Tiger's Quest For Grand Slam Comes A Little Too Late For ABC

While this weekend's British Open is "almost guaranteed to be a TV-ratings smash, thanks to Tiger Woods' pursuit" of the Grand Slam, ABC "can't take full advantage and jack up ad rates" because most of the net's ad time "was sold months ago at prices lower than it could get now," according to Mark Hyman of BUSINESSWEEK. But ABC "has found a way to leverage" the event, as the net is "giving priority" to advertisers who also buy time on the made-for-TV "Battle at Bighorn" slated for July 29 (BUSINESSWEEK, 7/22 issue).

MORE FROM BIGHORN: ABC Sports, in conjunction with Disney's Enhanced TV and Lincoln Financial Group, will produce the first live interactive pro golf telecast for the Lincoln Financial Battle at Bighorn. Users "will be able to log on to Enhanced TV through ESPN.com to make predictions on the outcome of each hole," and points "will be credited to users for correct answers." Top scorers will be eligible to win prizes (MEDIAWEEK, 7/15 issue).

EARNING HIS STRIPES: The N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE's Michael Sokolove profiles Woods and notes that two years ago, he argued with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem "over 'implied endorsements' — the tour using [Woods'] likeness with its own advertisers, sometimes in competition with products he endorses." Woods' agent, IMG's Mark Steinberg, said that Woods now meets with Finchem "'once a quarter' to make sure there are no outstanding issues and that Tiger's partners are protected" (N.Y. TIMES MAGAZINE, 7/14 issue).