Morning Drive...What Happened?

[Holy Moses]

i mean MD itself, not the golf channel as a whole. they named it the AP Studio after him, had him cut the ribbon, etc. i found it sad to put his name on something that I, and others, view as being worse than the old version.

 

It's the entire studio, not the bathroom.

 

Nice tribute. Not like it's "Arnold Palmer's Morning Drive". Oh well.

 

well, fair point. i still saw the new studio, production, and overall direction of the network as inauthentic, tacky, and typical overdone corporate "gold plating," more catered to the average viewer rather than the golf enthusiast.

 

you don't have to agree, that's just how i viewed the change after the NBC/Comcast takeover.

 

There are way more average golf viewers than golf enthusiasts. Gotta rwach as many as possible. Us WRXers are not normal.

[EKELLY]

I was living in Bay Hill, and a member, when the rumor started floating around about Arnold's Golf Channel idea. We kinda laughed it off, some thinking "the old coot is NUTS!" "24 hour golf, that'll sink like the titanic!" Swear to god, he made it happen, then all the membership talked about was the over/under on how long it would last. Had to fail! WELL, here we are.....

[Holy Moses]

I was living in Bay Hill, and a member, when the rumor started floating around about Arnold's Golf Channel idea. We kinda laughed it off, some thinking "the old coot is NUTS!" "24 hour golf, that'll sink like the titanic!" Swear to god, he made it happen, then all the membership talked about was the over/under on how long it would last. Had to fail! WELL, here we are.....

 

Golf Channel just came out with a book on how the station started. It was a chance meeting between Joe Gibbs and Arnold. They really struggled to get funding early on. If Tiger never had occurred, I wonder if Golf Channel would have stuck.

[Hawkeye77]

I was living in Bay Hill, and a member, when the rumor started floating around about Arnold's Golf Channel idea. We kinda laughed it off, some thinking "the old coot is NUTS!" "24 hour golf, that'll sink like the titanic!" Swear to god, he made it happen, then all the membership talked about was the over/under on how long it would last. Had to fail! WELL, here we are.....

 

Golf Channel just came out with a book on how the station started. It was a chance meeting between Joe Gibbs and Arnold. They really struggled to get funding early on. If Tiger never had occurred, I wonder if Golf Channel would have stuck.

 

Really doubt it.

[Hawkeye77]

i mean MD itself, not the golf channel as a whole. they named it the AP Studio after him, had him cut the ribbon, etc. i found it sad to put his name on something that I, and others, view as being worse than the old version.

 

It's the entire studio, not the bathroom.

 

Nice tribute. Not like it's "Arnold Palmer's Morning Drive". Oh well.

 

well, fair point. i still saw the new studio, production, and overall direction of the network as inauthentic, tacky, and typical overdone corporate "gold plating," more catered to the average viewer rather than the golf enthusiast.

 

you don't have to agree, that's just how i viewed the change after the NBC/Comcast takeover.

 

Pretty sure we can agree the set is really, really blue - not my favorite.

[EKELLY]

I was living in Bay Hill, and a member, when the rumor started floating around about Arnold's Golf Channel idea. We kinda laughed it off, some thinking "the old coot is NUTS!" "24 hour golf, that'll sink like the titanic!" Swear to god, he made it happen, then all the membership talked about was the over/under on how long it would last. Had to fail! WELL, here we are.....

 

Golf Channel just came out with a book on how the station started. It was a chance meeting between Joe Gibbs and Arnold. They really struggled to get funding early on. If Tiger never had occurred, I wonder if Golf Channel would have stuck.

Don't get me wrong, people WERE excited about it, they just couldn't fathom the content needed to cover 24/7.......lol

[grm24]

you don't have to agree, that's just how i viewed the change after the NBC/Comcast takeover.

Comcast has owned Golf Channel since the early 2000's. When Comcast bought NBC/Universal in 2011 GC was placed under the NBC Sports group.

[RDD]

I was living in Bay Hill, and a member, when the rumor started floating around about Arnold's Golf Channel idea. We kinda laughed it off, some thinking "the old coot is NUTS!" "24 hour golf, that'll sink like the titanic!" Swear to god, he made it happen, then all the membership talked about was the over/under on how long it would last. Had to fail! WELL, here we are.....

 

Golf Channel just came out with a book on how the station started. It was a chance meeting between Joe Gibbs and Arnold. They really struggled to get funding early on. If Tiger never had occurred, I wonder if Golf Channel would have stuck.

Don't get me wrong, people WERE excited about it, they just couldn't fathom the content needed to cover 24/7.......lol

Yes they did. They knew golfers love gadgets and they could fill any dead air with infomercials. Joe Gibbs is pretty smart

[WidespreadPanic]

In comes this guy again to tell everybody they're wrong about everything....

[RDD]

In comes this guy again to tell everybody they're wrong about everything....

You’re wrong about that

[deadsolid...shank]

In comes this guy again to tell everybody they're wrong about everything....

You’re wrong about that

 

Have to admit, that was pretty funny!

[golfer07840]

Yes! Their scheduling is very odd now. Not to mention (whether you liked him or not), the loss of Breed leaves a huge hole to fill. After watching one episode of Spieth’s coach, I can say that it isn’t the answer.

 

Lots of horrid advice being given on the Golf Channel. No wonder golfers are confused.

[golfer07840]

It was on today when I was at the gym so I got to watch the whole thing. My favorite part was when Trevor Immelman said that amateurs should take more time over their ball. Yeah, that's exactly what golf needs ammy's spending more time over their ball! Sheesh!

 

Exhibit A of said "Bad advice"

[golfer07840]

I watch. It's golf in the morning.

 

Charlie is OK. Seems like the big, harmless, likeable neighborhood kid.

 

Like Paige and Kara (not sure on her spelling).

 

Lauren Thompson is solid (but cut the LT crap, call her Lauren) as is Gary Williams.

 

Damon Hack? I just don't get why he is even on there. He doesn't add anything to the show (excep volume).

 

 

And I can't stand Ginella. Yeah Matt, that's a nice list of playable courses in th area. If I have an unlimited budget I'll look to you for advice. No s**t Pebble Beach is a nice place to play if you're on the peninsula. He's a name dropper, courses and people. Although it's also possible I might just be jealous of him!��

 

But it's still the best golf show that's on in the morning.

 

Damon Hack.. used to be an NFL writer over at Sports Illustrated. How he wound up on the golf channel, I'll never understand.

[pierso2]

I watch. It's golf in the morning.

 

Charlie is OK. Seems like the big, harmless, likeable neighborhood kid.

 

Like Paige and Kara (not sure on her spelling).

 

Lauren Thompson is solid (but cut the LT crap, call her Lauren) as is Gary Williams.

 

Damon Hack? I just don't get why he is even on there. He doesn't add anything to the show (excep volume).

 

 

And I can't stand Ginella. Yeah Matt, that's a nice list of playable courses in th area. If I have an unlimited budget I'll look to you for advice. No s**t Pebble Beach is a nice place to play if you're on the peninsula. He's a name dropper, courses and people. Although it's also possible I might just be jealous of him!��

 

But it's still the best golf show that's on in the morning.

 

Damon Hack.. used to be an NFL writer over at Sports Illustrated. How he wound up on the golf channel, I'll never understand.

 

Been seeing him over at the winter games doing interviews. Great person to have interview athletes and seems down to earth but boy he IS NOT a cold weather person. He looks miserable not being on set.

[golfer07840]

It's been the same crappy show ever since Comcast / NBC tried to turn it into the Today show. Can't believe I'm saying this but it was better when Erik Kuselias was banging Holly on the side and it was just him and Gary.

 

I will say though, the video of watching Damon Hack try to chip playing "Golf Pong" at the PGA Show was the funniest thing I've seen in years. I am dumbfounded how someone can play as much golf as he does and suck so badly.

 

http://www.golfchann...beer-pong-golf/

 

I agree....I liked it best back when it first started....Heck I liked it back when it was the Grey Goose 19th Hole with that big guy from The Big Break. At least then it was actual discussion regarding golf and not cheesy segments to fill airtime. I've said it before but i'll say it again....Have an instruction segment with quality tips that don't revolve around copying the winning players bowed wrist or how they add hinge in the downsing......Have a segment on course strategy or hole design, have an equipment segment with real reviews both pros AND CONs not just a 3 minute marketing ad by Matt Adams. I actually like the health segments so I would be ok keeping that and then talk about what's going on inside the ropes...that's what people want to know..not a bunch of fluff or cheesy skits with Damon Hack who if i hear him say butter cut one more time i'm going to hulk smash my tv.

 

Forgot about the Grey Goose 19th hole - loved that. And I also used to really like "On the Range".

[DRRicks]

It's been the same crappy show ever since Comcast / NBC tried to turn it into the Today show. Can't believe I'm saying this but it was better when Erik Kuselias was banging Holly on the side and it was just him and Gary.

 

I will say though, the video of watching Damon Hack try to chip playing "Golf Pong" at the PGA Show was the funniest thing I've seen in years. I am dumbfounded how someone can play as much golf as he does and suck so badly.

 

http://www.golfchann...beer-pong-golf/

 

I agree....I liked it best back when it first started....Heck I liked it back when it was the Grey Goose 19th Hole with that big guy from The Big Break. At least then it was actual discussion regarding golf and not cheesy segments to fill airtime. I've said it before but i'll say it again....Have an instruction segment with quality tips that don't revolve around copying the winning players bowed wrist or how they add hinge in the downsing......Have a segment on course strategy or hole design, have an equipment segment with real reviews both pros AND CONs not just a 3 minute marketing ad by Matt Adams. I actually like the health segments so I would be ok keeping that and then talk about what's going on inside the ropes...that's what people want to know..not a bunch of fluff or cheesy skits with Damon Hack who if i hear him say butter cut one more time i'm going to hulk smash my tv.

 

Forgot about the Grey Goose 19th hole - loved that. And I also used to really like "On the Range".

 

Yes! Both shows were good AND utilized TGC’s best talent. No longer.

[golfer07840]

Big props to RDD for coming on here for some honest conversation. The www. needs more of that sort of interaction. More real insight less fake news.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but who is RDD? :-/

[DON SVO]

Big props to RDD for coming on here for some honest conversation. The www. needs more of that sort of interaction. More real insight less fake news.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but who is RDD? :-/

 

Robert Damron.

[golfer07840]

The fact that there is an entire network dedicated to one game, and a talk show dedicated to one game is unbelievable if you think about it. I remember when the only sports coverage on TV was 10 minutes on the local evening news. Golf? Only if a major was being played it might get 60 seconds. ESPN was a big deal. George Michaels Sports Machine was revolutionary. Internet? Hell I just wanted my weekly Sports Illustrated and my monthly Golf Digest.

 

Y’all a bunch of spoiled babies.

 

LMAO

[golfer07840]

Big props to RDD for coming on here for some honest conversation. The www. needs more of that sort of interaction. More real insight less fake news.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but who is RDD? :-/

 

Robert Damron.

 

Thanks.. had a feeling...

[golfer07840]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

[DRRicks]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

 

It’s a new idea! They’re seeing if they can get everyone to change the channel.

[artica]

I dropped the package on directv with the Golf Channel, it was the only reason I was paying for it but it sucks now!

[Holy Moses]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

 

They had those last night

[bladehunter]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

 

It’s a new idea! They’re seeing if they can get everyone to change the channel.

 

I’ve been in business since 2002. And the one thing I’m completely sure about is that the customer is frequently off in left field . As in wrong !

 

Robert is correct to let anyone know that the Channel changes. I’ve watched the show for years. I don’t see much difference . I enjoy Roberts addition to the show and wasn’t sad when Holly left. I’m sure I’m not The only one.

 

If anything loosing Breed and his goofy self was a plus. I’d love to see McCormick there full time with instruction. His takes are more serious and common sense based. So it’s yet to be seen exactly how a few things shake out. But All in all morning drive still fills the same spot it always has for me.

[grm24]

Damon Hack.. used to be an NFL writer over at Sports Illustrated. How he wound up on the golf channel, I'll never understand.

He also covered golf for Sports Illustrated/Golf.com and was a golf writer at both the NY Times and Newsday.

[DRRicks]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

 

It’s a new idea! They’re seeing if they can get everyone to change the channel.

 

I’ve been in business since 2002. And the one thing I’m completely sure about is that the customer is frequently off in left field . As in wrong!

 

I’m sure you’ve been very successful in that long and storied career then...

[bladehunter]

Quick..tune to Golf Channel. Yet Another Movie is playing!

 

Tonight would have been a good time to air some playing lessons with the pros or Golf Channel Academies.

 

It’s a new idea! They’re seeing if they can get everyone to change the channel.

 

I’ve been in business since 2002. And the one thing I’m completely sure about is that the customer is frequently off in left field . As in wrong!

 

I’m sure you’ve been very successful in that long and storied career then...

 

Lol. Yes. Point is the wives tale that the customer is alwasy right is just that. False. Some folks are unhappy no matter what you do. Those folks are always going to be a negative. Negative attitude and negative impact on the bottom line.

 

Folks who hate morning drive now have always hated it. And those folks should change the channel. Not trying to be harsh. But the attitude being displayed against a pretty nice guy who happens to be on the inside of the subject at hand is pretty telling . You don’t seen to like morning drive and I’m guessing never have.

[TheLarch]

I never realized that several years ago when I enjoyed watching Morning Drive (before Ginella, Hack, etc...) that I actually hated it. Thanks for clearing that up.