Golf Channel Execs Aren't Happy With French Open Cutaway; Inadvertently Confirm They Don't Watch Their Product Either

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At least, wouldn't that be the presumption if they are calling up Alan Shipnuck and blaming a "low level" staffer for making the call to cut away from the French Open playoff? Because if they were watching and found it offensive, might they have made some calls and found a way to at least show us the conclusion?
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Rose Leads By Four: World Braces For Next Jim Nantz Reading Of A Floral-Themed Apropos Lyric

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Should Justin Rose go on to win his second PGA Tour event in three starts and set himself up as a favorite heading into the Open Championship, it's hard to imagine a more emotional reading than last time.

But in the interest of helping out Jim Nantz's assistant, would anyone care to nominate their favorite rose-themed song for possible inclusion in tomorrow's final round AT&T National telecast?

Which Apocalyptic Sign Is This?

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Nine remaining contestants will receive a surprise visit from course designer Greg Norman for the opening challenge, with the winners receiving immunity to the next episode.  For the remaining contestants, the popular “glass break challenge” returns, followed by an emotional challenge that will eliminate one contestant from the series.  Each player is competing to win her “Big Break” – tournament sponsor exemptions to the Lorena Ochoa Invitational presented by Bamanex and Corona Light on the LPGA Tour and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters on the Ladies European Tour.

So does this speak to the state of Greg Norman's image and course design career that he's resorting to reality show appearances at courses he's designed, or is this just how watched and followed the "Big Break" series has become?

Judging by the story on Norman's site, this appears to be a badge of honor...

The 13th season of Golf Channel's popular series, Big Break, premieres on Monday, June 21st at the 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas - the newest Luxury Included® Sandals Resort. Featuring an all-female cast of 11 aspiring professional golfers, the 10-episode reality series showcases the contestants competing against one another in a variety of physical and mental challenges. During Big Break Sandals Resorts, one contestant is eliminated each week, with the final player receiving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a sponsor's exemption to the Lorena Ochoa Invitational and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

Why People Hate Golf Files: Jim Nantz Reciting Sappy Lyrics Editon

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When I saw the tweet about Stephanie Wei's item on Jim Nantz's Memorial call of Justin Rose's win, I figure she was just having a good ole time with Jim. Then I see the video on Deadspin today and all I can say is...I knew I hit mute for a reason. Thank you higher power.

 
I just pity the poor assistant who got the directive from Jim: Google the lyrics for The Rose and do it now!

Isn't It Great Having Jack In The Booth?

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CBS's normal nap-inducing telecast has been livened up by Jack Nicklaus's presence during the Memorial final round. Naturally I loved his snide remark about the golf ball not going any longer after Phil Mickelson drove the 14th, but I couldn't tell if Nick Faldo was needling Jack or simply obvious when he brought up Seve and the Champions exhibition at St. Andrews. Thoughts?
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"Scene Setter"

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The last thing the world needed was another 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass story, and I, never one to insist on originality, filed this profile for Golf World.

But before you hesitate to hit the link out of 17th hole fatigue, a couple of things.

Longtime readers will recall that I visited The Players last year for the first time and was pretty much awestruck by the amazing scene at No. 17, in part thanks to the hole but even more than that, the impressive engagement of fans who chose to contain their view to the island green.

And for viewers at home, NBC goes all out to cover the hole in ways that blew my mind. So that said, my story is not a rehash of Pete Dye or Deane Beman stories but instead a look at the elements and people who help make it such a premier viewing experience. And as part of the story, Sam Weinman produced this short video. It includes me hitting a nice skull over the 17th Hole Challenge green. So it's got that going for it.

How To Spice Up Golf's On-Air Product

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Rex Hoggard noted that "Players, officials and television executives met last week in Harbour Town to brainstorm ways to punch up the on-air product, a productive meeting by all accounts."

Oh to have heard the ideas bandied about in that room!

I say, if television wants to flesh out a controversy a bit, they shouldn't be worried about upsetting PGA Tour brass, agents or friends and family.  And if television wants to mike caddies and players (which they resisted...like they were trading nuclear codes mid-round), let them!

Shoot, wouldn't we all be fascinated by a once-a-year, announcer-sparse (maybe two, tops?) telecast where we let player-caddy conversations do most of the storytelling?

While many potential innovations have been brought up in the past, most are branded "gimmicks" and forgotten about because golf thinks it's above such things. But with big money on the line and ratings flat, we may see some compromises.

What would you like to see?