Rain, Rain, Go Away: Weather Leaves ESPN, NBC Without Much Golf

Rain Delay At Bethpage Black Dampens ESPN's U.S. Open Coverage

CAUGHT IN THE RAIN: In California, John Maffei writes the rain turned ESPN's Chris Berman and Mike Tirico "into weathermen," as they spent "as much time dissecting yellow-and-red rain cells on the radar readings as they did analyzing golf shots" (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 6/19). In L.A., Diane Pucin writes ESPN "is the loser here." NBC Saturday and Sunday assumes hole-by-hole coverage of the Open, so "now Berman and Co. are down to one day of measuring the water depth of the fairways and talking about Tiger Woods" (L.A. TIMES, 6/19). Meanwhile, also in L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes NBC Thursday "might have to repeat on Saturday" the highlights from the '08 Open with the forecast again calling for rain (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 6/19). Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Mike Kern notes the USGA "won't crown a national champion until 72 holes have been completed." With the possibility that there could be an 18-hole playoff on top of the weather delays, "NBC must be cringing" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 6/19).

ONE FROM THE HISTORY BOOKS: YAHOO SPORTS' Chris Chase noted NBC coverage Thursday of the '08 Open was "without the usual disclaimer used in such circumstances," which is "confusing" for viewers. NBC "did flash one notice on screen for a few seconds, but that's not enough." Viewers who "don't know about the rain delay are probably turning on the TV and thinking about how amazing it is" that Woods and Rocco Mediate are "back on top of the leaderboard" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/18).

THE TIGER'S SHARE? CNBC's Darren Rovell noted when Woods is in contention during the final rounds of tournaments, he "doubles" the TV ratings, and he asked Woods' agent, IMG Golf Senior Corporate VP & Global Managing Dir Mark Steinberg, if he has had "conversations with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem as to whether Tiger should get a bigger piece of the pie." Steinberg: "Never had one conversation about it. Everybody knows he's an enormous part of the game. He's an enormous part of sport and our culture. But he's been on record saying he's not bigger than the game of golf. I don't think that's the right way to go" ("Power Lunch," CNBC, 6/18).

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