ESPN Takes Over Early Round Masters Coverage

[Frank-0-Sport]

Greetings ....

NEWS »» ESPN replacing USA for TV coverage of Masters 1st and 2nd Rounds

We can be assured of two things ...

1
The way ESPN televises the Masters will not change very much from how USA did it. What will be interesting to see is how ESPN deals with Augusta's strict broadcast regulations, such as limited advertising and no promotion of other network shows. And what is ESPN to do with their bottom-of-screen sports ticker?

2
Mike Tirico being named as host means no Chris Berman. Hallelujah! Right on!

Thanx-A-Lot, Frank-0-Sport

[FIJIGolf23]

Thank god. I hate USA's coverage of any sporting event. I definitely think it will be much better on ESPN's coverage.

[JumpHigh_HitHard]

I think the way Augusta National governs their coverage ensures that the Master's is the classiest and easiest to watch tournament out there. No more than 2 commercials, and hand-picked sponsors: doesn't get much better there.

Although the best thing about the Masters, is that a winner will be declared on Sunday. It's not even an option to go to Monday coverage.

It will be interesting to see ESPNs handling of the coverage, but regradless I can't wait to watch.

[powerfade]

I wish CBS would change the soft guitar theme music. It's old.

On the other hand, ABC did a great job during the Open Championship with a little Zeppelin, The Who, and other British bands.

Hmmm...Zeppelin and the Masters???

[CaptainCrash]

Any reason they only allow 3 hours of coverage?

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

Any reason they only allow 3 hours of coverage?

I'm sure there's a reason but I don't get that either. The Masters is always my favorite (or second fav... I do like the US Open) tournament to watch and I always wish they had longer coverage.

Greetings ....

Hopefully it won't matter much what network it's on. I have no problem with ESPN taking over as long as they stay true to the tournament (limited commercials is very nice). And for the record I had no issue with USA's coverage. I am glad Chris Berman isn't doing it. The back-back-back-gone thing doesn't work in golf. He just seems off when he's covering golf (actually I find him to be way over-rated in any sport these days). Tirico is calm, generally knows his stuff and just gives the play by play and seems to me to be better suited for the Masters.

[countjyro]

I agree with "Cleveland Gunmetal," I think Mr. Berman is over-rated. Anytime I have heard him talk golf it feels like he tries too hard, or just doesn't fully grasp what is going on. My favorites are Dave Feherty and Nick Faldo. I just hope ESPN doesn't cut to the "sports desk" (or whatever they call it) 30 times per hour, that always bothers me on their channel.

[iacas]

I am glad Chris Berman isn't doing it. The back-back-back-gone thing doesn't work in golf. He just seems off when he's covering golf (actually I find him to be way over-rated in any sport these days).

Chris Berman isn't listed as the lead analyst for the U.S. Open, but he's still there. His presence makes watching weekday U.S. Opens virtually impossible.

I would bet my last dollar the ESPN Masters telecast will not be Berman-free. It strikes me, too, how much the Masters is lately becoming like the U.S. Open. Par golf, and now ESPN for Thur/Fri coverage. Ugh.

[flap]

If I'am not mistaken Augusta gets to ok the announcers it will allow to broadcast the Masters.It has allways been in the contract.We all remember the "bikini wax greens" statement.

[MPS67]

I wish CBS would change the soft guitar theme music. It's old.

Hmmm. I really enjoy the CBS golf theme. It's actually called Fanfare by Yani. You can listen to a sample of it by clicking here --->

Yanni Fanfare

[iacas]

If I'am not mistaken Augusta gets to ok the announcers it will allow to broadcast the Masters.It has allways been in the contract.We all remember the "bikini wax greens" statement.

I believe it's not so much that they have to okay everyone but that theycan request that certain announcers not be used.

Anyway, you're forgetting that this is a NEW Augusta National. Billy Payne is running the show now and, who knows, maybe he wasn't as offended by "bikini wax" and "body bags" and maybe he likes Chris Berman? God I hope not.

[iacas]

Hmmm. I really enjoy the CBS golf theme. It's actually called Fanfare by Yani.

I think he was talking about the Masters theme song.

It's called "Augusta" and was written by "Dave Loggins," I believe.

[g-funk13]

Led Zep is SUCH a good idea for golf coverage. They need to do one of those course background montages to "The Rain Song".

Then one of those Tiger's best shots montages to "Immigrant" or "Rock 'n Roll"

OH YEAH!