2007 Golf Masters at Augusta
CBS's Telecast of Golf's 2nd Major Needed Johnny Miller Anchoring
Given the intensity of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National, the honesty brought to golf telecasts by NBC's Johnny Miller would be welcome.
It is perhaps a good thing, at least for the players, that the Masters is being broadcast on CBS, because Johnny Miller works for NBC, which as far as golf broadcasts go might be read as "Nothing But Candor." Given the teeth that Augusta National is baring this week, and the stress that even top players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are likely to be feeling for the duration, we could have some interesting moments during this year’s Masters. Unfortunately, Johnny Miller won’t be there to call the shots…as they splash into water or ricochet off trees at inopportune moments.
Miller Unpopular with Players
Miller has become renowned for his questioning of professional golfers’ psyches and decision-making skills, and the players do not like it. According to Jaime Diaz in February’s edition of Golf Digest, Paul Azinger once called Miller, “the biggest moron in the booth.” Miller goes against the grain and challenges players’ egos. No one wants to be called out on international TV, and that is what Miller will do.
No Laying Up for Miller
While other commentators will dance around the obvious, a lay-up if you will, Miller will openly critique players’ club selection or choice of shot, and he acknowledges when he believes the pressure of the moment has influenced a player’s performance. If you go for the shot as Phil did at Winged Foot in the US Open last year, you will be crucified.
Faldo Quips a Hit
It appears that Nick Faldo has become the darling of golf telecasts. Although it is obvious, based upon his success on the PGA Tour, that he knows the game, his strength in the booth appears to be clownish quips and cutesy repartee with his partners in the booth. Given his impressive record as a player, one would expect some keen insight into the action unfolding on the screen.
Perhaps it is because he is relatively new to the lead analyst position, but Faldos’ analysis is less than revealing. Even this early in the game Faldo seems to have discovered that playing it safe is the name of the game and that candor is a “can’t do.”
Johnny Miller takes pride in calling golf shots as he sees them, regardless of which professional golfer is taking them. Honesty as the best policy might be outdated, but every now and than an old fashion gets recycled and becomes the latest fad. Perhaps Miller can influence other golf announcers to, as Baggar Vance might say, "trust their authentic swings" during golf telecasts.
