National.

I'd say that's a victory for democracy and a blow to chubby, narcissistic windbags.

Apparently, Mike Tirico will be the only ESPN face we'll see during the Thursday and Friday rounds, and he'll be relegated to Butler Cabin conducting interviews (in addition to a three-member on-site "SportsCenter" team). The rest of the telecast will be in the capable hands of CBS, the network with a half-century of experience dealing with the "nuanced" television coverage preferred by the green-jacketed blue hairs behind the tournament .

And while this is great news for golf fans who aren't deaf, Berman's absence raises some questions:

Shock! Skip Bayless Praises Tiger Woods

Posted: Mar 17th 2008 11:39 AM ET by Michael David Smith (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Golf, ESPN, PGA

2 COMMENTS

ESPN's Skip Bayless has carved out a niche for himself as the last man standing who doesn't think that Tiger Woods is God, but after Tiger's incredible performance yesterday, Bayless might finally be caving:

This morning on ESPN2, Bayless reiterated his oft-stated argument that Woods is "the greatest front-runner ever," although he said that he means that in a positive way. (I've heard Bayless make this claim several times and never thought it was intended as a compliment.)

And then Bayless said, "To put this in perspective, after he won the recent match play, I gave him a 5 on a scale of 10 because he averaged beating only a 6 seed in that tournament. But yesterday's performance? Wow! I give it a 9 on a scale of 10 and I would have given it a 10 if it had been a major championship ... Tiger Woods, to me, has officially become the greatest putter in the history of golf."

I think Tiger is going to break Sam Snead's record for career victories and Jack Nicklaus's record for major championships. But neither of those are as difficult as what he's now accomplished: Winning the approval of Skip Bayless.