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If there’s one thing that has been consistent for the PGA Tour amidst all the merger chaos, it’s issues regarding coverage of the sport. From the 2023 Hero World Challenge to the 2024 events, the broadcasting of the events has been under criticism, if not constant scrutiny. Although the tourney at Torrey Pines saw a bit of respite for the Jay Monahan-led circuit, it appears the curse is still breathing down its neck. Interestingly, this time around, it’s Collin Morikawa who pointed this out.

The golfer was spotted commenting on the same in a press conference ahead of the upcoming signature event, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. However, while doing so, he couldn’t help but point out the need for more people to be interested in the sport, all the while addressing the issue of coverage as a solution.

Collin Morikawa shares his views on poor broadcasting

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“We need to make golf more intriguing to the viewers.” – said the American pro, in the presser, while issuing a subtle jab at Monahan. Moreover, Morikawa conveyed his firm belief about how the sport of golf needs “more people to be interested” soon after expressing his gratitude for the amount of money that is being offered at the upcoming event. The athlete, following his statement, also raised the question of how broadcasting can be made “more approachable” at the end of the day.

Adding on, he took to recount an experience he had with the coverage of an event he was taking part in. The 2X major champ said, “I turn it[TV] on and I see three golf shots and I question why,” before going ahead to speak on how people “pay attention” to “other sports” because they can “see more.” Continuing with his argument, the 6X PGA Tour champ divulged how “people like betting when you can watch it live, not… on ShotTracer,” while alluding to the sub-par coverage of the events.

The golfing body had experienced huge criticism during the Hero World Challenge where the camera focused only on Tiger Woods. However, the situation did not seem to change even when they stepped into 2024 as horrible coverage continued at the Sentry, leading to many fans taking to the internet to express their dissatisfaction at the same.

But even so, it’s not as if the Monahan-led circuit did not learn anything at all. The PGA Tour had taken a bold step as a result of the harsh criticism that they had to endure over time.

PGA Tour’s move painted a relieving picture for golf fans

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Although the first signature event received a lot of hate owing to the sub-par coverage, the final day of the tourney witnessed the men’s circuit announcing its decision to have fewer commercial breaks for the rest of the Sentry. In addition, the broadcasting partner, Callaway, also chose not to air any breaks to the broadcast during the Sunday round, in nothing short of a surprising move.

ALSO READ – 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and Major Details

That’s not all, the recently ended Farmers Insurance Open saw a different partner being chosen for the TV broadcast, eliciting praise from the golf world. CBS took over the same from NBC, following which many in the community came forward to highlight how great the coverage with no commercials was, especially during the final round.

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Nevertheless, from Morikawa’s comment, it is visibly evident that not just fans but also the players of the circuit have had enough of the poor broadcasting set forward by the PGAT. One can only hope it gets better and maintains its quality over time just like how it did at the recently ended event a Torrey Pines!

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