Masters.....

[Bravesfan]

Do you guys not understand?

There is a reason why Tiger gets what he gets. He can do all this stupid stuff outside of golf....but NO ONE can even come close to matching his talent.

I love TW because I understand what he can do and how no one else can do it!

HE IS THE GREATEST GOLFER THERE IS AND MAY BE THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE!

This is why you will forever see him hitting balls on the range....walking to his car in the parking lot....putting before a round....and 66 out of his 68 shots in a round.

That is really all the needs to be said.

No one denies that he is the greatest golfer out there, at least right now. But that doesn't give him the excuse to have kids and then break up his family like he did. And yes, he can do that if he wants, but he's not making himself a good role model for those who follow golf.

Maybe more importantly, his play did not warrant all the coverage he received this weekend, especially on Sunday. That's why I'm glad CBS cut back on his coverage when it became apparent that he would not win the tournament, while giving Mickelson the spotlight he deserved.

And as others have already mentioned, Mickelson and several others on the tour are pretty darn good themselves as well!

[houstontxbrave]

I know you're not a golfing fan, but a golf fan will watch golf because we like to watch the skill of all the players not just one guy. They can all make the same shots but most the time the networks make it sound like Tiger is the only one. I could see at the beginnng of the tournament to give him a little extra coverage, but they went way overboard. IMO they are making golfing fans root against him.

The masses love to watch Tiger. I watch the Verizon Heritage because I am a golf fan. ESPN/CBS etc knows Ill be there, they also know if they do not feature Woods that casual fan wont be... that casual fan who thinks hey I can do this goes out and buys the clubs plays once and quits is more important money wise then the guy who watches golf because of the game not because of Woods.

Now, I like Woods because he is a cut throat win period person. I like that. I dont care if he cusses or whatever he is who he is. BUT dont act like you are some changed person then go out and go all 180 within 4 days. If your going to be a jerk, be a jerk and admit it and it is what it is, but when you say your going to change etc and dont you look, smell and act like a liar.

I also loved on Thursday how the Masters "Tigered up the course" sweet pins and forward tees. I have never seen -16 win that tourney and had what -6 on Thursday in the clubhouse as a leader. They let the course play easy to make sure Tiger was around on Sunday. I really believe CBS and the Masters made this decision. When was the last time 16 had the pin at the area of the green where balls funnel to the hole and the tee box up on Thursday? Or 15 forward and everyone playing iron to a 530 par 5 hole and a birdie disappointing?

It played out well for TV and for eye balls. But this tourney pimped its self out -16 under at the Masters is an embarassment.

[Future Walk-On]

The masses love to watch Tiger. I watch the Verizon Heritage because I am a golf fan. ESPN/CBS etc knows Ill be there, they also know if they do not feature Woods that casual fan wont be... that casual fan who thinks hey I can do this goes out and buys the clubs plays once and quits is more important money wise then the guy who watches golf because of the game not because of Woods.

Now, I like Woods because he is a cut throat win period person. I like that. I dont care if he cusses or whatever he is who he is. BUT dont act like you are some changed person then go out and go all 180 within 4 days. If your going to be a jerk, be a jerk and admit it and it is what it is, but when you say your going to change etc and dont you look, smell and act like a liar.

I also loved on Thursday how the Masters "Tigered up the course" sweet pins and forward tees. I have never seen -16 win that tourney and had what -6 on Thursday in the clubhouse as a leader. They let the course play easy to make sure Tiger was around on Sunday. I really believe CBS and the Masters made this decision. When was the last time 16 had the pin at the area of the green where balls funnel to the hole and the tee box up on Thursday? Or 15 forward and everyone playing iron to a 530 par 5 hole and a birdie disappointing?

It played out well for TV and for eye balls. But this tourney pimped its self out -16 under at the Masters is an embarassment.

Can you explain what you mean by "Tigered up the course"

How do pin placements and tee boxes favor 1 of 96 golfers?



whatttt?

[houstontxbrave]

Can you explain what you mean by "Tigered up the course"

How do pin placements and tee boxes favor 1 of 96 golfers?



whatttt?

The course was made to play easier to ensure that Tiger Woods made an appearance and hopefully with a low score on the Weekend.

The Masters is not a tournament that gives up 16 shots to the good to the winner.

The Masters often is played much longer and with tighter pin placements. It is my theory that the pins were in easier locations and the tees were up to ensure Tigers appearance on Saturday and Sunday.

It favors everyone, but CBS and the Masters did not know what type of game Tiger had, so to "help" him and help themselves they made the course play easier.

Tiger is guaranteed money, especially after the last few months and even more guaranteed money if he is making 4 days of appearances.

[Out of Balance]

Tiger won't change. The energetic, lively, tantrum throwing Tiger is it.

This is the reason he is what he is.

He showed kids and others that golf is pretty **** cool. It isn't skinny white guys hitting a ball around.

Tiger has done more for the game than anyone can ever match.

Why are people so critical of him calling losing a failure and being upset.
Wouldn't you if you knew you were much better than everyone else you were playing against.

TW is the man.

OK, OK, friend you love Tiger Thats fair and your right But no one on here has said anything about hating Tiger or for that matter anyone else I for one enjoy him and appreciate his talents on the golf course Its his attitude (me first) and what he has done to his family, that turns me the other direction on him You mentioned what he has shown kids, and then bring race in to it which I have a trouble with. First Tiger is NOT the first minority to play pro golf, (you can check past history for names) and second, if he wanted to show kids the right things, be a great roll model and mentor, he should of started first by being the best father and husband to his own family
Most of all friend its all about being a good person first and the worlds best golf second My opinion, friend

[Beninator]

OK, OK, friend you love Tiger Thats fair and your right But no one on here has said anything about hating Tiger or for that matter anyone else I for one enjoy him and appreciate his talents on the golf course Its his attitude (me first) and what he has done to his family, that turns me the other direction on him You mentioned what he has shown kids, and then bring race in to it which I have a trouble with. First Tiger is NOT the first minority to play pro golf, (you can check past history for names) and second, if he wanted to show kids the right things, be a great roll model and mentor, he should of started first by being the best father and husband to his own family
Most of all friend its all about being a good person first and the worlds best golf second My opinion, friend

OOB, I agree with most of what you say, but FWO has a good point that up until now, Tiger had made golf popular to an entirely new group of people. Tiger does owe a lot to golfers such as Lee Elder who paved the way for minorities on the tour.

[Chico]

OK, OK, friend you love Tiger Thats fair and your right But no one on here has said anything about hating Tiger or for that matter anyone else I for one enjoy him and appreciate his talents on the golf course Its his attitude (me first) and what he has done to his family, that turns me the other direction on him You mentioned what he has shown kids, and then bring race in to it which I have a trouble with. First Tiger is NOT the first minority to play pro golf, (you can check past history for names) and second, if he wanted to show kids the right things, be a great roll model and mentor, he should of started first by being the best father and husband to his own family
Most of all friend its all about being a good person first and the worlds best golf second My opinion, friend

Great post OOB. You can say you love to watch Cheetah, but please don't consider him a role model for kids.

[TNel]

The course was made to play easier to ensure that Tiger Woods made an appearance and hopefully with a low score on the Weekend.

The Masters is not a tournament that gives up 16 shots to the good to the winner.

The Masters often is played much longer and with tighter pin placements. It is my theory that the pins were in easier locations and the tees were up to ensure Tigers appearance on Saturday and Sunday.

It favors everyone, but CBS and the Masters did not know what type of game Tiger had, so to "help" him and help themselves they made the course play easier.

Tiger is guaranteed money, especially after the last few months and even more guaranteed money if he is making 4 days of appearances.

CBS would have NO say in how the course is set up. The Masters is governed totally by the Augusta National autocracy. They have total control of television coverage including what time the tournament is aired, how the course is laid out, who the announcers are and what they can and cannot say (e.g. "patrons" vs. "crowd," "first nine and second nine" vs. "front and "back" nine, "first cut" vs. "rough." They couldn't care less about ratings and audience share. Ad revenue is even way down their priority list. Remember a few years back, during the Martha Burke controversy, when they made the call NOT to air any ads. CBS, like everyone else, walks on eggshells to keep 'em happy and on board.

[houstontxbrave]

CBS would have NO say in how the course is set up. The Masters is governed totally by the Augusta National autocracy. They have total control of television coverage including what time the tournament is aired, how the course is laid out, who the announcers are and what they can and cannot say (e.g. "patrons" vs. "crowd," "first nine and second nine" vs. "front and "back" nine, "first cut" vs. "rough." They couldn't care less about ratings and audience share. Ad revenue is even way down their priority list. Remember a few years back, during the Martha Burke controversy, when they made the call NOT to air any ads. CBS, like everyone else, walks on eggshells to keep 'em happy and on board.

You know this because the Masters told you?

I have heard the same thing for years. Masters answers to no one and does whatever it wants. I choose to believe that CBS has some if not a lot of influence over the Masters. CBS has been a "partner" with the Masters since the 50's.

Dont kid yourself that the Masters does not want or need viewers and high ratings. If it was not influenced by CBS, then why dont they just produce the entire thing?

CBS and the Masters are intertwined and intertwined by one thing MONEY. And Tiger Woods on Sunday in contention means more money for EVERYONE.

And if viewership was way down, then why do they now have extend coverage of both Thursday and Friday and why do they now show tee to green 1-18 on Saturday and Sunday? And why is there now a Masters.org where you can follow everything online?

Was not that long ago it was 2 hours or so on USA network and holes 10-18 on CBS on Saturday and Sunday. The Masters cares deeply about money, viewers and ratings.

[TNel]

You know this because the Masters told you?

I have heard the same thing for years. Masters answers to no one and does whatever it wants. I choose to believe that CBS has some if not a lot of influence over the Masters. CBS has been a "partner" with the Masters since the 50's.

Dont kid yourself that the Masters does not want or need viewers and high ratings. If it was not influenced by CBS, then why dont they just produce the entire thing?

CBS and the Masters are intertwined and intertwined by one thing MONEY. And Tiger Woods on Sunday in contention means more money for EVERYONE.

And if viewership was way down, then why do they now have extend coverage of both Thursday and Friday and why do they now show tee to green 1-18 on Saturday and Sunday? And why is there now a Masters.org where you can follow everything online?

Was not that long ago it was 2 hours or so on USA network and holes 10-18 on CBS on Saturday and Sunday. The Masters cares deeply about money, viewers and ratings.

The Masters (Augusta National) tells no one anything. Do sources at CBS count? I didn't say AN doesn't want ratings or money. Merely trying to posit their priorities and degree of control. The Masters has a life of its own. Their mission is more about tradition, image and the furtherance of the game of golf. They do one hell of a job of that and the money, viewership and global PR are theirs for the taking ... with or without Tiger.

[houstontxbrave]

The Masters (Augusta National) tells no one anything. Do sources at CBS count? I didn't say AN doesn't want ratings or money. Merely trying to posit their priorities and degree of control. The Masters has a life of its own. Their mission is more about tradition, image and the furtherance of the game of golf. They do one hell of a job of that and the money, viewership and global PR are theirs for the taking ... with or without Tiger.

Ill just agree to disagree. I completely believe that CBS influences the Masters and the Masters influences CBS and all for the sake of money.

You said "Ad revenue is even way down their priority list." I believe ad revenue is way up at the top of their priority list. And that includes all types of ad revenue, branding and name recognition.

And I will say this also, without Woods no one who uses golf as a vehicle for economic success is better off without him... that includes the Masters. Yes they would survive and likely thrive but would they thrive as much without him coming back to the Masters for his first tourney as well if he didnt show up and had Zach Johnson v Mike Weir on Sunday?

They have a product and a brand but that product and brand are still intertwined with CBS. Yes they could take their game and go elsewhere but the Masters and CBS are partners and both need each other.

If there life was their own they would have done this entire thing on their own and put it at a pay per view or produced their own TV network.

[Out of Balance]

OOB, I agree with most of what you say, but FWO has a good point that up until now, Tiger had made golf popular to an entirely new group of people. Tiger does owe a lot to golfers such as Lee Elder who paved the way for minorities on the tour.

OK, maybe so Benni, but the same can be said for my man John Daly! Just look at all the drinking/cig smoking golfer's out there God, I love him

[Chico]

Ill just agree to disagree. I completely believe that CBS influences the Masters and the Masters influences CBS and all for the sake of money.

You said "Ad revenue is even way down their priority list." I believe ad revenue is way up at the top of their priority list. And that includes all types of ad revenue, branding and name recognition.

And I will say this also, without Woods no one who uses golf as a vehicle for economic success is better off without him... that includes the Masters. Yes they would survive and likely thrive but would they thrive as much without him coming back to the Masters for his first tourney as well if he didnt show up and had Zach Johnson v Mike Weir on Sunday?

They have a product and a brand but that product and brand are still intertwined with CBS. Yes they could take their game and go elsewhere but the Masters and CBS are partners and both need each other.

If there life was their own they would have done this entire thing on their own and put it at a pay per view or produced their own TV network.

Most golf fans, like most of us on this board, would watch the Masters no matter who was playing. IMO, the ones who watch just because Cheetah is playing aren't golfers or golf fans anyway.

[SFP]

Most golf fans, like most of us on this board, would watch the Masters no matter who was playing. IMO, the ones who watch just because Cheetah is playing aren't golfers or golf fans anyway.

I'm with you Chico! Also at this point I do not care what TW did but I do have a problem with his interview at the end. It's all about class and TW has proven he has very little if any. After all he has gone through he should have been humble and conceded that Phil played great, nothing more nothing less. It really shows that the guy is extremly insecure and that is what is probably driving his game.

[houstontxbrave]

Most golf fans, like most of us on this board, would watch the Masters no matter who was playing. IMO, the ones who watch just because Cheetah is playing aren't golfers or golf fans anyway.

That is the thing, they know you and me and others who like to watch golf will be there, come hell or high water. They dont care to make us happy, they want that fringe person, who only watches when Woods plays. They likely are not fans of golf but they have money and thats really all that matters.

If Woods were to be playing at the Verizon this week the lead up and the actual viewers would be out of this world.

But he sits and no one cares. The media, and how it can manipulate the masses is incredible. Most people are like little sheep and are influenced by whatever they see on ESPN.

Jerry Jones goes to a bar, has a few, someone records him talking on an Iphone, posts it and ESPN runs with it. Guy cant have a conversation without ESPN, going all TMZ. Complete Bush league. But that is what sports and ESPN have come to, glamorization, not the games themselves. And society wanting that quick taste, or satisfaction.

What Woods did in his personal life at the time was horrible but its now being used to prop him back up and as we move forward he will continue to be celebrated, he might even be celebrated with reference to a bit of a dark side, almost a villian. Maybe one day we will all say the best thing to happen to Tiger was what came out... maybe making him in time even more popular... its just however the media wants to twist it.