Golf Channel
I’m not a huge fan of the Big Break. Well, to be fair I really liked the one with all of the women in bikinis, but the other ones haven’t managed to really capture my interest.
That said, I have been watching the latest season after hearing some of my friends talk about it. Early on it seemed clear to me that Kent was the best golfer on the show. And on Monday night’s episode, he went heads up against Carl (the best worst golfer you’ll ever meet) for a spot in the final episode. It was one of the most exciting matches I’ve ever seen on the Big Break.
Except that it didn’t actually happen how it was shown on TV. It actually took not one, but four playoff holes for Kent to put away Carl.
Big Break producer Chris Graham shares what happened and why it was condensed for TV:
The Golf Channel has announced that they’ve removed obnoxious reporter extraordinaire Jim Gray from Northern Trust Open coverage this week. Apparently Gray decided that it would be a good idea to ask Dustin Johnson about being late to his tee time yesterday morning in the middle of his round.
Johnson’s caddy, Bobby Brown, rightfully took issue with Gray’s actions and ultimately ended up “profanely” complaining to reporters about the interruption after the round. Playing partners Steve Stricker and DA Points were also agitated by the interruption from Gray.
Announcer Curt Byrum and producer Keith Hirshland, the mastermind behind Saturday's "announer-lite" coverage
If you’re not aware, the Golf Channel decided to broadcast the Nationwide Tour’s Albertson’s Boise Open today without traditional announcers. Instead of continuous commentary, they focused more on capturing sound/conversations from the different groups on the course and conducting player interviews. Announcers Jerry Foltz and Curt Byrum managed to stay busy however, as they were responding to tweets, Facebook and e-mails while also conducting phone interviews with notable golfers such as Stewart Cink, Zack Johnson, and Matt Kuchar. So did the experiment in cost cutting work? In a nutshell, Yes.
Don’t forget, the Nationwide tour will be broadcasting without announcers tomorrow. Tune in and find out if the Golf Channel’s cost cutting innovative broadcast approach is something that we’ll be seeing more of in the future.
posted by Jerry Foltz on twitter
Ever get tired of listening to golf announcers (ahem… Johnny Miller)? Want to know what a golf broadcast would sound like without the chatty guys in the booth? Well, this Saturday, you’re going to get your wish. On Sep 18, the Golf Channel will be broadcasting the Nationwide Tour’s Boise Open without announcers. There will be extra microphones all over the course to pick up player/caddie conversations, crowd noises, etc. They will also be conducting on-course interviews at holes that tend to get backed up. I’m really looking forward to this. I have no idea if it will be a success, but it’s nice to see the Golf Channel trying something different.
