Could the LPGA and The Golf Channel be parting ways?

[BogeyDog11]

From Steve Breslow @golf.com

 

The Big Break-up?

It's been a bit of a bumpy ride for the oft-overlooked LPGA with its broadcast partners The Golf Channel, and according to Golf World's Ron Sirak, the ladies' tour might not be willing to take a tape-delayed back seat to the men for much longer.

 

Sources tell Golf World the LPGA is looking for a way out of the 10-year contract that made Golf Channel the exclusive cable partner for the women's tour beginning this year. The deal, negotiated by LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens (who was ousted in 2009) puts the LPGA at the end of a long line of live programming available to GC, including the PGA, European, Champions and Nationwide Tours. As a result, of the 94 official LPGA rounds this year, 38 were on delayed tape and 11 had no TV coverage at all--meaning more than half the tour's rounds were not seen live.

 

There's been no official comment from the LPGA so far (and, seeing as how they're still in the midst of this contract, don't expect one any time soon), but this news hardly comes as a surprise. Without the star power of players like Annika and Lorena Ochoa, the LPGA is more desperate than ever to attract new fans, and in a world of instant sports gratification, doing that on tape delay is a tall order.

 

I for one hope they can land some where else. GC coverage often has the tour taking a back seat to just about everything these days. Thoughts?

[ringo54]

I agree, the way the Golf Channel covers the LPGA is a joke. From certain tournaments not being covered to others being tape delayed until as late as midnight is ridiculous. Just about anything would be an improvement. I get that the PGA brings in more ratings, but the LPGA needs a TV partner that is willing to invest in the brand an building a greater fan base.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='homerjay1234' timestamp='1292345615' post='2840470']
...but the LPGA needs a TV partner that is willing to invest in the brand an building a greater fan base.
[/quote]
I couldn't agree more. Their coverage is a disaster and it's almost like it's slapped together and no one takes it totally seriously. They need to help each other. The LPGA can just play golf. TGC needs to actually do a better job of promoting and covering the tournaments they get. But part of the problem is that there is no true superstar like Annika playing. After Lorena, no one truly stepped up that anyone really knows. And the fact that I have to stay up until midnight or 1 AM to watch some ladies golf. Ridiculous.

It's an old argument, but sponsors want to relate to who they are seeing and investing their money into. TGC probably knows this and they are going to continue to focus on the Nationwide (or whatever it's going to be called next year), the Euro Tour and in some original programming. At the end of the day, they are promoting themselves and not the LPGA. They want to stay in business and keep their correspondents, eye candy (not that there is anything wrong with that ) and staffers employed. Is it their job to help the LPGA? No. But this relationship is far from mutual.

[Chief Illiniwek]

I just plain don't understand it. Are the ratings for women's golf so bad that they can't beat "Top 10" and "Golf's Amazing Videos?" I hate those shows, but it seems like its all they ever show. I'll take tape delayed LPGA over that crap anyday!

[Mainlinegolfer]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Golf Channel's reaction was one of delight to have an opportunity to renegotiate its contract with the LPGA. Broadcasting many sports events are big on prestige, but money-losing business decisions.

It's a subject for another day, but as a consumer of Golf Channel programming, I don't appreciate the unrelenting commercialization in every possible way, combined with "dumbing-down" of programming to save money with reruns and reality shows that appeal to "broader audiences". I suspect that when the GC "won" the rights for Thursday-Friday PGA Tour broadcasting, a few days later management said, "Whoops, we paid too much, now what do we do? How can we generate additional ad revenue to offset the contract's cost? I know, let's think how to raise advertising revenues in any and all ways we can-- by inserting a commercial, infomercial, product placement, sponsored scoreboard, ad crawl, sponsored equipment "news", "scoreboard" or "golf tip" segments". Maybe the GC stopped short of putting ads in the bottom of the Golf Channel Orlando HQ urinals, I personally don't know. Apparently some golfers will watch anything (e.g. Big Break and other reality shows, thinly-disguised infomercials, and reruns), ad nauseum.

It reminds me of thePebble Beach Company a few years ago basically saying that it thought that demand to play Pebble Beach was inelastic up to about $500 per round. It strikes me that the PGA Tour (and now the USGA) also believe golfers will tolerate virtually unlimited increases in purses and commercialization of the product to offset higher costs. Maybe it's time for a golfers' Tea Party to push back a little?

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Mainlinegolfer' timestamp='1292353986' post='2840732']
I wouldn't be totally surprised if the Golf Channel were thrilled at an opportunity to renegotiate its contract with the LPGA. Broadcasting many sports events are big on prestige, but money-losing business decisions.

It's a subject for another day, but as a consumer of Golf Channel programming, I suspect that when the GC "won" the rights for Thursday-Friday PGA Tour broadcasting, a few days later management said, "Whoops, we paid too much, now what do we do? How can we generate additional ad revenue to offset the con tract's cost? I know, let's think how to raise advertising revenues in any and all ways we can-- by inserting a commercial, infomercial, product placement, sponsored scoreboard, ad crawl, sponsored equipment "news", "scoreboard" or "golf tip" segment we can". Maybe the GC stopped short of putting ads in the bottom of the Golf Channel Orlando HQ urinals, I personally don't know. Apparently some golfers will watch anything (e.g. Big Break and other reality shows, thinly-disguised infomercials, and reruns, ad nauseum.

It reminds me of Pebble Beach Company a few years ago basically saying that it thought that demand to play Pebble Beach was inelastic up to about $500 per round. It strikes me that the PGA Tour (and now the USGA) also believe golfers will tolerate virtually unlimited increases in purses and commercialization of the product. Maybe it's time for a golfers' Tea Party to push back a little?
[/quote]
I'd love to see Sarah Palin in a mini-skort!

I kid, I kid! No seriously I would!

Anyway, I agree with your sentiment. If TGC just took it seriously and did a good job of actually giving it its due maybe it would get closer to actually approaching to turn a profit. The fact that the LPGA is also playing in Asia more and more now, doesn't help the fact that it just isn't that marketable now. BUT, at an LPGA event, the tickets are like $10 and they go out of their way to be approachable. They understand it's a business as well. They also know if you're not winning, you're not staying out there on tour because the money just isn't the same. Very frustrating. These girls are good. Really good, but if they are constantly being pushed aside by the other tours, they will not be able to compete for limited money within golf sponsors.

[Awsi Dooger]

It's a horrible arrangement. Not only were the rounds tape delayed, often they were cut short. If anything else intruded, the scheduled 2-hour LPGA telecast was sliced to 90 minutes or fewer so Golf Channel could resume normal scheduling.

I do appreciate the late night replays, something that wouldn't occur on a different network. But even the replays were done away with once or twice when other events ran extremely long. Late in the season I missed one LPGA round and was comfy for the wee hour replay, then it didn't air at all, bumped by a delayed replay of another tour, higher on the priority list.

In fact, that's what the LPGA on Golf Channel reminds me of, Category 20, to use their own terminology.

[Mainlinegolfer]

I think you have the cause and effect backwards a little, I think the LPGA went to Asia because its product wasn't as marketable in the U.S.; therefore, it went looking for new markets.

(and I'd rather see Sarah Palin involved with the LPGA than in Washington D.C.).

[Fenix]

Apparently the LPGA does not deserve hi-def coverage either. I think I may have watched two or three tournaments in HD. And I watched most of them. I love the product, and I think they deserve better than what they have right now, whether that is with Golf Channel or somewhere else.

[OneBowTie]

I hope they do part ways..... or that they work out some kind of new agreement.

For exclusive golf coverage, it was tough to find coverage at all half the time.

Not that I don't think the GC is capable of much better coverage, I just hope they put forth more efforts in bringing it to us the viewers.

[WilCox]

I would rather watch live LPGA than "Golf in America", "Top 10", and the awful "Golf's Amazing Videos." I understand the need to run the 30 minute commercials for the various GPS makers, swing trainers, etc.

If LPGA leaves Golf Channel, then where do they go? No TV means no corporate sponsors. I expect to see the LPGA and Euro ladies tour merge for economic survival. I don't see much future for the Duramed Futures tour at all.

[pickerjohn]

TGC isn't really able to do any real selling or
promoting of its products, they depend on "star power",
to sustain them. With TW absent from most all Tournaments
they were like a ship lost at sea with PGA coverage and
with Sorenstam and Ochoa missing they weren't able to come
up with a good plan to generate interest in the LPGA.
Watch what ESPN does with an NFL game between two teams
that arn't headed for the play-offs, they can sell it.
It's pretty easy to air an event with TW playing, but
you have to be a Pro to do it without him.
The LPGA is a great product, I go to tournaments when
possible and find them very interesting, and watch any
coverage no matter how bad.

[RAD3]

I wonder if Vs channel might be a possibility? I think I read some where that they are seeking more live programing. Any move that gets Tom Abbott off my TV screen will get a big cheer from me. As others have stated most of the coverage just seemed slapped together and not very well done. To be fair though, promoting the LPGA ain't easy what with those huge gaps in the schedule and so many events overseas. Producing the broadcasts must be expensive and complicated.

[Awsi Dooger]

[quote name='RAD3' timestamp='1292438084' post='2842269']
To be fair though, promoting the LPGA ain't easy what with those huge gaps in the schedule and so many events overseas. Producing the broadcasts must be expensive and complicated.[/quote]

It's moving further in that direction, by all indications. Early reports of the 2011 LPGA schedule hint there may be the same number of events as 2010 -- 24 -- but two domestic events will be replaced by tournaments in China. More and more it's looking like the rank and file members will be squeezed out in favor of limited field events for the top players. One report I read today indicates there will be only ONE full field event prior to June 1, and perhaps as few as 9-12 full field events total.

The schedule won't be released until January, a month later than normal. Apparently they are trying to rescue some events, perhaps Corning.

[Guia]

It looks like the LPGA may have to go the International route, they just don't have the number of tourneys in the states. Coverage with the Golf Channel is not up to par. I don't know if they are financially well off enough to leave the Golf Channel, and not sure if they have a good option for TV coverage. I personally enjoy watching the LPGA, and prefer the LPGA over the PGA unless it is a Major or a very important tourney.

[Boscoo]

[quote name='Guia' timestamp='1292461161' post='2842894']
It looks like the LPGA may have to go the International route, they just don't have the number of tourneys in the states. Coverage with the Golf Channel is not up to par. I don't know if they are financially well off enough to leave the Golf Channel, and not sure if they have a good option for TV coverage. I personally enjoy watching the LPGA, and prefer the LPGA over the PGA unless it is a Major or a very important tourney.
[/quote]

Yes the current broadcast arrangement is bad with GC but getting out at this time would not be a good thing. With the state of the economy I don't see anyone else picking up the tour for regular broadcasting stateside. Expanding the tour to Europe and Asia would be a good thing. There's a willing audience and broadcast partners that could offset the production costs for covering each event.

[Ronzo]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1292354641' post='2840748']
I'd love to see Sarah Palin in a mini-skort!

I kid, I kid! No seriously I would!

[/quote]

Two words: Lisa Ann.

[wldchld22]

Does the PGA Tour have something in their contract with GC that when they are on ABC, NBC or CBS that the ladies can't be broadcast on GC? That's what I don't get. The PGA might have a boring weekend being broadcast on the big three and I can't watch some ladies golf that I might find interesting.

I will watch the Euro tour occasionally, but I could care less about the nationwide. If I wanted to see golfers shoot in the 70's with suspect short games I'd rather watch the ones that wear skirts.

[dpb5031]

[quote name='Chief Illiniwek' timestamp='1292351982' post='2840686']
I just plain don't understand it. Are the ratings for women's golf so bad that they can't beat "Top 10" and "Golf's Amazing Videos?" I hate those shows, but it seems like its all they ever show. I'll take tape delayed LPGA over that crap anyday!
[/quote]

+1...the above mentioned shows are clearly filler programming. I change the channel every time those programs are played. I would love to see more LPGA coverage, especially live and in HD. I would think it's tough to increase viewership and build a brand when your being broadcast at these obscure times of the day and night.

[iCollector]

I'd much rather see the LPGA than the Nationwide Tour, or - as its been said all the other "shows" on GC... Hope the LPGA can pull a rabbit out of its hat and get what IMHO feel they deserve.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Ronzo' timestamp='1292611076' post='2845560']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1292354641' post='2840748']
I'd love to see Sarah Palin in a mini-skort!

I kid, I kid! No seriously I would!

[/quote]

Two words: Lisa Ann.
[/quote]
OK, you got me there! Hey-o!

[eudubmad82]

[quote name='mkoreiwo' timestamp='1292855173' post='2849672']
I'd much rather see the LPGA than the Nationwide Tour, or - as its been said all the other "shows" on GC... Hope the LPGA can pull a rabbit out of its hat and get what IMHO feel they deserve.
[/quote]

I personally would much rather watch a Nationwide Tour event than an LPGA Tour event (Including LPGA Majors). Everyone has their own taste but I really don't have much fun watching someone hit it 240 right down the middle, hit 3-hybrid forty feet away, lag it three feet short, and then lip-in for par.

I think the LPGA Tour has been on a downward spiral for a few years now. Unfortunately the person that I think could have lifted the tour to the next level was Michelle Wie and I think that a lot of people, including myself, got sick of one of the most recognizable women on the Tour being DQ'd, WDing, crying to the camera about bad breaks, etc. etc. The only time the LPGA Tour seems to be in the news is bad press like the cheating scandal this year, the transgender issue, the most dominant player retiring prematurely, sponsors dropping and so on.

An international schedule is probably the way for them to go because I just don't think Americans are buying their product anymore and does the Golf Channel really want to drag crews around the world to cover events that are going to get poor ratings in the US? I would guess that the dems that the LPGA draws are not going to garner high dollar advertisers either...

[Ghost_Orchid]

Maybe WE network can pick up the LPGA. Maybe Oprah's new network can foot the bill and get us live LPGA events. Something, geez.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='eudubmad82' timestamp='1292856565' post='2849698']
[quote name='mkoreiwo' timestamp='1292855173' post='2849672']
I'd much rather see the LPGA than the Nationwide Tour, or - as its been said all the other "shows" on GC... Hope the LPGA can pull a rabbit out of its hat and get what IMHO feel they deserve.
[/quote]

I personally would much rather watch a Nationwide Tour event than an LPGA Tour event (Including LPGA Majors). Everyone has their own taste but I really don't have much fun watching someone hit it 240 right down the middle, hit 3-hybrid forty feet away, lag it three feet short, and then lip-in for par.

I think the LPGA Tour has been on a downward spiral for a few years now. Unfortunately the person that I think could have lifted the tour to the next level was Michelle Wie and I think that a lot of people, including myself, got sick of one of the most recognizable women on the Tour being DQ'd, WDing, crying to the camera about bad breaks, etc. etc. The only time the LPGA Tour seems to be in the news is bad press like the cheating scandal this year, the transgender issue, the most dominant player retiring prematurely, sponsors dropping and so on.

An international schedule is probably the way for them to go because I just don't think Americans are buying their product anymore and does the Golf Channel really want to drag crews around the world to cover events that are going to get poor ratings in the US? I would guess that the dems that the LPGA draws are not going to garner high dollar advertisers either...
[/quote]
You mean you don't like watching "boring golf?" This is the game that most of us SHOULD be trying to play. Their game is where most of us would kill to shoot 69 or 70 from 6000 yards. Instead of looking at Phil or Tiger drive it 300 yards with a 3 wood, most of us are driving it 240 with a driver and praying we hit the fairway. We would do well to learn from them on how to hit a 5 or 7 wood from the deck and giving yourself a shot at birdie.

The audiences are not there because there is no real "It girl." Everyone wanted Wie to be that girl, and keep looking around to see if Creamer can be that girl. But when no one is seeing them play, it's hard to be that. Also with the new crop of players from Korea, they are literally dominating the LPGA. Their dedication to their sport would give any football player pause at their work ethic. There will be scandals in any sport. The NFL has one almost weekly and no one complains about that. They are in fact the reason the game has gone truly international because they are driving the tour. This affects sponsors and the game as a whole. If you were a sponsor, would you rather play with Tiger Woods or Jiyai Shin? There is no comparison when it comes to sponsor dollars.

[Ghost_Orchid]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1292870354' post='2850059']
[quote name='eudubmad82' timestamp='1292856565' post='2849698']
[quote name='mkoreiwo' timestamp='1292855173' post='2849672']
I'd much rather see the LPGA than the Nationwide Tour, or - as its been said all the other "shows" on GC... Hope the LPGA can pull a rabbit out of its hat and get what IMHO feel they deserve.
[/quote]

I personally would much rather watch a Nationwide Tour event than an LPGA Tour event (Including LPGA Majors). Everyone has their own taste but I really don't have much fun watching someone hit it 240 right down the middle, hit 3-hybrid forty feet away, lag it three feet short, and then lip-in for par.

I think the LPGA Tour has been on a downward spiral for a few years now. Unfortunately the person that I think could have lifted the tour to the next level was Michelle Wie and I think that a lot of people, including myself, got sick of one of the most recognizable women on the Tour being DQ'd, WDing, crying to the camera about bad breaks, etc. etc. The only time the LPGA Tour seems to be in the news is bad press like the cheating scandal this year, the transgender issue, the most dominant player retiring prematurely, sponsors dropping and so on.

An international schedule is probably the way for them to go because I just don't think Americans are buying their product anymore and does the Golf Channel really want to drag crews around the world to cover events that are going to get poor ratings in the US? I would guess that the dems that the LPGA draws are not going to garner high dollar advertisers either...
[/quote]
You mean you don't like watching "boring golf?" This is the game that most of us SHOULD be trying to play. Their game is where most of us would kill to shoot 69 or 70 from 6000 yards. Instead of looking at Phil or Tiger drive it 300 yards with a 3 wood, most of us are driving it 240 with a driver and praying we hit the fairway. We would do well to learn from them on how to hit a 5 or 7 wood from the deck and giving yourself a shot at birdie.

The audiences are not there because there is no real "It girl." Everyone wanted Wie to be that girl, and keep looking around to see if Creamer can be that girl. But when no one is seeing them play, it's hard to be that. Also with the new crop of players from Korea, they are literally dominating the LPGA. Their dedication to their sport would give any football player pause at their work ethic. There will be scandals in any sport. The NFL has one almost weekly and no one complains about that. They are in fact the reason the game has gone truly international because they are driving the tour. This affects sponsors and the game as a whole. If you were a sponsor, would you rather play with Tiger Woods or Jiyai Shin? There is no comparison when it comes to sponsor dollars.
[/quote]

The other young lady who might shake things up a bit and make things exciting, Alexis Thompson, they don't even want to let her play.

[dalehead]

[/quote]

I personally would much rather watch a Nationwide Tour event than an LPGA Tour event (Including LPGA Majors). Everyone has their own taste but I really don't have much fun watching someone hit it 240 right down the middle, hit 3-hybrid forty feet away, lag it three feet short, and then lip-in for par.

I think the LPGA Tour has been on a downward spiral for a few years now. Unfortunately the person that I think could have lifted the tour to the next level was Michelle Wie and I think that a lot of people, including myself, got sick of one of the most recognizable women on the Tour being DQ'd, WDing, crying to the camera about bad breaks, etc. etc. The only time the LPGA Tour seems to be in the news is bad press like the cheating scandal this year, the transgender issue, the most dominant player retiring prematurely, sponsors dropping and so on.

An international schedule is probably the way for them to go because I just don't think Americans are buying their product anymore and does the Golf Channel really want to drag crews around the world to cover events that are going to get poor ratings in the US? I would guess that the dems that the LPGA draws are not going to garner high dollar advertisers either...
[/quote]

I've never understood why I can't get interested in watching women's golf on TV. Your post helped me put my finger on it. I can see that kind of golf any time I want. Its called my regular foursome. And as much as I like those guys, I would not sit down to watch them play on TV either.

Other posters have said men should watch women's golf because they play a game closer to what we play than do the PGA pros.

Thats exactly the point. I don't want to see the same game I can see any Saturday morning, I want to see golf played at its highest level.

Thats true in any sport. Thats why in football the vast majority of fans follow the NFL or major colleges.

[hos]

Sarah Palin involved in the LPGA?? Guns and Golf? Freakin' Awesome!! Sign me up

[jaydub1228]

i think the fact that many of the "IT" players or up and coming players don't speak English as their first language really hurts the marketability of the LPGA. It's difficult for your average American viewer to get excited and connect with the stars when almost ever other tournament is won by an international player that may or may not speak English as their first language. Like one poster mentioned, it might not be a bad idea to have more tournaments and sponsors in other countries.

[18th Legion]

The Golf Channel simply can't cover all of the events and tours live. Times are too similar and all are Thu-Sun.

Now that NBC owns Golf Channel, it is time for a GC2 network. Otherwise the LPGA should move to ESPN, which gives them multiple outlets; ESPN2, ESPN3, and so on.

Agree or not, selling the sexiness within the LPGA will benefit all of the players and the tour. Other than Tennis, it is the only female sport that has a large number of attractive ladies. Tennis as a sport has lost popularity. Beach Volleyball? A few, lanky ladies. WNBA? Pleeaassse.

I am sure there is reistance within the leadership of the LPGA to use sex appeal as a marketing tool, but survival should be utmost on their list of objectives. WHoever covers the LPGA needs to overhaul their thinking and their production methods.

[kafka01]

[quote name='18th Legion' timestamp='1304800363' post='3215086']
The Golf Channel simply can't cover all of the events and tours live.
[/quote]
Lets see - lots of the LPGA events arent even played on US soil (different time zones) - the rest you probably can count with your two hands - whats their current playing schedule - like one tournament every 3 weeks?

[quote] it is time for a GC2 network.[/quote]
I doubt you need GC2 for such extensive play