Conde Nast Puts Golf Digest Up For Sale

The New York Times' Edmund Lee and Sapna Maheshwari report on $120 million in losses for Conde Nast in 2017 and say in an effort to bring in more revenue, the company will be trying to sell three magazines, including Golf Digest. 

The $120 million loss in 2017 was the result of a sharp decline in the ad revenue generated by the print magazines. Gains in the digital arena have offset the loss, but not enough to make the company profitable.

Based in part on the recommendation of Boston Consulting Group, the three magazines that the company will try to sell are Brides, Golf Digest and W, the three executives said.

John Wagner, who oversees ad spending at the media agency PHD, questioned the company’s strategy, saying that Condé Nast can be “quick to close things, versus trying to find a solution.” He added, “I’d like to see them continue to invest — keep the brands alive, even if you have to change their rate base or publishing frequency.”

Conde Nast purchased Golf Digest in 2001 for an undisclosed price, though the number is believed to have been several hundred million dollars. 

Why Not Ban Green Reading Books Altogether?

That's the question some players asked after seeing the language laying out what will be permissible to carry around during tournament play.

From Rex Hoggard's report at the WGC Bridgestone:

“If it was me I would just ban them completely – and I use them – but I think green reading is a skill that can be developed just like your swing,” Rory McIlroy said. “It’s sort of halfway there. They are trying to come up with a solution that isn’t the whole way, but if it were me I’d say get rid of them. It’s a step in the right direction but I don’t think it’s the full step.”

The words "necessary evil" written by Hoggard to sum up player views suggest they've felt required to buy something because everyone else is using it to get a leg up.

In Ryan Herrington's account of the ban, he talks to the USGA's Thomas Pagel about the enforcement of new rules that limit but do not ban the books altogether.

Pagel said that the USGA and R&A intends to work with the makers of the green-reading materials and encourage them to submit materials to confirm they are conforming to the new interpretation. Such books could potentially receive some type of imprint so that tournament officials would know from a distance that they are conforming.

Pagel felt comfortable that the line being drawn on the matter was an appropriate one.

“What we’re saying here is for the best interest in the game moving forward, the skill of reading a putting green should be retained,” Pagel said.

In Brentley Romine's account, Jim Stracka of Strackaline says the new rule creates enforcement issues and points out that the USGA and R&A sample published with the announcement is incorrect.

Stracka also points out that the USGA example of a conforming green guide, which depicts a mapping of the 18th green at St. Andrews’ Old Course, is actually non-conforming when taking into account the stipulation of disallowing indicators where there is a slope of less than 4 percent (2.29 degrees). On the example, Stracka insists there are arrows in “illegal” areas of the green.

“Their example is not correct,” Stracka said, “so how do they expect people to distinguish what’s legal and not legal?”

The irony? The action taken was almost guaranteed to avoid a lawsuit from book makers and yet will end up creating more confusion. 

We discussed today on Golf Central's Alternate Shot. While not at the top of the list of evil's in the game, I appreciate and support the defense of skill, local knowledge, experience, pace of play and self-reliance:

ShackHouse 73: End Of An Era At Firestone

House and I talk about the end of Firestone as a PGA Tour venue, its place in the game, Tiger's chances this week, a few more Open Championship stories, and the many Ryder Cup and PGA Championship ramifications on the line. 

As always you should be able to download ShackHouse--sponsored by Callaway as part of The Ringer podcast network--wherever fine podcasts are streamed. Or you can listen below:

Bloomberg: How America Uses Its Land

If you dig infographics, this Bloomberg spread provides a detailed look at how Americans use land for profit and pastimes.

The work by Dave Merrill and Lauren Leatherby is, if nothing else, a good one to file away next time someone laments the amount of acreage golf consumes.

Stracka: Putting Stats Haven't Changed So Why Curtail Use Of Books?

Kind of like the folks who say the ball isn't going longer and advertise a new longer flying golf ball, Jim Stracka is treading that fine line in saying a product his Strackaline sells hasn't made a dent in putting stats, yet can't understand why the USGA and R&A want to curtail green reading book usage. 

From Brentley Romine's Golfweek story:

“Putting stats haven’t changed in 25 years,” Stracka told Golfweek via phone on Tuesday. “PGA Tour pros are still making about 50 percent of their putts from inside of 8 feet. … There is no exactness in putting.”

Which begs the question: if they haven't impacted putting numbers, then what is being sold other than a tool that slows down play, appears to cut down on the importance of local knowledge and experience, while enriching a few?

"Lyle Makes Toughest Call"

Martin Blake for Golf Australia and the horrendous news of the beloved Jarrod Lyle opting to no longer seek treatment. The two-time Web.com Tour winner has twice beaten cancer but will now seek treatment for pain only. 

Ben Everill at PGATour.com talked to several Australians about the life and legacy of Lyle. 

This from Adam Scott:

“I can’t imagine being in that position; it’s unthinkable,” Scott said. “He is one of the best blokes there is. Given all the difficulties he’s had since his late teens, he has lived the best life he could with the tough cards he has been dealt.

“He has done better than anyone would have. He was out on TOUR for so long, playing such good golf while battling illness. He has been through it all. His positivity and general demeanor have been so good and so infectious on others; it’s a good way to think of how I should live my life.”

PGA Tour Live Moving To NBC Sports Gold In 2019

After testing out PGA Tour Live with ESPN's new streaming service, the pre-Golf Channel telecasts will move to NBC Sports Gold in 2019 and feature more viewer-friendly synergy between Golf Channel and PGA Tour Live telecasts.  Obviously, as a Golf Channel contributor, I'm thrilled to see the move as it strengthens the Tour-GC relationship, but as a fan, the sense of a competitive vibe where the PGA Tour was not in lockstep with its cable partner did little to serve fans. 

Of course, I say all of this as a cable TV lover who will not cut the cord anytime soon, so I'm not the demo sought after here.

Judging by the "passes" offered at NBC Sports Gold, expect a golf pass that becomes a future option for cord cutters. 

In the meantime, For Immediate Release...

PGA TOUR & NBC SPORTS GROUP ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC OTT PARTNERSHIP

PGA TOUR LIVE’s Thursday & Friday Morning Coverage to be Distributed as Standalone Subscription Offering within NBC Sports Gold in 2019

PGA TOUR LIVE Joins Premier League, Tour de France, Rugby World Cup & Boston Marathon within NBC Sports Gold Offerings

Available on Desktop, Android and iOS Devices, Apple TV; and New for PGA TOUR LIVE via Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku

ORLANDO & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – (July 31, 2018) – Today the PGA TOUR and NBC Sports Group announced a new, innovative, multi-year digital partnership. Starting in 2019, NBC Sports Gold, NBC Sports Digital’s direct-to-consumer live streaming product, will be the United States’ home of PGA TOUR LIVE, the PGA TOUR’s over-the-top subscription video service. The partnership includes rights to all of PGA TOUR LIVE’s Thursday and Friday morning coverage from 28 events, starting with the CareerBuilder Challenge in January, featuring THE PLAYERS in March, and running through the FedExCup Playoffs in August.

Since launching in 2015, PGA TOUR LIVE has brought fans exclusive coverage of the best players in the world on Thursday and Friday mornings – the first time that complete, live coverage of morning marquee groups was offered. The platform also features real-time video highlights, complete round replays and tournament recap programming.

NBC Sports Gold is an industry leader in direct-to-consumer live streaming with a robust portfolio of properties. Launched in 2016, NBC Sports Gold’s offerings complement NBC Sports’ broadcast and cable distribution. In addition to PGA TOUR LIVE, NBC Sports Gold includes packages for fans of the Tour de France, Premier League, Rugby World Cup, Boston Marathon, Pro Motocross and also coming in 2019, IndyCar, among others. As part of NBC Sports Gold, PGA TOUR LIVE will be available on desktop, Android and iOS Devices, Apple TV; and will expand to Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku next year. NBC Sports Gold is powered by Playmaker Media, NBC Sports Digital’s best-in-class live streaming and VOD solution, which in 2018 delivered 4.37 billion live streaming minutes for the three biggest digital events: Super Bowl LII, Winter Olympics, and FIFA World Cup.

“Since we launched PGA TOUR LIVE in late 2015, the fan feedback has been tremendous,” said Rick Anderson, Chief Media Officer of the PGA TOUR. “In 2018, virtually every key metric is up triple digits versus last year and the coverage gets better and better every week. Moving PGA TOUR LIVE over to NBC Sports Gold represents the next evolution of our product. Not only will Golf Channel and NBC Sports be promoting PGA TOUR LIVE to its massive audience of millions of television and digital viewers, but also, PGA TOUR LIVE will now be available on several new connected TV devices due to NBC Sports’ expanded platform distribution. In 2019, our live coverage will be significantly better, and more accessible, for subscribers of PGA TOUR LIVE.”

“We’ve worked together with the PGA TOUR on many projects across many platforms and we’re looking forward to taking the next step with PGA TOUR LIVE on NBC Sports Gold,” said Mike McCarley, President, Golf, NBC Sports. “Building upon years of partnership, NBC Sports Group and the PGA TOUR are raising the profile of PGA TOUR LIVE as a complement to the hundreds of live hours of PGA TOUR tournament coverage across Golf Channel and NBC Sports. As we help build PGA TOUR LIVE, we’re fortunate to be able to apply lessons learned from years of digital innovation in covering some of the biggest events in sports via NBC Sports’ best-in-class streaming capabilities.”

In 2019, PGA TOUR LIVE plans to stream more than 360 hours of exclusive subscription coverage, as well as hundreds of hours of free Featured Holes coverage, complementing televised coverage from 28 PGA TOUR events next year. PGA TOUR Entertainment will continue to produce the live coverage. Highlights of the PGA TOUR LIVE subscription package launching on NBC Sports Gold include:

• Pre-game Show: a 30-minute preview program that leads into the morning’s live competition coverage.

• Featured Groups: early round coverage on Thursday and Friday prior to Golf Channel’s afternoon television window. Featured Groups coverage follows two concurrent, high-profile groups throughout their 18-hole rounds. To-date in 2018, PGA TOUR LIVE has featured entire rounds (outside traditional televised windows) of Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and dozens more.

• Featured Holes: live coverage of some of the PGA TOUR’s most iconic holes, concurrent with Golf Channel’s television window (traditionally from 3-6 p.m. ET).

• Integrated Statistical Feeds: Users never have to leave the action with integrated live leaderboards and player scorecards.

• Comprehensive Viewership Experience: Streamlines the PGA TOUR viewership experience by providing golf fans a continuous platform for streaming via NBC Sports Gold for PGA TOUR LIVE’s, Golf Channel’s and NBC Sports’ coverage windows.

• Featured Player Recaps: Users can get caught up on the day’s action with new condensed rounds from each player in the Featured Group coverage.

• Event Recaps: Watch an event recap in an hour-long cut down show that highlights the best of that weeks’ tournament.

Pricing options for PGA TOUR LIVE in 2019 will be announced in January. Users who sign up via www.pgatourlive.com will be kept aware of the latest news and announcements related to its 2019 launch on NBC Sports Gold. For golf fans outside of the United States, the same comprehensive PGA TOUR LIVE coverage will be available. More information will be announced by the PGA TOUR at a later date.

Rick Anderson of the PGA Tour discussed the move on Morning Drive:

USGA, R&A Hope To Make Green-Reading A Skill Again

An example of what won't be allowed.

The news first reported here by Golfweek during The Open sounds like it will curtail the use of green reading books in competition.

For Immediate Release for those who will be affected by this:

USGA, The R&A Announce Plans to Limit Use of Green-Reading Materials Beginning in 2019

Clarifications reaffirm the position that a player’s ability to read the greens is an essential skill that should be retained; still allows for traditional yardage books, handwritten player and caddie notes

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. AND ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND (July 31, 2018) - The USGA and The R&A are proposing regulations regarding the use of green-reading materials, reaffirming the need for a player to read greens based on their own judgment, skill and ability.

Following a six-week period of feedback and consultation with interested parties that begins today, the regulations will be finalized in a published “interpretation” of Rule 4.3 (Use of Equipment) and adopted Jan. 1, 2019, when golf’s new rules take effect.  

“Both the USGA and The R&A are committed to the position that a player’s ability to read their line of play on the putting green is an essential skill that should be retained,” said Thomas Pagel, Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status for the USGA. “The focus of the interpretation is to develop an approach that is both effective and enforceable.”

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said, “We have looked carefully at the use of these green-reading materials and the extremely detailed information they provide and our view is that they tip the balance too far away from the essential skill and judgment required to read subtle slopes on the greens. It is important to be clear, however, that we still regard the use of yardage books and handwritten notes to be an entirely appropriate part of the game.”  

The key elements of the proposed interpretation are as follows:

• Minimum Slope Indication Limit – A minimum slope indication limit of 4 percent (2.29 degrees) is proposed (this includes lines, arrows, numbers or any other indicators); this will have the effect of eliminating such indicators of slope from those areas of the putting green where the hole is most likely to be positioned (which tend to be cut on reasonably flat sections of the putting green with a degree of slope of less than 3.5 percent - or 2 degrees). This proposed limit also equates roughly with the amount of slope that is readily visible to the naked eye. 

• Maximum Scale Limit – A maximum scale of 3/8 inch to 5 yards (1:480) is proposed; this will limit the size in print form to a pocket-sized publication and has the effect of restricting the space for handwritten notes (also referenced below).

• Indicative Information - General information that is included in traditional yardage books or course guides, such as basic illustrations that show the outline of the putting green and include indicative information like the tops of ridges or general slopes, will continue to be permitted.  

• Handwritten Notes - Handwritten notes will continue to be allowed, but such notes cannot be used to create either a direct copy or a facsimile (replica) of a detailed green map. 

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the USGA at rules@usga.org or The R&A with questions, feedback or suggestions for improvement prior to Sept. 14, 2018. 

The draft interpretation and illustrations can be viewed here.

The governing bodies will issue the regulation by no later than Oct. 15, 2018 for its planned Jan. 1, 2019 adoption. 

Bevacqua To Manage NBC's Move Into ESports, Sports Betting, Will Sit Out PGA TV Talks

John Ourand looks at Pete Bevacqua's departure from the PGA of America to NBC and reveals a few things, while also clarifying the soon-to-be-former CEO's new duties. 

Besides revealing that Bevacqua declined the USOC job after interviewing, Ourand shares this:

Bevacqua will start in September and will focus on growth opportunities, which include everything from gambling and esports to rights fee negotiations, which will become especially heated in the next few years. NBC already has said it is interested in bidding for rights to the PGA Championship, which are up next year. Lazarus said Bevacqua would stay out of those talks.

“He’s coming in to help me manage the expansion of our company and work directly with the programming, marketing, digital RSN and golf groups while getting involved in the new areas of esports and gambling,” Lazarus said. “He will work with me and the team on strategizing about the next series of rights deals that are all coming up over the next few years.”

Video: Bobby Jones Wins The 1926 Open At Royal Lytham

There is no sound and the Claret Jug ceremony is set in the middle of the footage, but it's still fun to look at the swings, the clothes, the caddies and especially Royal Lytham & St Annes, host of this week's Women's British Open. (Here are the coverage times.)

Note the bunkering at Lytham then--more sand faced--than the sod wall, typical links style you'll see this week. 

Bryson's Lousy Handshake: Keep Calm And Carry On

@b_dechambeau
Didn't do yourself any favours there Bryson! Plenty of style - but no class. pic.twitter.com/bLD4Pies4I

— Noel Gallagher (@estshuffle) July 29, 2018

Of course his brusque handshake was rude. But any sports fan who watches tennis or college basketball knows there have been thousands of equally as quick and chilly handshakes in the heat of battle. The difference in Bryson DeChambeau's brisk congratulatory post-round greeting: freshly-minted winner McEvoy did nothing to warrant rudeness other than make a putt at the 18th green and finally win when a young, passionate player made a major mess of the last hole. 

For this, DeChambeau has apologized.

But on a weekend when Sergio Garcia could have hurt someone (or himself) tomahawking his clubs, the reaction to DeChambeau's incredible final round meltdown is threatening to get out of hand. 

Are folks just relishing the chance to pick on DeChambeau, who makes his share of detractors with extreme confidence? After all, he took of his hat and did shake hands with his playing partner, albeit in rapid fashion.

When he's not running hot, DeChambeau can actually be one of golf's more respectful young players. He calls adults he doesn't know Mr. or Mrs., studies the history of the game, and wants to set a fine example. That he doesn't exhibit this side more often and to the frustration of many is for him to work out. 

In a sport where we have seen so few genuine characters in recent years, it would be a shame to see DeChambeau's individuality and eccentricity muted by a Zapruder-like analysis of a split-second action. 

Granted, the recent signs of excess stress--including this amazing Golf Channel footage from The Open--are disconcerting for a player on the cusp of making his first Ryder Cup team. Yes, the desperation and frustration with his game should be noted and he probably needs a short vacation. But to rule him out of Ryder Cup consideration because he did not make perfect eye contact to the liking of some, seems excessive.

Feinstein On Watson's Impressive Old Course Showing

While he faded to a final round 77, Tom Watson's opening 69-68 in the Senior Open at St. Andrews and continued contention until early Sunday was a thing to behold on many levels. 

But as John Feinstein notes for Golf World, with it only being Watson's fifth start of the year due to wife Hilary's battle with cancer, the ability to perform as the 68-year-old did was something special not to be overlooked.

the Senior Open was his fifth event of 2018 and he hadn’t played anywhere since April. The reason for his absence was simple—and sad: His wife, Hilary, has been battling cancer. There was no way he was leaving her side during chemo and radiation treatments that began last fall. Only during respites in her treatment—at her urging—did he play.

A few weeks ago, Hilary Watson completed yet another painful round of chemo, this time in Houston. Still, she wanted her husband to play at St. Andrews, a golf course and a place he loves. 

Weekend Instagram Roundup: Sergio's Club Slam, Senior Open Images From St. Andrews, Gullane Gets Weather, Dodgers Putt To Pass Time

Even the master club throwers make mistakes sometimes, with Sergio Garcia committing the ultimate sin of throwing his club hard at the bag. 

Sergio's caddy thought his life was over 😳

A post shared by ZIRA GOLF (@ziragolf) on Jul 28, 2018 at 10:40am PDT

A PGA Tour Champions slideshow captures the incredible array of weather changes and imagery from Sunday at the Old Course, where Miguel Angel Jimenez won the Senior Open.

Swipe through for the moods of Scotland. ⬅️⬅️👆

A post shared by PGA TOUR Champions (@pgatourchampions) on Jul 27, 2018 at 7:56pm PDT

The weather finally turned more Scottish-like at Gullane Sunday. 

The white caps say it all! #windy #wheninscotland #asilso

A post shared by LPGA Tour (@lpga_tour) on Jul 28, 2018 at 12:21pm PDT

The Dodgers turned hallways at Suntrust Park into a putting green.

Doc for the win.

A post shared by Los Angeles Dodgers (@dodgers) on Jul 28, 2018 at 4:07pm PDT

Trophy Wrap: Johnson Wins Final Canadian At Glen Abbey, Ariya Loves Gullane, McEvoy Takes The Porsche, Jimenez The Senior Open At St. Andrews

Dustin Johnson wins what is expected to be the final RBC Canadian Open played at Glen Abbey Golf Club. 

🏆😁🇨🇦

A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Jul 29, 2018 at 5:10pm PDT

Ariya Jutanagarn wins the Ladies Scottish Open at fast and firm Gullane.

#LPGAWinnerSelfie with @Titleist golf ball loyalist Ariya Jutanugarn  @ladies_scottish. Ariya won with her Pro V1x. #TeamTitleist

A post shared by LPGA Tour (@lpga_tour) on Jul 29, 2018 at 10:29am PDT

In his 285th start, Richard McEvoy takes the Porsche European and a trophy which, at first glance looks fairly hideous but is pretty cool up close.

The first ☝ @RichardMcEvoy79 has his first European Tour title in his 285th event. #peogolf

A post shared by European Tour (@europeantour) on Jul 29, 2018 at 9:18am PDT

Miguel Angel Jimenez fought off an all-star cast of seniors and his balky blade to win an exciting Senior Open at the Home of Golf. 

Try to get it away from him. Congrats to Miguel Angel Jimenez on winning the #SeniorOpen at the Old Course at St. Andrews. 🏆👐

A post shared by PGA TOUR Champions (@pgatourchampions) on Jul 29, 2018 at 12:21pm PDT

R.I.P. Bruce Lietzke

One of his era's best ballstrikers and a true joy to watch shape shots, longtime PGA Tour member Bruce Lietzke fell victim to an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67.

Jim McCabe at PGATour.com details the life of a great natural talent whose glorious rhythm and distinctive left-to-right ball flight would have made him a fan favorite in the shot tracer era. 

When word circulated a little more than a year ago about Lietzke’s cancer, it was a jolt to his friends, and one could make the case that few players of his era were as beloved as this big man who never took himself too seriously. He was once asked to compare his golf game to one of the many cars he kept at his farm. “An old El Camino,” he laughed. “Half ugly, half decent. It fits me more than anything.”

“He was a classic, and that’s the right word,” said Rogers, who along with Jerry Pate – Lietzke’s brother-in-law – and two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw accompanied Lietzke for some early hospital appointments more than a year ago. Curtis Strange visited and kept in touch with Rogers, and the Wadkins boys – Lanny and Bobby – were part of the close circle, too.

“In the end,” said Rogers, “the Good Lord felt 67 years was enough, that he was satisfied Bruce deserved eternal peace. It’s a good place to be.”

Here's an analysis from Gary Koch of Lietzke's fade-bias swing from his later career.