Clippings: Round-up Of USGA's Ill-Timed Money Grab

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So glad read this in Richard Sandomir's story on the USGA's new TV deal, because now the USGA can restore all those minor Green Section grants they made a few years because, well, who knows why.

It is unusual for a major tournament to change hands. NBC has shown the Open for 19 years, and ESPN for 32. And Fox is paying a steep price of entry: at least double NBC and ESPN’s combined $37 million rights fee, according to two people briefed on the contract.

And this explains how Fox moved in...

The opportunity for Fox to acquire the Open rights came when NBC and ESPN’s exclusive windows to negotiate with the U.S.G.A. ended last month.

Michael Smith in Sports Business Daily noted this:

The deal represents a significant boost in coverage hours for the USGA. Fox’s deal will increase the total hours of coverage from 90 to 146 overall, and the number of hours devoted to the 10 amateur events jumps from 30 to 76.

Wow are they going to lose a lot of money on this. Shareholders rejoice!

Brandt Snedeker took to Twitter to comment on the USGA's timing:

 Garry Smits called the move "tacky."

It was a tacky move by the USGA, which professes to be the bastion of all things honorable about golf and its rules. Although terms were not disclosed, the USGA slogan, "for the good of the game," should be changed to "for the good of our bank account."

And Rich Lerner had this to say on Life From last night.

“While it's big business news the decision by a major golf organization to announce this on the eve of a championship conducted by another major golf organization is a monumental misstep of bad timing and poor judgment. The prevailing sentiment by the assembled golfing world here in Rochester is one of disbelief because golf's major ruling bodies have always respected each other’s big events, and adhered to an unwritten agreement to not overshadow one another. It's unfortunate that after the very public and sometimes bitter battle these two organizations had this year over the anchored putter – and the PGA of America's respectful handling of the defeat – the USGA could not have returned the favor. The final major of the year gets underway tomorrow. Tiger tees off at 8:35 a.m. ET… and we can't wait.” – Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner Wednesday on “Live From the PGA Championship”

And because we need a good laugh, from Doug Ferguson's expanded AP story:

USGA spokesman Joe Goode said in an email that signing with Fox was not a reflection on NBC or "simply the financials."

"Rather the decision is consistent with our strategy for delivering golf in new and innovative ways, which can be achieved with a partner that has a completely fresh perspective on the game," he said.

I'm sure there will be more reaction, but since there is a major taking place many media types will be focusing on that. Oh, and there's nothing writers love more than covering someone else when they don't need to be. Savy, savy stuff from Far Hills.