Green Posse

One more column on the U.S. Open and I swear it’s the last! Actually I’d like to comment on the television coverage that was provided by NBC and The Golf Channel (pre/post game shows).

NBC

Is it me or did I detect that NBC reigned in Johnny Miller this year? He didn’t seem to offer his usual (and refreshing) candor during the tournament, especially on Sunday afternoon. I know Miller gets the ire up of some people because he calls it like he sees it, but he says things that most of us are thinking, and he’s right on the mark most of time. For example, when Mickelson tried that 4-wood, half-lob attempt on number 5 and whiffed it, Miller (or anyone) didn’t say anythning at all about Mickelson’s bizarre decision. That’s not to say that every decision the players make should be critized, but there are certainly times when at least some analysis would be insightful from Miller and the rest of the on-course crew.

Dan Hicks definitely lost his objectivity as he was blatantly pulling for Mickelson on the closing holes, and the disappointment in his voice was clearly obvious. At one point Miller made a comment that the only thing missing from the tournament was Tiger Woods, but Hicks quickly corrected Miller by saying that Tiger didn’t earn the right to be there. Gee, no bias there Mr. Hicks. I’d like to see NBC hire Azinger and Faldo and bring more candor and honesty to the telecasts as I’m sure they’d do.

Grade: B-

The Golf Channel

As usual, The Golf Channel did a bang-up job on the pre and post-game shows all week, but I’m not sure the value Peter Osterhaus brings to the analysis team as he doesn’t offer a lot of insight. He seems more concerned about not offending anyone. Kelly Tilghman and Kraig Kann host their respective analysis shows very professionally and they’re excellent at asking the right type of questions of their counter-parts that bring out the best discussion.

Grade: A

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