Women's Golf on TV

[FairwayDodger]

After the excitement of the Solheim Cup I really think women's golf has the potential to get a bit of traction (amongst those who were prepared to watch without preconceptions at least). I'm really keen to see more so I'm disappointed that there don't appear to be any more tournaments on the telly until the Evian on 12th September. (The fifth "major").

Can't believe Sky aren't showing the Canadian Open this week, especially with Charley Hull playing thanks to a sponsor's invite.

 

[GreiginFife]

unfortunately it's all down to that preconception that many have meaning low viewing figures, which is all the broadcasters care about.
Sky dropped 60% of it's LPGA and LET coverage in 2009 and didn't pick up many renewals outside of the majors and the evens with massive exposure which helps to increase the viewership (like the Solheim)
The game might be improving but until many people's attitude to improves with it then it will just be a case of it is what it is.

 

[richart]

Hopefully there will be more 'traction' than after the previous Solheim Cup. That was just as good, if not better, with the result in doubt right up to the end. This years event did have a lot of new stars playing, so perhaps the likes of Charley Hull, Jodie Ewart Shadoff, Lexi Thomson and Jessica Korda will prove more appealing to Sky.

 

[dufferman]

I have a friend who, when talking about the Solheim Cup and my excitment to watch it over the past weekend, summed up the mentality of many men: 'the Women's game isn't interesting' - 'they all swing funny' - 'its not as good as watching the men play' - 'if I want to watch a 200 yard drive I'll watch some old men play'...

It's awful, but that's how a lot of men see women's golf and until that changes Sky won't spend money on it. Sad, but true.

 

[FairwayDodger]

I have a friend who, when talking about the Solheim Cup and my excitment to watch it over the past weekend, summed up the mentality of many men: 'the Women's game isn't interesting' - 'they all swing funny' - 'its not as good as watching the men play' - 'if I want to watch a 200 yard drive I'll watch some old men play'...

It's awful, but that's how a lot of men see women's golf and until that changes Sky won't spend money on it. Sad, but true.

It is true, sadly, but I really thought this week should have dispelled a lot of those misconceptions and they should be promoting it now before that's all lost again! I'd watch the Canadian Open in preference to the Barclays this week, given the chance.

 

[GreiginFife]

It is true, sadly, but I really thought this week should have dispelled a lot of those misconceptions and they should be promoting it now before that's all lost again! I'd watch the Canadian Open in preference to the Barclays this week, given the chance.

I think for the most part the Solheim will have potentially changed the minds of those that watched it (that maybe wouldn't have bothered before). Problem is the ones that didn't watch it because of the preconceived ideas that they have about it. Those, sadly, sit in the majority and mean that viability of broadcasting is still restricted. Gaining only 5% of the 70% that won't watch isn't enough to justify the outlay.

 

[dufferman]

I think for the most part the Solheim will have potentially changed the minds of those that watched it (that maybe wouldn't have bothered before). Problem is the ones that didn't watch it because of the preconceived ideas that they have about it. Those, sadly, sit in the majority and mean that viability of broadcasting is still restricted. Gaining only 5% of the 70% that won't watch isn't enough to justify the outlay.

Exactly that - I know the golf that was played was great but that's because I watched it. My mate for example watched the Cricket & Rugby and didn't even think of flicking over to SS3 to see what was happening!

Doesn't help that it was on so late either. When it's the Solheim / Ryder cup, I personally think it should be made to be played at a time to suit both continent local time. The tee off time on Sunday for the first singles match was midday local time, when it could have been 9 / 10am local time, so 4 / 5pm here. Then it would have finished nearer midnight even with the lightening delay. I was lucky enough to be working from home Monday so could afford to stay up till 1.45am to watch it, but others wouldn't. That doesn't promote support for the game (be it male or female) - but now I'm going off on a tangent...

 

[Pin-seeker]

Its not only golf. How much women's football or boxing do we see on the box?? Obviously the viewing figures aren't worth Sky showing it. Shame as women's golf is looking really strong at the minute with some good young players coming through.

 

[CMAC]

I think for the most part the Solheim will have potentially changed the minds of those that watched it (that maybe wouldn't have bothered before). Problem is the ones that didn't watch it because of the preconceived ideas that they have about it. Those, sadly, sit in the majority and mean that viability of broadcasting is still restricted. Gaining only 5% of the 70% that won't watch isn't enough to justify the outlay.

plus its probably logistically not possible to change no matter who was playing.

I thought the Americans or canadians would be showing this Tournament, I'd also like to see it especially as its in Canada. Maybe the wiziwig channels some post about on here or other online streaming video?

*edit- just looked at wiziwig and its on there this week http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=210879&part=sports (is posting this link allowed? mods remove if it isnt as I'm not clued up on streaming TV)

 

[cookelad]

Doesn't help that it was on so late either. When it's the Solheim / Ryder cup, I personally think it should be made to be played at a time to suit both continent local time. The tee off time on Sunday for the first singles match was midday local time, when it could have been 9 / 10am local time, so 4 / 5pm here. Then it would have finished nearer midnight even with the lightening delay. I was lucky enough to be working from home Monday so could afford to stay up till 1.45am to watch it, but others wouldn't. That doesn't promote support for the game (be it male or female) - but now I'm going off on a tangent...

Think that's a fair point! Obviously nearly all golf tournaments finish on a Sunday but 3am on a Monday morning is a bit much for a casual viewer. I watched what I could then sky+ed the rest but someone who isn't a golf nut isn't going to do that!

Herr Murdoch isn't going to put women's golf on his channels because he or someone else thinks we should be watching, Sky puts events on because they can guarantee the viewers, so anybody who wants to watch more women's golf needs to vote with their feet and switch it on whenever they get chance.

Good article on the BBC website today which touched on the guy now in charge of taking the LET to the viewing public!

 

[londonlewis]

I have a friend who, when talking about the Solheim Cup and my excitment to watch it over the past weekend, summed up the mentality of many men: 'the Women's game isn't interesting' - 'they all swing funny' - 'its not as good as watching the men play' - 'if I want to watch a 200 yard drive I'll watch some old men play'...

It's awful, but that's how a lot of men see women's golf and until that changes Sky won't spend money on it. Sad, but true.

I'd like to see that guy hit the ball further than Lexi Thompson who over hit a 600 yard plus green in two...
200 yards my ar$e ...

 

[londonlewis]

Exactly that - I know the golf that was played was great but that's because I watched it. My mate for example watched the Cricket & Rugby and didn't even think of flicking over to SS3 to see what was happening!

Doesn't help that it was on so late either. When it's the Solheim / Ryder cup, I personally think it should be made to be played at a time to suit both continent local time. The tee off time on Sunday for the first singles match was midday local time, when it could have been 9 / 10am local time, so 4 / 5pm here. Then it would have finished nearer midnight even with the lightening delay. I was lucky enough to be working from home Monday so could afford to stay up till 1.45am to watch it, but others wouldn't. That doesn't promote support for the game (be it male or female) - but now I'm going off on a tangent...

hmmm .... not sure if Sky would really buy those arguments.
On the one hand they are being told 'show more female sports, we love it and we want to see it'
On the other hand 'but could you put it on to coincide with my tea...'
well you can't love it then!

Limiting the solheim cup / Ryder cup to specific time zones would limit the venues that would be able to host it. Which would not be fair on the West Coast of the USA or anywhere in Eastern Europe

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I have a friend who, when talking about the Solheim Cup and my excitment to watch it over the past weekend, summed up the mentality of many men: 'the Women's game isn't interesting' - 'they all swing funny' - 'its not as good as watching the men play' - 'if I want to watch a 200 yard drive I'll watch some old men play'...

It's awful, but that's how a lot of men see women's golf and until that changes Sky won't spend money on it. Sad, but true.

And for the emphasis on power and distance and distance we have the manufacturers to thank. When did you last see an ad that said you'll hit the ball 40yds shorter but your timing and accuracy will improve.

And the distance junkies lap it up and beg for more...

 

[Robobum]

I'd like to see that guy hit the ball further than Lexi Thompson who over hit a 600 yard plus green in two...
200 yards my ar$e ...

It was two very good clips she gave it but...........it was @ altitude so ball flew approx 10% further........to a fairway that was baked hard.........all downhill by about 100ft.

Her 300yd drives - 270 ish in normal conditions are still very good knocks though.

 

[FairwayDodger]

All the distance arguments are missing the point anyway.

If you're watching on TV it makes no difference if someone hits it 250 or 300 yards, the difference isn't discernible.

 

[Foxholer]

It was two very good clips she gave it but...........it was @ altitude so ball flew approx 10% further........to a fairway that was baked hard.........all downhill by about 100ft.

Her 300yd drives - 270 ish in normal conditions are still very good knocks though.

In fact I think 10% might be 'conservative'. Again downhill, but hitting between I seem to remember most hitting 9 iron to a 179 yd pin!

 

[Robobum]

All the distance arguments are missing the point anyway.

If you're watching on TV it makes no difference if someone hits it 250 or 300 yards, the difference isn't discernible.

I agree, was just answering a point made.

 

[FairwayDodger]

In fact I think 10% might be 'conservative'. Again downhill, but hitting between I seem to remember most hitting 9 iron to a 179 yd pin!

I played golf in Denver last year and it made zero difference to how far I hit anything, much to my disappointment.

 

[Foxholer]

I agree, was just answering a point made.

How many shots do you think you'd need against any of them then?

 

[londonlewis]

It was two very good clips she gave it but...........it was @ altitude so ball flew approx 10% further........to a fairway that was baked hard.........all downhill by about 100ft.

Her 300yd drives - 270 ish in normal conditions are still very good knocks though.

Let's claim that the conditions and altitude add 10% to your total distance.
We are therefore saying that Lexi Thompson can hit a golf ball a distance of 580 in two shots - 580+10% = 638 yards (the whole in question was 635 yards and she went through the back of the green).

Can you (and I am sure we won't get a single word answer out of you and you will find another way to put these lady golfers down) hit a ball 580 yards in two shots?