Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: ian on June 07, 2005, 10:08:57 PM
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I've enjoyed The Big Break and the Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, but what is the Golf Channel missing in the way of programming. If it's golf architecture, how would you handle the program, what would you try present? Interviews? profiles? Discussions?
My vote (of course) would be for Architectural Idol ;D and I would look forward to many participants from the GCA. ;)
(http://www3.sympatico.ca/iandrew/index.html/idol.jpg)
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Ian, you must have had a hard day and need some comic relief. ;D
How about a point: counterpoint format, based on classic and neo-classic ideals. Sort of a Mucci-Paul exchange.
If it can keep this stale old crumugeon crowd entertained all these years, it ought to be fresh for the TV Golf Channel viewers. ::)
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RJ,
Yes long crappy day and I'm up at 5:00am tomorrow, and it's still 90 degrees out. Can't sleep.
I can picture Pat,
Mucci begins, "Mr. MacWood do you think the pond should be removed on the 16th hole of Garden City?
MacWood, " well Pat historically speaking....."
Mucci interupts, "wrongggg!!!!!!!! next subject, what is the correct maintenance for a course?"
Tom Paul responds" well I have suggested a maintenance meld for courses..........."
Mucci interupts" wrong!!!!!!!!, next subject
I'm laughing thinking about the format, I think we already have the host. ;)
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;D
Take Simon's head off and stick in Gib's (also a golf writer), the hair isn't that different, and Gib isn't afraid to tell anyone exactly how he feels.
Boy, Whitten has been hitting both the tanning salon and the buffet line! :o
Mucci as John McGlaughlin, perfect!
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A couple years back Brad Swanson did a hilarious piece on The Mucci Group.
Maybe someone who can use the search feature can bring it back.
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a great picture Ian!
and a good idea Shivas...being a fellow Chicagoan of course I remember The Sportwsriters
think of all the interesting people and personalities that could discuss the architecture, in addition to the ones you listed....
TGC: are you listening???
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Gofl Channel has that pathetic infomercial, The 19th Hole. But that's a joke.
Shivas,
Charles Davis was a four year starter at DB for the Volunteers and was named Academic All-SEC. Rare living proof that a UT football player can string two sentences together - that should be celebrated - not critized.
Mike
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I would suggest that they build on the concept of Playing Lessons with the Pro's. This concept is quite unique to golf and lends itself to extension. Have the pro play with an Am. Discuss club selection plan etc.
I would suggst that the also re-do What's in the Bag it has become nothing more than a 30 min ad.
I must als oadmit that I enjoy the old Shells World of Golf great to see those old show rerun.
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Although I've always disliked Tom Watson, his recent Playing Lessons w/the Pros was quite good, one of the best I can recall, despite his blatant plug for the Idea hybrids.
I wonder how many regular watchers know how Adam Barr got his job.... ::) (not that he isn't that bad)
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I wonder how many regular watchers know how Adam Barr got his job.... ::) (not that he isn't that bad)
I have always referred to him as Arnold Palmer's son-in-law.
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Barr was a lawyer I think but as to how he got on TGC I have no idea.
On Watson I have not seen that show but I am sad that even htis segment is becoming an ad. If they are not careful TGC will become QVC!!
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Don't get the Golf Channel and never have, but when I've watched it my primary reaction is:
"Why won't these guys just shut up!"
I'd vote for 90+% of the programming consist of muted tapes of great golf swings (e.g. Jones, Geiberger) or IMAX type flyovers of the great courses (accompanied by classical music). For the rest of the time they might find a few minutes to say something interesting. ;)
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Don't know about Adam Barr, but I have heard stories on how Jennifer Mills got her position.
Once I tivo...d Golf Central and I think there was 30 seconds of actual golf shot highlights in a 30 minute show. I would prefer fewer putts, more golf shots and less talk by the "talent." They seem to have too much air time to fill and fill it by talking. "Keep it in the short grass."
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Of course TGC would be hugely improved if it showed complete replays of all UCLA basketball games from the late 60s/early 70s, on a daily rotation.
And Santa Clara v. Arizona, March 18, 1993 - on a daily basis. Hell every six hours would work better.
Golf? More live tourneys, more Classics of Golf, less instructional crap, NO informercials.
TH
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Don't know about Adam Barr, but I have heard stories on how Jennifer Mills got her position.
Once I tivo...d Golf Central and I think there was 30 seconds of actual golf shot highlights in a 30 minute show. I would prefer fewer putts, more golf shots and less talk by the "talent." They seem to have too much air time to fill and fill it by talking. "Keep it in the short grass."
I think that the need to fill every second of air time with talk transcends all the networks who broadcast golf.
I much prefer the style of Longhurst, Alliss, Hay et al, who seem to believe that a long pause allowing the viewer to simply watch the shot being executed and the result, speaks for itself.
Being brought up on BBC coverage, I must admit to a certain bias, in that regard.
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Don't know about Adam Barr, but I have heard stories on how Jennifer Mills got her position.
You can't leave it at that, can you? ??? :-* ;)
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I agree with Rich Goodale. The announcers on the channel are all terrible. They should be replaced or shut up. They have zero personality and poor scripts. That's a bad combination.
I'm not a big fan of Bryant Gumble, but his passion for golf and smarts would be a huge improvement over the bufoons they've got. Vince Cellini is the only one who knows anything, and that's just one thing--how to get a tan.
Too many components including hosts, graphics, music, sets, etc. are far short of expectation.
The productions stink. I can't stand the Big Break crap. Especially shown over and over again.
Give me more live and real classic tournaments---not the 1991 BC Opens they show. Insightful interviews of the interesting personalities and greats, not a hour-long Arnold Palmer suck-up.
We're out of the mainstream but I'd love to see some architectural specials at courses from around the country and around the world. Have some match play tournaments on them and have Ben Crenshaw or someone spend a little time talking history and architecture.
I don't watch it much anymore because it has gone so downhill and the novelty has worn off.
Tom,
Let's start a classic NCAA network. We'll show classic football and basketball games as well as the other sports. Huck TV, we'll make millions!
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Lynn,
What position was Jennifer in to get the position? Inquiring minds want to know ;D
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Tom,
Let's start a classic NCAA network. We'll show classic football and basketball games as well as the other sports. Huck TV, we'll make millions!
Huck TV - now that's a scary thought. ;D
But you know, this is just crazy enough to work... there was once such a thing - wasn't it called Classic Sports Network? It got bought up by ESPN and is now ESPNClassic, which of course is the first default on my remote.
They just need to devote it more to MY personal needs, like the games I mentioned. Now there's a money-maker.
;)
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Adam Barr's bio courtesy of thegolfchannel.com:
Born: March 21, 1961
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Family: Married
College: University of Pennsylvania, 1982; Duquesne University School of Law, 1986
Handicap: 22
Favorite movie: The Deer Hunter (out of a long list of contenders).
Favorite food: Cajun, but who can choose?
Favorite song: There's too much good music to narrow it down, but I like classical (Bach especially; Dvorak and Brahms too), jazz (Miles Davis, big band and pure bebop) and rock from the Seventies.
Golf tip: If you play like I do, slow it down and find ways to enjoy the game without making birdies!
Background
Adam Barr covers the business and equipment side of golf as Golf Central's business reporter/analyst and as host of What's In The Bag? , the weekly show featuring the latest in golf gear and technology. Barr graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Duquesne University School of Law, then practiced law for six years before switching to golf reporting. After helping develop the business coverage for Golfweek magazine, Barr joined The Golf Channel in 1997. In 1998 and 1999, he followed the Casey Martin golf cart case from its beginnings in Eugene, Ore., through to the Supreme Court of the United States. Barr also occasionally covers the United States Golf Association and other golf organizations.
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Anything but all the infomercials for the Diamond Faced Scoring Wedge, etc.
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but I have heard stories on how Jennifer Mills got her position.
"Keep it in the short grass."
I wonder if these two comments are related ...
They may improve their viewership if they move J.Mills out from behind the desk and without the formal wardrobe ...
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A couple of you apparently missed the answer above as to how Adam Barr got his job. John Cullum gave the answer. Look again.
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I vomit every time I see him swing a club. (Adam, that is, not John).
Yes, his swing is not a thing of beauty. Probably not too many other 28-handicappers in the golf media.
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The comments on this site are often times so predictable.
Not much is ever good enough, and that attitude gets a little tired/boring after a while.
Could TGC be better, of course it could.
Infomercials? I'm not a big fan, but guess what . . .
they pay bills at a TV station/Network, and I think that we can all agree that paying bills is important. . .
- I think that Kelly T. does a great job.
- I love Nobilo.
- Shells WWOG is excellent TV.
- I like Brandel Chamblee
- The coverage of the Euro Tour is something I look forward to every week.
I'd miss TGC a lot if it wasn't around. I watch it just about every day.
-Ted
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I vomit every time I see him swing a club. (Adam, that is, not John).
Yes, his swing is not a thing of beauty. Probably not too many other 28-handicappers in the golf media.
his bio says he is a 22! how dare you, sir! ;)
yes, but GHIN says otherwise.... ;)
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If anything, more Euro Tour action. Need to keep up on Roger Wessels and gang.
Their courses are much more diverse and interesting. And if you don't pay attention to what he is saying, Renton Laidlaw is very calming to listen to.
It'd be neat to have a serious golf course architecture profiling show that is more than just an overblown advertisement for the course (or whole resort).
Frankly, I think that's something that Geoff Shackelford would be really good at, especially after seeing him get interviewed during the PGA Tour stop at Riviera.
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And if you don't pay attention to what he is saying, Renton Laidlaw is very calming to listen to.
well said, here are a few of his gems, courtesy of anyonefortee.com:
This is the 12th, the green is like a plateau with the top shaved off.
Pinero has missed the putt, I wonder what he's thinking in Spanish.
He certainly didn't appear as cool as he looked.
Paul Azinger is wearing an all black outfit: black jumper, blue trousers, white shoes and a pink tea-cosy hat.
So he goes from 3 under to 3 over, all in one foul sweep.
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This is the 12th, the green is like a plateau with the top shaved off.
Pinero has missed the putt, I wonder what he's thinking in Spanish.
He certainly didn't appear as cool as he looked.
Paul Azinger is wearing an all black outfit: black jumper, blue trousers, white shoes and a pink tea-cosy hat.
So he goes from 3 under to 3 over, all in one foul sweep.
How can you not love that.
Give me this over Lanny any day of the week.
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John Cullum:
Since Adam Barr is not married to either of Arnold Palmer's daughters, what does the "Arnold Palmer's son-in-law" comment actually refer to? I must be missing something. ???
Thanks,
Doug
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The Larry Aylward show would be pretty good. Forget the format, just tell Larry to do the show and it would be great.
Cheers!
JT
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John Cullum:
Since Adam Barr is not married to either of Arnold Palmer's daughters, what does the "Arnold Palmer's son-in-law" comment actually refer to? I must be missing something. ???
Thanks,
Doug
hmmm...interesting that at least 3 of us separately heard this info, yet a little research shows that that's not the case. youngest daughter Amy is married to Roy Saunders and they live in the same town as Adam, unless there was an earlier marriage or something. Maybe he's a nephew-in-law or a relative of his dughters' husbands. :-\ ???
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John Cullum:
Since Adam Barr is not married to either of Arnold Palmer's daughters, what does the "Arnold Palmer's son-in-law" comment actually refer to? I must be missing something. ???
Thanks,
Doug
Doud and Scott
I actually never knew this to be a fact. But I always accepted it as the only possible reason he could be there, and I still do. Either you or Arnold is mistaken.
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Scott:
AP's other daughter Peggy is married to Peter Wears in Raleigh. I've known a lot of the Palmer family for quite a while, and I can't figure out where Adam Barr would fit into the picture. I just spoke to Mr. Palmer's secretary in Orlando to try to confirm or refute, and she's never heard of a connection between Adam Barr and Mr. Palmer. Could it be an urban legend of some sort, to somehow undermine someone's credentials?
Regards,
Doug
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I thought Jennifer mills got him the job after he showed her his SCHWING! No?
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Scott:
AP's other daughter Peggy is married to Peter Wears in Raleigh.
I knew she was in my area - also seemed "old" for him.
Could it be an urban legend of some sort, to somehow undermine someone's credentials?
Seems like it. Funny how these things come to be thought of as true. :-\
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1. A Hickory Club tournament
2. A "Mythbuster" show that puts commonly held truisms in golf to controlled testing. Examples:
- when you can't reach the green on a par five or short par four, do you score better laying up to a comfortable yardage or getting as close as possible to the green?
- Is it better to leave the flag in or out from the fringe?
- Have two groups of golfers matched for ability. Have one group work solely on their short games for a month. Have the other group work on their full swings. Hold a Ryder Cup style event and see who wins.
- Test the one club for every ten miles per hour general rule. I think the impact of the wind increases geometrically and is greater than that.
3. Have a good tour pro play 18 holes with 3 amateurs (scratch, 10 hdc, 20 hdc) on a 6500 yard course and see what the difference in scores is. Do the same thing on a 7300 yard course.
4. Do a course management show in which stroke play tournament scores of club players are followed, new strategies are suggested (without swing changes) and then compare results in a second tournament.
5. A gambling show. Instead of the Big Break, have participants put up their own money, negotiate a game and see what happens. Winner goes on to the next show. Demonstrate a number of different types of bets. Show how certain bets can multiply and become expensive if one does not know what he is getting into. Identify and explain common bet proposals that look better than they are (I have heard that the score for best one ball out of three is only slightly better than best one ball out of two).
6. Examine the mental stress and burnout many golfers experience as they try and climb to the next level but do not make it.
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I actually like TGC for the most part and watch a lot (maybe too much) of it. Playing Lessons From the Pros is always entertaining and is about the best thing they do currently. I could do without the endless Big Break reruns when that is underway and a lot of the instruction shows I just skip, just like I do the instruction articles in the magazines. Golf Academy/Academy Live I seldom watch unless there is something out of the ordinary being demonstrated.
I doubt you are going to get much hard-hitting stuff about equipment tests or course evaluations because they are dependant upon advertising. That's why What's In The Bag disappoints me; it could be so much better if they were a bit more judgemental about good vs. bad golf gear.
I'm among the group who thinks they declined following the departure of Peter Kessler and they have not yet come all the way back. Viewer's Forum and Golf Talk Live a la Kessler were both fun shows and are sorely missed. I especially liked the way he used to call upon golf writers from all over: Rosaforte, Hawkins, Mizell, etc. You never see those folks any more. And his GTL on Monday nights was a staple for me.
One of the things I would like to see are replays of more of the old tournaments, not just the majors. I'm talking about the actual network broadcasts, not the official films. I see some of that on ESPN Classic and a bit on TGC with their PGA Tour Classic series, but there is so much more that must be in an archive somewhere. To hear Henry Longhurst again, or Pat Summerall.
I also think they should find a way to give Renton Laidlaw his own weekly show. I find him hugely entertaining. I also may be among the few who liked Peter Jacobsen's "Plugged In".
Lots more, but that''s all for now.
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Easy - a program on the design, construction, and build-in of a golf course with one of our favorite architects. (in other words, not Rees Jones).
Or a hole-by-hole walking tour of, say, Bandon Trails with Bill Coore.
Or a week in the life of a Torrey Pines or Bethpage starter.
Or a visit to famous golf venues. Focus on a club (say, Oak Hill), and discuss the golf, the recreational opportunities (bowling and tennis, in Oak Hill's case), and the history.
Things to get rid of?
1. The music. Bring back "Loves Theme".
2. The graphics - they're minor league.
3. Some of the announcers - the folks on The Weather Channel have more personality.
4. Infomercials for snake oil remedies like 'the balance bracelet'.