Top names on leaderboards

[microcrayfish]

I have a question. I notice a lot of people (both on here and in the real world) complain about leaderboards when there aren't a lot of the top guys competing going into the weekend. My question is why does it matter?

The way I see it is that the guys who are at the top of the leaderboard on any given week are the guys who are playing the best golf that particular week. They are the ones who are making all the good shots, putting good rounds together and getting the job done. Assuming that the so-called "better" players are also in the field then they're simply being outplayed that week. I reiterate, the ones who are at the top of the leaderboard are the ones who are playing the best golf, don't you want to see the best golf being played that week? So why should it matter who's at the top of the leaderboard?

When I watch golf I want to see great shots and I don't care about who's hitting them. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see why it's so much better seeing Phil or Sergio stick one to 2 feet than seeing Paul Goydos or Bo Van Pelt do the same thing - no matter who hit it, it was a great shot. Sure the top players are more likely to hit great shots week in and week out but if someone's at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday then they're playing great so they'll be hitting great shots, they might miss the cut the next week for all I care but for that week they've played the best and that's who I want to watch.

As a final note, if you feel inclined to post a snarky little comment please don't bother. I'm not trying to stir things up here, I'm just genuinely interested in finding out why people feel that tournaments lose their interest if the top players aren't competitive. All responses are appreciated, just try and keep them well reasoned and polite .

[Range King]

It's maybe about expectations. The big names have either proven over years that they can play faboulous golf, or they are a good show. When you watch the big names, chances are higher that something spectacular happens.
And even if they play poor, there is something to talk about monday in the office. "Man, did you see how Phil choked again on sunday" is still a story, because it is a common topic to talk about.
People don't want to see merely great shots, they also want to have a common topic to talk about, and everybody needs to be able to comment something about Tiger and the likes.

[Cussin hacker]

I'm a little guilty here. I like to watch players I like. Not always top players. But this weeks leader board to me is kind of lame....other than Stricker.

[CG031]

Watching guys that seem a little dry and not too exciting (such as a Lucas Glover type, really good golfer, but he just isn't all that fun to watch.) Phil and Tiger are FUN to watch. Golf can be a really boring sport to watch on T.V. when a bunch of "no-names" are in the lead.

This week, these guys aren't really "no-names", but it's not the most exciting players.

[Zeph]

Agree with CG031. As long as the golf is entertaining, I'll watch it. The big names are often not only good players, but players with a character.

[goblue107501]

For me it is just like any other sporting event. We want to see our favorites play. I don't mind watching Paul Goydos and Steve Marino, but I would rather see Tiger and Camilo. They are my two favorites and just happen to be big names with a ton of exposure. I am sure just about every pro golfer has some fans. I think most fans would rather watch when their favorites are in contention. It just happens that, for the most part, peoples favorites are the best players.

Another way to compare it is college football. I love to watch college football. Obviously my favorite team is Michigan. When they are on TV, I am going to watch. There could be other games on, even better, more competitive games, but I am still going to watch Michigan. If Michigan isn't on TV, I am not as inclined to watch a game between Washington and Oregon St. I am not really a fan of either of those teams so my interest has dwindled. I might still watch because I am a fan of college football, but it will take an exciting game for me to watch intently.

We watch golf when it is Tiger and/or Phil, because it is Tiger and/or Phil. It takes a special competition for us to watch when we are not interested in the competitors.

[CG031]

The big names are often not only good players, but players with a character.

Right. Which is why I Sergio is my favorite player. I love watching him play. He has a lot of character, although many don't like him, I like the the way he plays.

[microcrayfish]

Wow did I ever put the curse on Goydos and Van Pelt +4 today for the both of them!

I see the point about seeing your favourites play. Maybe I feel the way I do because we don't get as much golf on TV here. There's no golf channel or anything so all I get to watch is the PGA Tour and maybe a round of the Champions Tour every other week. There's no Nationwide Tour, or LPGA, or constant replays, or anything like that. To borrow the example, It's similar to American football, all we get on TV here is the Sunday and Monday Night Football each week so I'll watch it regardless of who's playing even if I hate the teams.

Still, gotta say it was exciting watching the guy who just barely made the top 125 to get into the field drain that par putt on 18 when the number 1 and 2 in the standings couldn't get it done.