Do TV Networks Intentionally Not Show Bad Shots During Telecasts?
- Updated: February 16, 2020
Twitter/@GolfCentral
If nobody sees a professional golfer hit a bad shot on TV, did it really happen?
The question came up on Sunday during the final round of the Genesis Invitational after the camera cut to Harold Varner III who was in the fairway AND LEADING THE GOLF TOURNAMENT PLAYING IN THE FINAL GROUP on the famous short par-4 10th hole at Riviera Country Club.
The thing is this was no ordinary lay up. He had 177 yards left into a hole that plays just 302 yards. In fact, it caught Faldo and Nantz by surprise asking – and we’re paraphrasing – “what the heck happened?”
So Varner cold topped a 3wood on the world famous 10th hole in the final group and there’s no video of it. The people deserve to see this, CBS. It’s one of the few things we have in common with the pros! pic.twitter.com/wNGXCF12fh
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) February 16, 2020
The report on the ground was that Varner topped his 3-wood off the tee, however, there was no video evidence (at the time) and the broadcast seemed to breeze right over it without acknowledging the terrible swing he made “a moment ago.”
HVIII went on to make double bogey and fall out of the lead.
After much speculation on social media (mainly Twitter…) due to the fact there was no footage of it, CBS finally had the balls to show the replay 4 holes later when they were on the 14th hole. And it was clear Varner whiffed it.
The most sought after footage since the Zapruder film apparently. Here’s the elusive Harold Varner topped 3 wood. No toptracer included. @NoLayingUp @BrendanPorath pic.twitter.com/cJF782CcZi
— Andrew Stephens (@AStephensPGA) February 17, 2020
Talked to HV3 in the locker room about his chunked tee shot on 10 when tied for the lead. “I missed the ball – completely missed it. Just sucks, man. You’re f—— pretty much. Terrible timing, huh?”
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) February 17, 2020
Sure, bad shots happen … even for the pros.
But the bigger blunder was made by CBS Sports failing to show one of the few things we have in common with the pros – a cold top or chunk off the tee on a scary golf hole. We’ve all been there. It’s as relatable as it gets.
Even Varner had to laugh about it. And for the record, he chunked it!
I wish I could top it but I chunked it. I still had a chuckle tho.
— Harold Varner III (@HV3_Golf) February 18, 2020
The question is, why? Why did they choose not to show it? One of our followers, Mike, asked the question during the coverage: do they not want to embarrass the players?
Maybe they don’t want to associate bad shots with the “live under par” brand.
What if…the reason they didn’t show HV3’s tee shot on 10 is bc they have a policy about not embarrassing the players by showing bad shots??? 🤔
— Mike 🏌🏻 (@NYRfan46) February 16, 2020
Slugger White in charge of the broadcast?
It makes you think, right?
Yes, they have millions of promos and commercials they are obligated to air but not showing the leaders tee off on one of the most famous holes in the world is preposterous. The FCC should make it mandatory to show it!
During last year’s final round, Jordan Spieth made a quad/snowman taking 3 (or 4) to get out of the back bunker. Sure he had a miserable round going, but this one of the games brightest stars being humbled by a well-designed hole. Did we witness any of it on TV? Nope. Why? Because the footage never aired.
Things not getting any better for Spieth. Makes a snowman (8) at the 10th hole. Now 10 over for the round. pic.twitter.com/TZacLHtAtB
— Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) February 17, 2019
It’s golf. Things happen. The issue is that when the broadcasts only try to show “perfect” shots, it makes the product seem manufactured and unauthentic especially when you know something weird and potentially relatable happened.
The tour tries so hard to connect with their audience, but they seem to do an even better job of pissing us off when they pull this crap. It’s not a good look and golf fans deserve better.
Sign up today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Subscribe to our mailing list!
Purchase the latest gear at the Two Inches Short Am Shop!
Follow TIS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
