Critic Offers Review Of Golf Channel's New "Morning Drive" Show

Writer Says There Is "Not A Natural Rapport" Between Kuselias (l), Williams

Following yesterday's debut of Golf Channel's two-hour "Morning Drive" show, GOLFWEEK's Martin Kaufmann offered a "few observations about the first day's efforts" under the header, "Morning Drive Starts Out In The Slow Lane." Co-host Gary Williams "seems way too serious," and there is "not a natural rapport" between Williams and co-host Erik Kuselias. Kaufmann: "I had questions as to whether Kuselias and Williams could carry a two-hour show; it's still early, but the first day didn't do anything to alleviate those questions." Also, Holly Sonders "didn't get much air time," only providing "Golf Central Updates" that totaled "about three minutes out of the two-hour show." She "seemed nervous and uncomfortable." There were "no surprises in the first show, nor any laughs," and the second hour "started very much like the first: a discussion of 2011 expectations, then on to the upcoming NFL playoffs." Golf Channel "might have been better off pushing back the first show" to next Monday, which "would have allowed the hosts to talk about the outcome" of this week's PGA Tour Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Kaufmann wrote "Morning Drive" is "going to need more guests than the three who appeared on the first show." Otherwise, the show is "going to need additional on-camera hosts or occasional features" (GOLFWEEK.com, 1/3).

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION: In West Palm Beach, Edgar Thompson reported golf instructor Martin Hall "will preside over the Golf Channel's newest instructional series," titled "School of Golf." Hall, who serves as Dir of Instruction at Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach, "will begin the weekly, 30-minute interactive show on Jan. 25 in Orlando." Hall was "one of three finalists to host the show, beating out Wayne Player, son of Gary Player, and Karen Palacios-Jansen, wife of Olympic speedskater Dan Jansen" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 1/3).