Leading golfer Justin Thomas has made a bold suggestion to shake up the way golf is presented, calling on his peers to be more open with the media during tournaments
Thomas, a member of the PGA Tour’s advisory board, believes that increased interaction with fans could revitalize the sport and boost its popularity, particularly amongst younger audiences. In an open letter to his fellow golfers, he suggested various methods for players to bridge the gap, ranging from pre- and mid-round interviews to wearing microphones during play.
A Call for Greater Fan Engagement
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many passionate people tuning in each week, but let’s be honest: this game can be a little distant at times,” Thomas wrote in his letter. He pointed to research indicating that “on-field personality is the factor that sparks the most interest among young fans (ages 18-34).”
He cited the success of other sports, such as basketball and American football, in incorporating live player interactions during broadcasts, arguing that a similar approach could benefit golf.
That’s Not Just About Me, But About the Sport Itself
“I know that getting out of our comfort zone isn’t always easy,” Thomas acknowledged. “Believe me, in the past, I have been the first to say ‘no’ before they even asked me for things. I haven’t felt any interest when someone has asked me for a mid-round interview or suggested I try something new,” he explained. “But I also know how much fans love those moments: hearing our thought processes in decision-making, conversations with our caddies, our reactions to shots, and understanding the ups and downs of competing at the highest level. … Although we may (at least I think so) think that it is not that important or interesting, our fans do believe it.”
Thomas emphasized that he wasn’t asking for a forced change in personalities. He urged his fellow golfers to simply be open to exploring new possibilities and different ways of engaging with the audience.
Bridging the Gap: Practical Solutions and Partnerships
Thomas specifically brought up pre-round interviews, mid-round interviews, wearing a microphone during play, and communicating any equipment changes or swings being worked on. These strategies could offer fans a more intimate glimpse into the minds of the players and the challenges they face.
Thomas acknowledged the importance of collaboration with broadcast partners, stating, “The more we work with NBC/CBS/ESPN, the more they should be able to work with us. I’m sure many of us think streaming can be better, so let’s help them do it.”
By working together, golfers, broadcasting companies, and fans could enhance the television experience and bring golf into a new era of engagement.
Expert Perspective
Rory McIlroy, a fellow PGA Tour golfer, weighs in on Thomas’s proposal:
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‘I think Justin’s raising a really good point. You know, golf can be seen as a pretty solitary sport, so it’s important to let people see the personalities behind the performances. I’m open to trying new things to connect more with the fans. Fans want to know what we’re thinking, what we’re feeling during a round, and I think there are ways to do that authentically without overstepping boundaries.’