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Sports

The most exciting sport on TV

Marty Hastings - Sports Editor

At this moment in time, I would like to announce that the sport of golf is, hands down, the most entertaining sport on television. In fact, there is nothing else on television as engaging as golf is right now, period.

What do you think? Am I right or am I right?

I would imagine that many of you aren’t exactly on the same page as me. Or maybe you were but you just flipped it. For those of you that chose to read on, let me explain.

Golf has always had the potential to be a mainstream success in the television world because it has something for everyone. The relatively slow pace of golf allows time for stories to be told and for athletes’ personalities to be explored. Networks that are capable of using the time between golfers’ shots to capitalize on the marketability of the golfers themselves are sitting on a gold mine.

This isn’t news to networks, they know that golf is flourishing and they have developed new ways to capture audiences around the world. There are no helmets or facemasks to hide facial expressions, and there are no pads to hide the true shapes of golfers’ bodies.

This, in combination with how incredible technology has become, allows the viewer to see golfers like never before. Cameras are able to zoom in on a golfer’s face while he walks down the fairway and commentators spew out details about his personal life. The audience begins to feel like they know the athlete.

There are old golfers, young golfers, short golfers, tall golfers, fat golfers and thin golfers. If you’re not careful, this can cause you to believe that anyone can play the game well.

In recent years, microphones have been placed on caddies so that the audience can hear golfers talk through their shots and anybody sitting on a couch at home can gain insight into great golf minds. On occasion, the microphone will reveal that not all golfers watch their mouths when they make mistakes, again allowing the average viewer to relate with their sense of frustration.

New technology allows viewers to see professional golf swings slowed down to the point where they can visibly see the golf ball compress as it is launched of the face of the driver. Viewers who don’t care about the compressing ball can just focus on certain parts of the golfer’s anatomy, which can be just as fascinating.

If you like drama, then you missed the blockbuster of the year when the U.S. Open took place in San Diego earlier this month. Rocco Mediate, a 45-year-old journeyman who has never won a major on the PGA Tour almost knocked off the reigning king, Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. And if the David vs. Goliath storyline wasn’t enough, Tiger was competing in his first tournament since knee surgery and NBC made damn sure you saw a close up of him wincing in pain at every chance they could.

The anchors and analysts explained just how much an unlikely win at this point in his career would mean to the aging Mediate and his family; however, they also reiterated that Tiger is on a quest to be the best golfer in history, and he needed this win. If you were tuned in for as many hours as I was then much of the banter between the broadcasters became repetitive, but it was still effective in creating a sense that a win for either of these men would be life-altering. I didn’t know who to root for anymore. I was compelled to keep watching and the silence before each big putt became more deafening with each hole that passed.

If you’re into fashion, then it’s time for you to change the channel. Forget about the traditional runways and look to the fairways where golfers of both genders are showing increasing creativity with their outfits. Ladies Professional Golf Association star Natalie Gulbis has launched her own clothing line. Ian Poulter has a bleached-blonde, porcupine haircut. Miguel Angel Jimenez has a chia-pet hairdo, and he waddles around the course smoking a cigar.

If you don’t think there are enough reality train wrecks on television then tune in for the antics of big John Daly, who recently flaunted his not-so-slender shirtless upper body while driving a golf ball off of a beer can.

Golf started to lose its reputation as a boring sport when Tiger burst onto the scene and made golf cool. Ever since then, more and more young people have been flocking to the game. Now the young talent that picked up clubs after being inspired by Tiger is competing on both the men’s and women’s tours. If you are a fan of the sport of golf then you don’t need convincing; it’s a great game without the frills and gimmicks. It’s the people with preconceived notions that need to be pushed towards the game. I urge anyone who has never given golf a chance to tune in one Sunday and check it out. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.