TV Golf Coverage

You send us lots of mail about television golf coverage, and almost as much about our comments about that coverage. A couple of your latest...

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Dear Editor,>

I realize that hyperbole is a traditional part of sports broadcasting, but I would like to strongly suggest that it is time for golf announcers to stop using the word "tragic" to describe events between the ropes. "Tragic" is a flag-draped coffin coming home from Iraq, a young mother being diagnosed with breast cancer, or a beloved caddie dying of ALS. It is not missing a three-foot putt to win a tournament. Unless a standard bearer drops dead while walking up the fairway, guys, let's stick to "unfortunate", OK?

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Barbara Padgett

Toledo, OH

Barbara, we couldn't agree more.

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Dear Editor,>

I read with disappointment your comments about Bobby Clampett's recent work for CBS. Bobby's clean, accurate calls are a welcome change from the constant blabbering and futile attempts at wit by others in the CBS camp. Like Ken Venturi, Clampett applies the "less is more" approach to his color work. Bobby realizes he's calling a golf tournament, not hosting a talk show. >

Patrick S. Koons>

Dayton, OH

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Clampett is a lightning rod, isn't he. Very knowledgeable about the swing, though, and pretty succinct these days. But you either like him or you don't....

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Dear Editor,>

Watching the Champion Tour on television is similar to watching paint >

dry on the wall you just painted.

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Gene Martineau

Roseville, CA

Gene, We don't paint much anymore. But we do watch the Champions Tour events when we can and it seems a whole lot better than painting.We had the chance to visit the Senior PGA Championship in Cleveland and walk a great old golf course, Canterbury, and really enjoyed it, not because these guys play perfect golf--although Michael Allen pretty much did--but because they don't. We can relate. If your point, though, is that they could act like they enjoy being able to play golf for a living at the age when most of us are worried about keeping our jobs, we agree.

--Bob Carney