Fox Golf
It's the US Open for golf this weekend and it's Fox's first time covering the event. The coverage has been awful, but not as horrendous as how Tiger Woods has been playing (maybe).
So what's so terrible about the golf coverage? Well, first of all, the cameramen can't seem to keep track of the ball off the tee too often (at least, more than usual than coverage on CBS/NBC). And besides the hilly course, there are no trees to get in the way (there is only one tree on the entire course). It is pretty hilarious seeing the camera trying to find the golf ball in the air though. The camera angles used in their coverage can be quite unusual as well, not very good for watching golf.
And the golf tracer off the tee? I don't know what to think about that. It's as tacky as going back to using the tracker for hockey and adding a fire tail for power plays... Yet, it's a good way not to lose track of the ball during coverage.
I wish they would slow down players' swing more and give an professional analysis more often. I think I've seen Fox only do it a couple of times.
They need to improve on the transition between players and announcers need to work together more seamlessly.
The leaderboard "interface" was broken. They literally had to show the actual scoreboard at Chambers Bay every so often for their viewers. In addition to the leaderboard issues, Fox hasn't done a very good job to keep the viewer informed of what is on the screen including player name, shot number, and hole number.
As much as viewers love to watch Tiger Woods, they should have showed less of Tiger Woods especially he was way off the lead majority of the time.
It may be the association I make between Joe Buck and baseball, but I don't think he is well-suited for golf. It's just not a voice that is easily associated with golf.
With 12 years of coverage of the US Open (for Men's, Women's, Senior Open), Fox will undoubtedly have time to improve on their golf coverage.
I'm watching golf so much more intently since I've been playing more. I can personally appreciate their skill and form. I HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO MOVE MY HIPS!