Major HYPE

[IrishGolfer]

It's a funny old game, exemplified by how Sunday afternoon's play unravelled to produce a surprise winner. But something I am getting a little tired of recently is golfing hype. How far can the media take it? Some examples:

Rory McIlroy has been hyped to the extreme after his US Open win at Congressional - how quickly will he surpass Tiger's record? Well he has still only won 1. Hype?
That Tiger has now made amends and will win multiple additional Majors. Well, he had his chances on Sunday and didn't convert (btw not looking to flame the Tiger lovers here, just saying). Hype?
Rickie Fowler will will multiple competitions and Majors after his Quail Hollow victory. All I can say was about time, he had been overdue a hyped up victory for 2-3 years. Hype?

Why all this unnecessary hype? I understand that the media, in today's all-encompassing multi-media world are mostly to blame, but give us a break. We have now had 15 consecutive Majors where it has been won by a different person. Who would have predicted Darren Clarke, or even Ernie as Major winners. The next hype is that Ernie will now win multiple more Majors. Puleesseee!

Looks like Rory, Tiger etc. can't take a sxxx these days before a new headline breaks. The truth is that these players are not playing to their potential abilities and that the rest of the field has now gotten stronger. These guys can no longer win with their B-game. Anyone who wins is playing A+ game!

 

[MCDavis]

I agree, IG.

 

[anonymous golfaholic]

Sports journalists are always in need of a good story. If one isn't available, they manufacture one.

 

[BigJim13]

People are also stuck on the HYPE that was created from 1997-2008. Golf EXPLODED and we are looking for those days again. The truth was that Tiger was a phenomenon that went beyond the game and drew unprecedented people to the game.

Can you blame the sports journalists and media for wanting that again? it made careers for many people.

 

[TheTrueReview]

Yep, the media are always looking for a headline, an angle on a story. If they don't have a story, most times it's manufactured. In fact much of newsprint is actually media releases sent to them that they turn into a story. Lazy journalism 101.

But back to the golf thingy - many golfers get over-hyped by the media immediately after a run of success. Eg. Padraig Harrington wins 3 majors in 18 months. After his US PGA win, he was lauded as ready to takeover from Tiger. Err ... wrong. He hasn't won a tournament since. Eg. GMac's 2010 year when he won the US Open & then beat Tiger in the Chevron in a play off. He was lauded as the next player to dominate world golf. Err ... wrong, 2011 was a very disappointing year for him. Eg. Rory McIlroy ... same, same.

 

[limpalong]

In the 90's, we were living a fat, dumb, and happy existence. Our home values were escalating. We all had fat 401k's. Most had what was described as "disposable income". During that good time, a phenom appeared on the golf horizon. He was good for the game. People flocked to the commercials of "I'm Tiger Woods!". Cash was tossed on store counters to "buy" the abilty to take up this game and be good at it the first few times out. The game grew... The economy grew... Life was good.

Everything crashed. First, we lost the bulk of our retirement accounts. Many dealth with... and are still dealing with... unemployment. "Disposable income"? You've got to be kidding! It's all we can do to keep food on the table and pay the rent. Yet, the sports industry is still looking for those phenoms. Phenoms bring viewers and sell commercial time. Where is the next Michael Jordan? Where are more LeBron James? Will we ever have another Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle? Heck, most major league baseball players, today, cannot even speak english.

The golf announcers are hoping for that revival of people rushing to play this game... and tune in to televised golf. If Tiger comes back, it'll be short-lived. He's approaching 40 years old! The rest of the field has reached a parity, due to all the training programs, coaches, etc. that have allowed players to hone their games to be competitive. McElroy?? He made millions and found a tennis star to bed. Would you spend every waking moment hitting balls on a range or take time for another glass of wine with a honey like that? Fowler? What has he made from the Puma contract and other endorsements? Is the drive still there? Is there anyone out there that can elevate their games to the level it would take to win week after week after week... against this field? I don't believe there is. That will not stop the sports announcers from attempting to make each glimmer of hope much more than it actually represents.

 

[indacup]

The media NEEDS a story to sell...that's their business. The fact that this is probably the most level playing field in decades does not sell... The masses need a person or select few people to watch and admire.... even if the media needs to "Create" it.

 

[SilverUberXeno]

The media NEEDS a story to sell...that's their business. The fact that this is probably the most level playing field in decades does not sell... The masses need a person or select few people to watch and admire.... even if the media needs to "Create" it.

Exactly. We don't pay for media outside of the cable/satellite bill itself. We don't pay the casts, writers, stage directors etc. ADVERTISERS do. And advertisers pay more for shows that draw an audience. And nonsense fanaticism in all aspects tends to draw a larger audience.

"DREW BREES MURDERS FIVE IN COLD BLOOD."

Wouldn't you click that link?

 

[VtDivot]

"DREW BREES MURDERS FIVE IN COLD BLOOD."

Wouldn't you click that link?

This NFL bounty thing is just plain getting out of hand...