"It wasn't that difficult a shot, but, I can tell you...it was very difficult."
-Peter Kostis
This quote is a prime example of why I'm so tired of American announce teams for golf broadcasts. And not just for the infinite circular nonsensical statements that only serve the purpose of filling dead air time.
Picture this: Tiger has just chipped in from short-sided off the green at a par 5 at Congressional Country Club. His shot has just turned a probably par/possible bogey to a birdie. With Hunter Mahan, the leader, making bogey on the hole before it was effectively a 2 shot swing that brought Tiger to within 1 shot of the lead. Never mind that, though. It's more important for the CBS golf team to try and point out that it was "easier than it looks." Not only did he fail at making sense with the English language in his analysis, Peter Kostis and other announcers continually make light of Tiger's accomplishments while at the same time setting the bar for success so high that he can't possibly meet their expectations.
Anything short of perfect golf resulting in dominating victories every time he tees it up, and, Tiger is deemed a failure. Not only that, but, he's a target for ridicule. Ridicule from people who can't even come close to his accomplishments in golf themselves. There are plenty of golfers on tour who don't even have one career tournament win, never mind Tiger's resume. Yet, Woods isn't allowed to be human on the golf course. It's all very annoying. Basically, I miss my DVR and the ability to watch sporting events on my own terms without all the 'expert' analysis.
It all sounds too much like middle school cafeteria jealousy than quality sports broadcasting. Add in that Jim Nantz can't help but over dramatize E V E R Y T H I N G. Let me sum up my feelings this way: if your commentary can't make the act of watching the golf more fun, then just shut up and get out of the way. Leave the analysis to the European announcers and Gary McCord. At least they are fun to listen to.
As my best friend, John Garvie is fond of saying: "Thanks for listening."
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