Deeply Profound Question

Which was more painful Sunday: Johnny Miller repeatedly citing non-existant "grain," or all of the bracketologists, committee chairs, analysts, experts and other assorted blowhards dropping the dreaded "body of work" phrase to describe the merits of NCAA tourney teams?

Comments

[Buster]

I haven't listened to Miller and his butt-kissers for years.

NBC Sports' golf coverage needs a clean sweep.

[thusgone]

did you know that most pros sole the club too deeply when setting up to chip out of bermuda rough?

[RM]

Jimmy Roberts inflicted the most pain on my person.

[JohnR]

I'm always interested in the projected FedEx standings based on the end of play in the second or third round.

RM: How about a Jimmy Roberts - Tim Finchem interview? Could be one for the ages.

John

[O.B.]

Geoff, you are just bitter because the committee stuck your dad's Bruins against VCU in the east. Talk about mean!

[Tighthead]

I don't know if the greens have grain or not, but Miller is obsessed with it - every missed 15 footer is attributed to grain, as if they were otherwise gimmes.

[Geoff]

Tighthead,
Johnny would blame his bad room service on grain if he could. He talked about grain in places I never could have imagined today.

O.B.
The Bruins were hosed. They appeared to be considered the weakest of the No. 6 seeds in the committee's eyes, so they get sent to the east to play a very tough team. I'd complain, but (A) I didn't go to UCLA and (B) they were given royal treatment by the committee the last few years.

[Wisconsin Reader]

Johnny Miller has had a great run in broadcasting. . . Offered some quite shocking and bold perspectives (tour players actually "choke" on occasion and, of course, his caddy gave him yardages in 1/2 yard increments!) . . . But, it is time to move on and get some new views and analysis. . .

Golf fans really need to consider what they want from their "expert analyst? Another ex player telling us largely what we already know? Another professional announcer giving us "up close and personal" segments about a player's tough background (e.g., public courses; steel shafted clubs; his family owned American cars etc.?) What do we really want from the guys in the booths?

If it was up to me . . . Gary McCord and Paul Azinger . . . Two guys who tried hard for years - know what it takes to succeed - have the guts to say what the players are thinking and feeling - and have genuine senses of humor! Those 2 think and talk like real players - minimal concern about being politically correct and being sensitive and touchy/feely.

[Sergio]

tighthead - you and i agree on A LOT of issues. here, and on other blogs. props my western canadian brother.

Johnny is absolutely tragic... the "grain" thing has been his bit for years and years. it absolutely kills me every time he drops it... which is approximately every 30 seconds. i'll give him the pass this week, because grain is actually relevant in bermuda - but seriously thats not the reason for every missed shot/putt.

and whole holes "playing down grain" or into the grain? cmon man. give us a break.

[Caperman]

Another Miller bomber: Some yahoo yells: "Hit it in the water, during Phil's follow-through on 18 tee. The other announcer tries to apologize for the guy yelling and Miller cuts him off and defends the yahoo saying: "It's a sporting event and people are entitled to make a comment."

Miller has lost it.

PS-Why don't they digitally filter the post swing yelling?

[Ronald Montesano]

Actually, Caperman, you're wrong on the "Get In The Water" reaction. Dan Hicks went pansy-golfer too soon and Miller was the voice of reason. It is a sporting event, the guy didn't insult Phil's family and he waited until Phil read the grain on the tee and hit the ball. Video later proved it was Nick Watney's girlfriend (she has a cold this week.)

Doesn't Bermuda have grain? I know that northern grasses don't but I always read that southern weed-grasses had grain influence.

Oh, wait, wrong grain. Miller was talking about the Grain Train, grain alcohol, etc., which is what REALLY sent Phil to the hospital. He was partying with some former-spring breakers and got a little crazy. All worked out in the end, though.

[The Big K]

I don't know. Miller gets extra points from me for suggesting that if he were Mickelson's caddy, he would need to put a shock collar on Phil.

[Wayne]

Yes, the shock collar comment and Hicks's follow up, "was that a double buzzer?", was a classic.

[thusgone]

do you think nbc gets feedback from focus groups that supports their sticking with roberts? i just cannot understand why that guy has a job. to my mind, he adds nothing to the telecasts at all. the airtime he uses up could be put to better use showing actual golf.

[TCChen]

Johnny nailed it with backing the "in the water" fan.I come and go with the grain head but atleast he counterd Hicks.Right or wrong give us some colour and banter.I think I heard a fan say to Phil on the walk from the Tee "I'll get him" and Phil said "no man it's okay".Anybody still have the record have a listen?.