NOTHING EVER CHANGES AT AUGUSTA, OR SO CBS HOPES

     While ABC and NBC both certainly would love to lure The
Masters from CBS, "Don't bet on it," according to Richard
Sandomir in this morning's N.Y. TIMES.  At least, "not yet."
CBS, which has carried the tournament via 41 consecutive one-year
deals, would have to show "disrespect and ineptitude in its
production to open the clubhouse door to ABC and NBC."  Sandomir
notes, "What motivates Masters officials is controlling their
little world" -- something CBS has observed with "long-nurtured
reverence."  But Sandomir adds "anything could happen" (N.Y.
TIMES, 4/10).  In the current GOLFWEEK, columnist Dave Shedloski
calls for 18-hole coverage on CBS, but admits there is nothing
CBS can do to nudge Augusta officials towards longer broadcasts,
as "Augusta barters cash in exchange for retaining control"
(GOLFWORLD, 4/6 issue).  USA will broadcast early round coverage
of The Masters for the 15th consecutive year, from 4:00-6:30pm
EDT on both Thursday and Friday (USA Network).