Barrow is looking forward to covering Memphis' first WGC event as part of the PGA Tour's new schedulecbs
Memphis this week plays host to its first WGC event with the inaugural FedEx St. Jude Invitational, but CBS producer LANCE BARROW is no stranger to the birthplace of rock ‘n roll. The longtime producer back in the mid-70’s actually caddied in what was then the Danny Thomas St. Jude Classic, and since joining CBS in ’76, he’s been a consistent visitor each year Memphis has hosted its PGA Tour event. Barrow touched down in Memphis on Monday and took THE DAILY through his tournament schedule, where he’ll get his fill of barbecue and what he gets up to away from the course.
ADDING THE WGC DESIGNATION: This was one of the longest running events on the PGA Tour. It just has a different name now. The people of Memphis will support it. It will be just like any other year, just the field will be very international.
TOURNAMENT MODE: Every day is different. I’m in the office in the morning to talk to our production people and then eventually the announcers. We’ll sit down and talk about what’s on their minds. We have a dialogue and there may be visitors who come by as well. I’ve been in golf a long time, so I have a lot of friends who come by and say hello. I’ll also probably sit down with a PGA Tour rep to see if there’s anything they want to make sure we’re covering. The sponsor will also come by, make sure we’re okay. Each day you go to work during the tournament you might have a schedule planned, but there’s so many things that could happen, you may end up changing everything very quickly.
GOOD EATS: The food is also right up my wheelhouse. If you don’t go to Rendezvous, The Commissary or Corky's you’re missing out. One place I go back to because it brings back so many memories of when I was a young kid is Folk’s Folly, a great steak restaurant. I go there now and I can almost see PAT SUMMERALL, KEN VENTURI, and (late CBS Sports producer) FRANK CHIRKINIAN -- those guys went there almost every night. Those four restaurants are always at the top of my list.
IN THE MEANTIME: I really just like to catch my breath if I have a day or two away from work. It’s nice to relax and maybe play a little golf myself. I recently saw the film “APOLLO 11,” which was just an unbelievable documentary. I’m also a big fan of “NCIS: NEW ORLEANS,” Showtime’s “BILLIONS” and Paramount Network’s “YELLOWSTONE.” Currently I’m reading a book on the U.S. Open by RON READ about his experience as a starter for the USGA.
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