Golf fans just want to watch golf while it's being played. That's not crazy to ask.
This week brought the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the fourth signature event of the PGA Tour season. These events are bigger deals than other events as they come with a larger wallet and offer more FedExcup points. Again, they're a big deal.
Such a large event has gained and lost what has had a major impact on the careers of players.
Look no further than what happened on Sunday stretches. Russell Henry was one of Morakawa's Colin on par 5 16th hole. NBC, the network that airs the tournament, has returned to the middle of a chip from Henry during a commercial break.
Both players advance except for the last two holes. In other words, Henry's Eagle served as a pivotal moment. He then took a one-shot lead and ultimately didn't abandon it.
It's not hyperbolic to say that this chip was the most important shot created throughout the tournament. NBC has missed it, in part, a big deal, and did nothing to calm the idea that its TV partners aren't dealing with golf fans.
Hahahaha Henry Henry holed out for Eagle to lead on the 70th hole and didn't return from the commercial in time for the shot.
– No layup (@nolayingup) March 9, 2025
The mates just missed that first half of Henry Eagle and it was just streaming.
– Christopher Powers (@cpowers14) March 9, 2025
It wasn't available on the broadcast, so thank you for showing it here. I don't know if I need to turn it over into a peacock.
– Tron Carter (@troncarternlu) March 9, 2025
Imagine coming back from a commercial break in an NBA playoff game. The first thing you see is a potential three-pointer that closely thrusts the series into the air without context.
– Kyle Porter (@kyleporterns) March 9, 2025
The TV comes with a commercial, which is the understood part of the transaction. We all get it.
But consider that ahead of this week's action, the API was specifically advertised to air fewer commercials than before. The ultimate irony is that the most important shots of the tournament were intervened by… commercials.
Have golf fans watch important golf play. This is everything we want.
