The Skins Game

[mikpga]

What has happened to the Skins Game...

 

I must admit, I haven't watched this Thanksgiving tradition in quite a few years...

 

Ames, Funk, Couples, and Daly?

 

Where is Woods, Mickelson, Singh, Els, Furyk, Scott, JB Holmes, Bubba, Ogilvie?

 

Obviously this tournament has flopped...

 

Why is it still around?

 

Just disappointed when flipping through the channels today...

 

I truly enjoyed watching this event once upon a time...

[AcesAZ]

I think Funk won it last year so here would be my line up.

 

Funk, Bubba, Holmes, and Tiger. (Maybe even substitute Tiger for me ;) . LOL)

 

I love watching those guys just rip it.

[DemolitionMan]

From Gary Van Sickle of SI....

 

"It's too bad ABC had the worst schedule of the big three networks because some would argue that with the Azinger-Faldo team, plus Judy Rankin and Peter Allis and Mike Tirico, ABC went from worst to first in televised golf in the last two years. The duo's departure was memorable. Maybe it's time for the Skins Game to depart, too. Without Azinger and Faldo on hand for comic relief and with a field that pales in comparison to the livelier Grand Slam of Golf, the Skins Game is in danger of turning into one big Thanksgiving turkey."

 

 

I totally agree. I didn't watch a single shot or highlight of the skins game this year and I feel like I didn't miss anything.

 

How about next year a celebrity skins game? I want to see a producer with the guts to air a show exposing Donald Trump's vanity handicap.

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

How about next year a celebrity skins game?

 

Better yet, Gulbis, Creamer, and (pick 2) Kerr/Wie/Prammanasudh/Lincicome/Pressel/Blasberg*

 

*No Ochoa or Sorenstam. They would kick the crap outta the other ladies.

[smarshal75]

I didn't mind watching Couples play today, but the rest of the field was uninspiring. For me, Daly is just hard to watch.

[wwhitehead]

The Skins Game needs some spice. However, they just can't compete with overseas events that pay $2M+ just in the form of an appearance fee.

 

What would make me watch?

 

First, I'd find a golf course that people know, and/or that people want to play. Stopping at a cookie cutter private club doesn't generate interest the way PGA West used to. Can anyone honestly describe more than two of the holes they played this year?

 

Second, the best players in the world aren't interested anymore. So find players that have contrasting styles, and/or that people just want to watch. Annika....Jason Zuback....be creative. Find two good amateurs and let them play better ball (for a charity) against three pros...

 

Third, set the golf course up so that it's exciting to watch. Throw in a driveable par four or two....a LONG par three....a big time par five (650 yards)....and let the players use their strengths. Watching everybody hit driver-9 iron is just plain boring.

 

I've always wondered what response they'd get if they found four pros who would ante up a big entry fee ($100,000) for the possibility of winning big. Skins games at my home course are exciting because guys are playing with their own money...is there a way to incorporate this at the highest level as well?

 

Just ideas.

 

WW

[AcesAZ]

OK heres another good lineup, up the purse to 4,000,000, play it at Sawgrass (or similar very well known course)

 

Tiger- Must have for the average fan

 

Wie- Lots of hype, bring alot of intrigue

 

Singh- Watching Wie hole a putt to beat Singh for a skin would be LOL (cool) :cheesy: ;)

 

Phil- Classic matchup against Singh and Tiger

 

The ratings would be huge and support a purse of this size. How could any golf fan miss this!!!!

[DemolitionMan]

OK heres another good lineup, up the purse to 4,000,000, play it at Sawgrass (or similar very well known course)

 

Tiger- Must have for the average fan

 

Wie- Lots of hype, bring alot of intrigue

 

Singh- Watching Wie hole a putt to beat Singh for a skin would be LOL (cool) :cheesy: ;)

 

Phil- Classic matchup against Singh and Tiger

 

The ratings would be huge and support a purse of this size. How could any golf fan miss this!!!!

 

Does Wie get to hit from the Red Tees? MW at Sawgrass from the tips = zero skins.

[Simp]

I wanted to watch it because we'll be playing that course in February during our annual golf trip. Looks like a really nice course!

[AcesAZ]

OK heres another good lineup, up the purse to 4,000,000, play it at Sawgrass (or similar very well known course)

 

Tiger- Must have for the average fan

 

Wie- Lots of hype, bring alot of intrigue

 

Singh- Watching Wie hole a putt to beat Singh for a skin would be LOL (cool) :cheesy: ;)

 

Phil- Classic matchup against Singh and Tiger

 

The ratings would be huge and support a purse of this size. How could any golf fan miss this!!!!

 

Does Wie get to hit from the Red Tees? MW at Sawgrass from the tips = zero skins.

 

 

I'm sure she wouldn't win any skins but it'd bring a big audience to have her out there.

[MOJO14]

I watched about the last 45 minutes on Sat. but none of it yesterday. Couldn't tear myself away from the Giants-Titans game.

[BandonOrBust]

Well, I didn't mind it so much... but I am a big Couples fan, so I guess that helps. I am also a TaylorMade fan, so it was cool to see so many Rossa putters. I must admit I couldn't believe the hat Daly was wearing. Is the Maxfli Fire a new ball or something?

[samm980]

I pray Ames never plays again. Stephen Ames has less personality than Annika Sorenstam which is saying much.

[DemolitionMan]

I watched about the last 45 minutes on Sat. but none of it yesterday. Couldn't tear myself away from the Giants-Titans game.

 

Being a Cowboys fan, neither could I. LOL

[DemolitionMan]

OK heres another good lineup, up the purse to 4,000,000, play it at Sawgrass (or similar very well known course)

 

Tiger- Must have for the average fan

 

Wie- Lots of hype, bring alot of intrigue

 

Singh- Watching Wie hole a putt to beat Singh for a skin would be LOL (cool) :cheesy: ;)

 

Phil- Classic matchup against Singh and Tiger

 

The ratings would be huge and support a purse of this size. How could any golf fan miss this!!!!

 

Does Wie get to hit from the Red Tees? MW at Sawgrass from the tips = zero skins.

 

 

I'm sure she wouldn't win any skins but it'd bring a big audience to have her out there.

 

She could have a chance hitting from the Reds. Nike could take over the event and have TW, MW, and two other Nike staffers (one other woman so MW is not all by herself) and it would probably end up being more popular.

 

Oh...forget it, skins game is just plain boring now.

[TeeBonZ]

I looked at the field and decided I'd rather watch paint dry (cool)

[Golfchicago]

I've gotta add that I didn't watch 30 seconds of this. The field just didn't do anything for me. Looks like I made the right decision.

[freddiec]

I couldn't believe they had Ames there. I know he's a great player, but what a odd personality for the skins, He seems so arrogant, walking past Andy North after winning a quarter million and barely speaking to him. Doesn't he know , its tradition to stand there for atleast 45 seconds and speak to the camera. To me , he is a minor disgrace to the skins game tradition, he just didn't fit in at all. I still can't figure out if Faldo and Zinger really dislike each other, or if its more for the camera. Does Zinger ever get a haircut? He really is not made for TV.