One of my favorite weeks, and sporting events of the year. Even though I haven't played golf in quite a few years, I still like watching it, and The Masters is must see TV. I even watch a lot of the coverage leading up to it during the week. BUT.....
Tiger is back. Here's the thing. I've never minded TW. I respect what he did for golf, and what he continues to do when he plays. Hell, the man had as big a gallery following him around yesterday for a practice round, as you'll see on Sunday. It's not his fault. He can't help how people and the media just splooge all over themselves at his every move. And yes, I totally get what he means for the ratings this weekend.
But last night and today were prime examples of why I wish he wasn't playing this tournament. I flipped over to the Golf Channel last night before the basketball game. They were setting up 2 hours of straight Tiger coverage, to be followed by a special on him playing golf at 6 years old.
Today at lunch, I tune in and they're having a media session with interviews. Justin Thomas, one of my favorites, is up. First question. "You've been talking to Tiger. What advice has he been giving you?" If they asked him 10 questions, 8 of them were about Tiger. "This course has a lot of elevation changes. How hard is it for Tiger, after the surgeries, to navigate this course?"
Again, I get it. It's not TW's fault. But golf does itself no favors by not promoting all the stars who have carried the game while he's had his absences.