August 7th, 2013: The Day The USGA's Music Died

/

Maybe the planned timing by the United States Golf Association to announce a massive new television deal during the PGA Championship was not as a classless jab at their "partners." But instead, a cynical ploy to mask what this deal really says: the business people have taken over the asylum and declared that the USGA must control the message in order to achieve the ultimate goal: to be loved.

And you know what that means? 

No distance rollback.

No meaningful action on any other issues like slow play, cost or shrinking the footprint of golf.

Instead, as evidenced in the comments by the non-golf people authorized to speak for the USGA in three key stories from Bamberger, Schupak and Sirak--we learn that the real benefit of this deal is money, more feel-good ad campaigns and more control over the broadcast presentation.

With this announcement, hope of genuine reform of the way equipment has changed the game and altered the character of our sport, has been severely diminished.

[If you think this story is not for you, the scroll button is, as always, your friend. But for those who want to better understand why this was the darkest day in USGA history, come with me for a few hundred words as we read between the lines.]

Let's review what we know.

- The USGA is getting $20 million a year more from Fox Sports and yet, in the big three events that are the only ones watched by an audience of any size, Fox's 70 hours of coverage "is half that of what NBC/Golf Channel promised," writes Sirak.

Granted, extra hours by no means equals an improvement in fan experience, but if the USGA is about exposure of its championships, how do you pass up more hours on a proven network? Or, pass up something akin to the current arrangement involving weekday coverage from the almighty ESPN, which, if you saw the letter sent to USGA staff, is second to Fox Sports, which was labeled in Onionesque fashion by Glen Nager and Mike Davis as "the No.1 network for sports television in the country."

-The USGA wanted more control of the "product," earning the chance to have input on announcers and manipulating the broadcast message.  "We also get the opportunity to create some distinctiveness about the role we play in the game through ancillary programming like previews of major events, wrap-ups of lesser events and documentaries that use our archival material," Hirshland told Sirak.

How could anyone other than those in Far Hills only seeing dollar signs and reaping bonuses think that such programming will be seen by more people and more of your core audience on Fox Sports than on NBC/Golf Channel/ESPN platforms? And then, who thinks this Total Information Control approach turns out well? Sports fans hate infomercial qualities to their broadcasts.

- If history is any indication, the extra TV money from Fox will go straight to the USGA coffers, ad men and money-management fees.

Sirak notes what was the initial reaction of many ignoring the USGA's lack of action to date and the newfound obsession with popularity:

The windfall from the FOX deal fattens what some in the USGA privately refer to as the war chest that might be needed if the governing body is sued in disputes over rules, especially equipment regulations.

Sorry, but nothing in this indicates the USGA, as it's constituted now, will put this money to fighting a fight that would make them unpopular. And we know any kind of distance rollback will face a fire storm of median and manufacturer pushback that the USGA would struggle to combat, especially without ESPN and/or Golf Channel as a partner.

And again...

- This is all about love. In the letter to the staff, signed by President Glen Nager and Executive Director Davis, they say Fox Sports will be "Transforming U.S. Open Week into a powerful showcase and entertaining celebration of the game of golf."

Can you say American Idol concert at Chambers Bay? 

There was also this in the staff letter: "Fox Sports will work with the USGA to expand the audiences for the game of golf itself, by making the game compelling, dramatic and fun to as wide an array of current and potential players and fans as possible." This, even though The golf people know there is only so much you can do to appeal to a wider audience, and the people who advertise in golf have shown they are fine with the demographics already attracted to the sport.

- The business people really had no clue about the relationships developed by the golf people and that became obvious when Nager and Davis threw in this shot at NBC/Golf Channel/ESPN. This line will be remembered for the next decade while Fox is covering the USGA: "Rather, our partnership with FOX Sports reflects our strategic vision to deliver for the game in new ways that can only be achieved with a partner that has a fresh perspective on the game of golf."

The message: we want to be the cool guy on campus. With the money to charter a G5.

The cool guy doesn't take ten yards off your drive and 30 yards off Bubba's. He doesn't give out two-shot penalties that might confuse and upset the new fans Fox hopes to attract. And most of all, even with a few more millions in the bank account, this cool guy doesn't tell other people how to do their business.

Goodbye distance rollback, hello ad campaigns that tap the Fox vaults for cutesy movie clips!

The golf people who are at the USGA--and there are many of them--will have a miserable future ahead thanks to the business-side, the television committee and the army of communications consultants who made this move and so horribly timed this announcement. The business side people who, in the 48 hours between seeing an extra $20 million a year and pushing the deal through an Executive Committee vote, put so much of the organization's future at risk and yet won't be around to deal with the problems that come with having taken the money and run. The golf people at the USGA will be saddled with the burden of trying to make the USGA more likeable, skipping from one messaging campaign to the next while the short-sighted folks with dollar signs in their eyes move on to their next abomination.

Meaningful action will not happen.

Frank Hannigan has said it for years: the USGA just wants to be loved. Yet you always felt that during his successor David Fay's tenure there was an affinity for protecting the game that was above all else. Take the Russian Tea Room situation, which involved buying the fabled restaurant and turning it into a museum while set against the backdrop of having closed Golf Journal magazine. Though questionable in execution and association, that move was ultimately designed to showcase what the USGA and golf was all about. It looks like a fantastic idea in light of the current actions.

The USGA's business types, no doubt working with the USGA communications "messaging" and coverage "scrubbing," will counter with the anchoring ban as a sign this group is always looking out for the best interests of skill.  But most believe that anchoring was an R&A initiative first and foremost, with the USGA going along for the ride.

And remember where they launched that successful campaign? From a sound stage at The Golf Channel.

All Set: Bethpage Black For '19 PGA, '24 Ryder Cup

/

Golfweek Staff reports that the PGA and State of New York are putting the finishing touches on a package delivering the 2019 PGA to Bethpage and the 2024 Ryder Cup to the Black Course. Golfweek Staff says the announcement is set for August 13th, but my sources say the negotiations are not complete and an announcement is a ways off.

As reported by Sam Weinman two years ago, this process started under PGA CEO Joe Steranka and has been finalized by new CEO Pete Bevacqua, who worked at the USGA during the 2009 U.S. Open there. A native New Yorker, Bevacqua negotiated with then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on an amicable settlement for U.S. Open ticket refunds after rain inundated the event.

Last week, Bevacqua praised the now-Governor for his help with the PGA at Oak Hill.

Just to echo Ted's thoughts, Rochester is such a golf savvy town and we have received such unbelievable support, it's really been incredible to see these first three days. Also, I think it's absolutely worth noting that the reception we've had from the State of New York and Governor Cuomo's office, almost unprecedented support. I think bringing a major championship into any part of the country is a big endeavor and it's big business for this region, and I want to thank the governor's office in the State of New York.

This does not get a future PGA out to the west coast, something Bevacqua stated last week was a top priority. However, because you all watched the Grey Goose 19th Hole last week where John Feinstein, David Fay and myself discussed this news, the Ryder Cup at The Black will be most electric venue the event has ever seen. And the awkward routing of the Black actually works beautifully in a Ryder Cup format.

I have just two requests for the PGA of America: integrate the event more closely with New York City any way you can. And please, please use the 18th hole on the Red Course for the finishing hole. Please!

Fox Sports 1 Launch: "It is not a hill they have to climb, it's the Grand Canyon."

/

Joe Flint in the LA Times files a Calendar section front page feature on this Saturday's launch of Fox Sports 1, the future home to USGA golf starting in 2015. He analyzes "the dominant and growing role sports is playing in the modern television industry" and takes us inside Fox Sports to learn more about what the network has planned to get itself into homes (so far not going so well) and attract viewers.

I can't wait for the afternoon roundtable show when this gang--headed by 18-34 yo favorite Regis Philbin--kicks around possible Walker Cup selections, maybe with Reege wondering if any of them go to Notre Dame.

"It is a bit out of left field, but that's what we do," said Fox Sports Co-President Eric Shanks of the hiring of Philbin to host "Crowd Goes Wild," an afternoon round table that will also feature former Baltimore Raven Trevor Pryce, Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay and Katie Nolan, best known for her racy sports-related YouTube videos.

You know when I think left field, I think the USGA!

As for those "racy" videos, think Sarah Silverman…only even less funny, less interesting, less intelligent, but worth bookmarking in your Dry Alternatives To Waterboarding folder.

From the story it sounds like Fox hopes to innovate in the audio department--and we know this new USGA deal is all about the innovation that the USGA didn't get from NBC and ESPN. Though I'm pretty sure that short of mics on players (at USGA events no less!), NBC's award-winning and impressive sound man Larry Cirillo has already been there, done that.

From David Hill of Fox:

Hill, who ran Fox Sports for decades and now oversees among other things "American Idol" and "The X-Factor," is known as an innovative producer. It was Hill who first came up with what now seems like an obvious idea to have the score and time left in a game superimposed on the TV screen. He put microphones inside bases to bring fans closer to the action.

"We spend more time and effort on audio than anyone else," he said proudly. "Close-up audio is far more emotive than close-up video.

And this ought to go over really well when blue blazer types sit down to watch the evening highlights:

Its flagship show "Fox Sports Live" — a nightly three-hour recap of the day's highlights and news — will be anchored by Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole, two unknowns imported from Canada, where they hosted "SportsCentre" for the TSN sports channel there.

The pair are known for their morning zoo style, poking fun at the absurdities of sport with an ironic sensibility inspired by Conan O'Brien and Letterman. While some sportscasters these days are obsessed with statistics and overanalysis, Onrait and O'Toole want to keep it light.

When I think light and ironic sensibilities, I think USGA now and forever.

Westwood Twitter Tirade; Countdown Begins Toward His Re-Retirement From Social Media

/

Jack De Menezes encapsulates Lee Westwood's post-PGA Championship Twitter tirade toward the "trolls" which, unless you really have a lot of free time, is not worth the time.

Unless you like to see how an Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire thinks of others, especially after a major championship!

Westwood also took aim at former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, responding to criticism made by the golfer-turned-TV pundit by replying “who?”.

His tirade continued, trying to goad more from those having a go at him, as he said: "Ahhh just when I'm in the mood the haters all go quiet! They must have the porn on! Ahhh the haters have all gone quiet now ! Obviously didn't like a bit back at em!

"Come on you girly boy trolls! I've only won just over 2 mill on course this year! Need you to keep me entertained a bit longer than this!

Uh, hate to interrupt, but is that pounds or dollars? Because if it's dollars, well, Boo Weekley's won $2.5 million...

"I love slagging people back! Had enough of sitting there taking it. Bring it on!"

After appearing to grow tired of tweeting, the world No 14 signed off for the night by saying: "Not been hacked. Just honest. Bored now. Westy out."

He suggested there might have been some aid this tirade...

 


Feherty asked Westwood earlier this year about quitting social media.

"It can take over your life, [you can] get addicted to it. The thing that put me off was the amount of negativity. Negativity I don't need in my life."

I forgot Feherty's advice of using it as an offensive weapon. Sounds like someone listened!

Quick Roundup: Dufner Wins The 2013 PGA

/

Doug Ferguson's game story on Jason Dufner's workmanlike 2013 PGA Championship win at Oak Hill.

Dufner can't think of any other athlete who plays with so little emotion.

"But those sports are a little more exciting - big plays in basketball, home runs in baseball, big plays in football. That will get you pumped up," he said. "For me, golf is a little bit more boring. I hit it in the fairway or I didn't. Usually I'm struggling with the putter, so there's not too much to get excited about with that."

His name on the Wanamaker Trophy?

That was worth a smile.

"Nobody can take that away from me," Dufner said after he closed with a 2-under 68 for a two-shot win over Furyk. "It's a great accomplishment for me, and I'm really excited about it."

Fun stuff from golf.com's Cameron Morfit on Dufner:

Among Dufner’s most prized possessions is a signed, framed photograph of Hogan that his wife gave him for a wedding present. Dufner has been fascinated by excellence ever since he was a teenager following Vijay Singh around the course as a standard-bearer at the Honda Classic. Who succeeds? Who doesn’t? And why? For Dufner, the difference has been not just working with instructor Chuck Cook but also using visualization techniques he found in a small book about Russian weightlifters.

This is pretty classy all the way around.

From David Dusek's Golfweek.com wrap on the win that's also accompanied by a swell Getty Image:

He and his wife, Amanda, recently purchased 50 acres of land and are in the process of building a home. They were given an oak tree sapling by the general manager of Oak Hill Country Club and plan to plant it, along with several acorns they’ve collected this week, on their property.

“It will be a neat experience, the first major championship at Oak Hill and hopefully having some of their oak trees out there on the property,” Dufner said.

GolfChannel.com with a nice roundup of the Twittersphere reaction.

What's in Dufner's bag, courtesy of PGATour.com.

The official highlights.



Dufner's post-round interview:

Overton's Takes To Twitter To Highlight (Well, Complain Vigorously About...) PGA Special Exemptions

/

An unbylined AP story on Jeff Overton, first alternate in the PGA Championship, reveals the since-deleted Tweets railing against the PGA of America for exempting questionable invitations that went largely uncriticized.

Overton has a point since he plays the PGA Tour, is a former Ryder Cupper and lost out to some European (Challenge) Tour players and Ryo Ishikawa, who is behind Overton in the world rankings. I'm not sure about the money making part, but the overall point is a fair one.

One tweet mentioned the PGA Championship had two sponsor's invitations. "Who did you give your invites to? Not the guy that helped make you 50 million in Wales," he tweeted.

He followed that with two more shots at the PGA of America.

- "(at)PGAChampionship I'm just saying. Ill play ur political picks whenever for wherever."

- "So. In other words u help make a corporation 50 to 100 million dollars. 3 years later they put u on a chair n treat u like a piece of ..."

Overton eventually deleted the series of tweets.

Tiger: "Is it concerning? No."

/

Yes it's been five years and Steve DiMeglio shares some disconcerting numbers about Tiger's weekends in the majors, but I still think the overanalysis will be a tad excessive in the coming weeks. Most will disagree.

But for now, here's Tiger's assessment of his 2013 in majors. From DiMeglio's USA Today story:

"Is it concerning?" a dejected Woods said when asked about not winning a major in more than five years. "No. I've been there in half of them. So that's about right. If you are going to be in there three-quarters or half of them with a chance to win on the back nine, you have just got to get it done.

"I was right there and certainly had a chance to win the Masters and the British this year. The other two, I just didn't hit it good enough. Just the way it goes."

For the year, he broke 70 once in 16 rounds of majors and hasn't broken 70 in 16 consecutive weekend rounds in majors. Putting woes have been his major nemesis in the last two rounds of majors for some time. This week, however, he fought his swing, saying his takeaway was a fraction off.

The firm of Lerner, Chamblee, Nobilo and Montgomerie broke down Tiger's week on Live From.

What Are We Going To Do About The Post Tee Shot Yelling?

/

One of the big takeaways from the 2013 PGA: what are we going to do about the yahoos who yell after a tee shot. I think the Rochester crowd--which was otherwise amazing in their passion, attendance and cordiality--took the post tee shot obnoxious scream to a new level.

Luke Kerr-Dineen reports and posts a GIF of Jim Furyk's reaction to one yell.

Since the start of the tournament fans have been yelling everything from the old standbys to" Chewbacca," "Baba booey" and "mashed potatoes."

Ian Poulter was one of the many who took issue with it on Twitter, writing: "This baba boo sh-- & mash potato crap shouting wouldn't happen at Augusta, The Open, nor would it happen at Wimbledon. Tazer the thrushes." Things even got so bad at that after Furyk hit his drive on 16, he turned around to the crowd, pointed, and looked to tell them something that didn't exactly appear to be a stamp of approval.

Poulter's epic Tweet, in case you missed it: 

So what is golf to do? Ejections? Tazer the thrushes? What? Because this has to be dealt with as it's a turn-off to anyone with a pulse.

USGA: Timing Of Fox Sports TV Deal "was consistent with good organizational practice"

/

The USGA appears to be working feverishly while quietly punching back throughout the weekend nights, trying to penetrate the (mostly) negative coverage of their despicable (but completely planned) decision on a new 12-year television contract in the middle of the PGA Championship.

Out of respect for the PGA of America, I'm not going to address some of the big picture issues related to the sport as revealed in this Ron Sirak story until tomorrow.  But for giggle purposes, this corporatespeak from USGA flak Joe Goode is right out of the Bank of America playbook and should brighten your Monday.

(Before you read how the money people have kidnapped and tied up the golf people at Far Hills, I remind you that the USGA is a non-profit organization running a few golf tournaments...err...championships...shaping the rules of a game, and doing some nice turfgrass research when the Executive Committee isn't chopping away at that research budget.)

From Sirak's story:

"The timing of our announcement was consistent with good organizational practice, a commitment to transparency, and involved a national governance organization and several large media companies whose stocks are traded publicly and applicable to disclosure laws and requirements," USGA spokesman Joe Goode said in a statement.

"The USGA and FOX Sports Media Group promptly made public our agreement, just as we made other applicable news throughout the day public," Goode said. "It would not have been proper, nor realistic, to withhold this news from the public in these circumstances."

As we learned in Adam Schupak's story, the USGA structured the timing of their decision to coincide with the PGA, so right off the bat they were going to be un-gentlemanly unless the 15-person committee that voted decided to sit on the news.

So again, this means the USGA Executive Committee could not be trusted to keep a secret.

Your Kneejerk Reactions: 2013 PGA Championship

/

It's hard to evaluate a tournament when you are watching an online (picture) feed sent to Apple TV with audio from another online feed listened through a Jambox (thanks Time Warner and CBS!), but it's hard to imagine this one would have been any more scintillating on live television. Brilliant ballstriking will do that, and Jason Dufner thankfully won this event instead of someone losing it because of the complete overreliance on rough as a hazard.

I hope this one is remembered for Dufner's great play and the sheer dreariness of watching a course with more dense rough than short grass. We were reminded yet again that skill is muted way too often when there is that much tall stuff. And in the case of the 5th hole, where tight grass fronted a creek, the contrived nature of it all.

On another note, I felt there was a better effort made on Sunday by CBS to minimize ads and promos, though seeing the Arena Bowl and next week's PGA Tour event get plugs had to be a first in major championship telecast history!

Either way, congrats to Dufner and let the Dufnering begin, again.