When the GOAT is part of any broadcast, it just makes it better.
So, when arguably the best to play the game of basketball, Michael Jordan, agreed to be a special contributor to NBC’s broadcasts of the NBA starting this fall, it made me think.
Could Tiger Woods be far behind?
The younger generation won’t remember when Gene Sarazen, one of the six who accomplished the Career Grand Slam, was involved as a commentator on Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.
Starting in 1961, the best golfers of their time, including Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson, played in head-to-head matches on some of the world’s best golf venues, such as Pine Valley, Pebble Beach, The Old Course, and The Olympic Club.
Sarazen, walking around in his plus fours and providing insight about the golf in front of him and the golfers, whom he had known for years, was priceless.
Nicklaus was an analyst on ABC Sports programming for major tournaments and occasionally joined Nelson in covering various events, with a primary focus on majors.
At times, Nicklaus would finish his round and then jump into the booth and explain shots players are facing, because he just faced the same thing.
Pure magic.
Lee Trevino joined NBC’s PGA Tour coverage from 1983 to 1989 and was joined by legendary baseball announcer Vin Scully.
The combination of the two was music to viewers’ ears, the jokester Trevino and the baseball baritone, who could talk for minutes and never tell you what you are watching, because the story he was telling was much more interesting.
Those were the days, but why can’t we get the most recent GOAT, Woods, involved in golf coverage?
Two networks cover golf, and in both cases, the addition of Woods would be a positive.
When Johnny Miller was part of NBC’s coverage, the broadcast was a better product.
Ken Venturi, the former U.S. Open winner, brought a refreshing analysis to CBS and discussed more than what we were watching.
Listening to Nicklaus was always a treat; he had so much insight, which I assume Jordan will also provide.
NBC needs to have the best contributors to support a new 11-year NBA deal, reportedly valued at $2.4 billion per year.
You see the same thing in the NFL coverage, with Fox’s Tom Brady and ESPN’s Troy Aikman.
Both networks invested the money to support their coverage of the sport.
Golf needs Woods.
With television golf coverage being less than stellar and unimaginative, the need for a Woods, who is truly the only one on the sidelines capable of moving the needle, is imperative.
Of course, a Nicklaus or Trevino would be great if they were 20 or 30 years younger, but they aren’t, leaving the focus on Woods.
Would Woods do it?
Who would have thought that Jordan would, after his retirement over 20 years ago in 2003?
So, it’s worth a phone call.
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