The 19^th Hole

January 15, 2006

You Call That a Contract?!

So, the PGA TOUR did not waste much time in hammering out a deal with its broadcast partners for the 2007 to 2012 TV contract.  On Wednesday, the TOUR announced its deal.  (I would have called into the press conference, but I was watching the Alito hearings and they bored me to sleep through the press conference.)  What do you want first – the good news or the bad news?

How ‘bout the good news?  Well, first, the deal does not exactly hurt the TOUR, it seems.  Total purse money will decrease slightly, but it will be offset for players by a dramatic increase in retirement pay.  So, while the money will not be there right away, it will be waiting for TOUR vets when they call it quits.  The money issue really does not affect the average fan except in that some players may be more interested in playing a larger schedule in the hopes of maintaining the same dollar figures earned each year.  Then again, after the first two million dollars, does the money even matter to the top stars?

While the TOUR loses the prominent cable networks ESPN and USA Network as early-round and late-season broadcasters, the TOUR now has a very intimate relationship with The Golf Channel.  The Golf Channel will be the exclusive cable home for the PGA TOUR – except for USGA events.  The success of the TOUR on TV will depend on the success and growth of The Golf Channel. 

TGC can almost certainly expect to pull in more favorable coverage of the TOUR.  That’s good news for the golf fan.  Also, TGC should reach an increased number of homes because of their exclusive deal.  Cable providers will want to carry the Golf Channel.  This means that TGC will reach a prominent status among providers – potentially attracting more viewership.  After all, any diehard golf fan has The Golf Channel and will not have much trouble making the switch come next season.

Now, the bad news.  The move by ABC, ESPN, and USA Network to cease their relationship for the TOUR puts golf in its place.  Golf is now confirmed as a niche sport.  But, if you are a golf fan, then you probably are already well aware of that.  And that’s I have for bad news and that surprises me a lot.

My initial reaction to the deal was that it would hurt the TOUR significantly and that golf would be going down the tubes.  Then I suddenly realized that not a whole lot will be changing.  There is a consolidation of broadcast partners for golf, which just makes it easier for me to know which channels to watch.  I’m in favor anything that makes my life easier.

Also, the Golf Channel will now be a whole lot more relevant to me.  Perhaps I can finally stop watching the same rotunda of stupid specials that I have seen dozens of times.  Maybe they can get rid of the Natalie Gulbis Show (though I would not be opposed to a Paula Creamer Show).  And while I do find some of the Golf Channel’s personalities to be grating, they are good at what they do.  The Golf Channel really will be the home of golf on television and that can only be good for the game.

All in all, it could have turned out to be a lot worse.  The PGA TOUR managed to get a deal that will not hurt them in terms of potential viewership – it may even help.  While this news kind of ruins my proposed theme for the season, it is nice to know that the TOUR is in good hands.

Ryan Ballengee is host of The 19^th Hole Golf Show, found at The Golf Newsnet.com.  You can also get The 19^th Hole on the go through podcasting by clicking here Feedburner.com - The 19th Hole Golf Show.  Contact Ryan via e-mail at the19thholeshow@hotmail.com.

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