The Masters is Underway
Courtesy: Augusta.com
Well, we saw the first ever telecast of the masters' Par 3 contest yesterday.
I had been pushing in this space for the thing to be shown on TV and now that I've seen it, all I can say is "no thanks, I'll pass".
I had forgotten that the contest is very low key and is so "loosey-goosey" by Augusta standards that the players are permitted to let their kids and even their caddies play.
Consequently, what should have been a quick two-hour broadcast at most – including pre-shot and edited feature pieces – turned into a prolonged affair that dragged on through the afternoon.
I never thought I would say that a golf telecast was boring but this one was.
However, it's done and dusted and now we can get on to the real reason we get excited about golf at this time of year.
I continue to be impressed by what the folks at AT&T are doing in their "blue room" with The Masters.
The site features plenty of fine sports content – including motor racing for which I always have lots of time.
I was watching some driving range footage from Monday complete with commentary from Jennifer whatshername, the ex Golf Channel commentator and golf coach Dean Reinmuth. Not scintillating stuff but it's a behind-the-scenes-glimpse of The Masters on a Monday and not available anywhere else.
You can also watch and listen to player interviews live at various times during the day.
I remind those who do not live in the United States that the official Masters site coverage of the tournament is blocked to anyone who does not have a computer connected to a U.S.-based Internet Service Provider.
It's ridiculous but there you go. At least AT&T is coming through…