Press is Good for the Golfers and the Game

In a couple of weeks my golf show will turn 17. I’d been doing it for about three years when a member of the PGA Tour’s communication staff reached out asking if I wanted players on my show - and of course I did. 

For about 10 years, off and on, players appeared. Usually first-time winners, first-year players and the like. It should be noted that, at the time, not many had heard of Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, or Jon Rahm. The fact that I have had the opportunity to talk with them is why I always say yes when given the opportunity. 

Then came COVID and things changed - for the better as far as I was concerned. The players weren’t doing anything. They were at home, or depending on where they lived, locked down. During COVID it was actually easier to get players on the show, no matter the tour. 

But then, when COVID ended, things changed. Players began to get a little harder to schedule. It was also tougher out on tour getting players to gather for press conferences. Access was beginning to diminish. I felt it immediately.  

Then a couple of other things happened. Players realized they could, through social media, get their story out on their own. They saw less need for traditional media. Those covering the Masters remain a little spoiled as players still come to the media center, especially on Tuesday of Masters Week. That sort of thing isn’t happening much elsewhere, especially on the PGA Tour. 

Here’s the second thing that has happened. At more events, the media in those press conferences are peppered with non-golf specific journalists, bloggers, and podcasters. I’ll never forget one of the most valuable pieces of advice I got when I started my golf show. I was told that my credentials in radio were proven and impeccable, but I would need to ingratiate myself into the golf world. The players and established golf journalists had no idea who I was. It is the best advice I received, and even more relevant today, as many of the players have no idea who is asking them questions at a press conference. It’s a change that generates questions. Can these journalists be trusted? Do they know the game? How will players be portrayed in their piece? Is there even a piece? Where will it run? All of this has caused the players to withdraw even more. 

Two weeks ago, following his rounds at the PGA, Rory McIlroy chose not to address the media at any point. Does that matter? If a player doesn’t want to talk, they should not have to. Very true.  

Here’s a problem, however. If a journalist is a true golf journalist, then that player’s story may not get out to readers, viewers, and fans. The fans come to the tournaments. The fans are the people the corporate sponsors are hoping to reach. The fans go a long way toward making those $20 million purses possible. 

I’m not saying that every player needs to spend an inordinate amount of time with the media. But they should be spending some, and on a regular basis. It’s good for the game, and it’s good for them.