The US Open has now been and gone and despite the dramatic action on the course, PGA Tour player Billy Horschel has given those who broadcast the events some friendly advice.
Horschel is currently out with an injury, meaning he was forced to watch on like any other average golf fan as the action unfolded.
With J.J. Spaun winning out in a compelling final round, there was plenty to get invested in as the action unfolded.
However, while the golf on the course was entertaining and Spaun was a deserved winner, the onlooking Horschel had an idea to pass on.
And taking to social media to share that idea, Horschel has suggested that the TV production companies make a big change to help golf fans understand the game more.
Billy Horschel calls for broadcasting change to help golf fans
Horschel has had plenty of experience in the game both watching and playing.
Furthermore, his involvement in the TGL has given him more insight into what makes a good product in golf, and it’s clear that despite the advances over time, the TV coverage could be even better.
Now, taking to his X account, Horschel has suggested a new addition that would benefit fans and announcers.
“There’s been a lot of really cool features that have been added to golf broadcast over the years. One I would like to see added on regular is when showing a shot from behind the player and they show the shot tracer and ball speed…is add the Spin Rate.
“Fans would get a better perspective why a certain drive with 176mph flew as far as someone with 182mph. Or why 2 players who hit the same iron on a par 3 with similar heights and landed it similar spots….one ball stopped within a couple yards of its pitch mark vs one that released10-12 yards. It would also help the announcers and analysts better emphasize their point on players shots.”
Golf has to keep pushing boundaries to capture audiences
When it comes to TV coverage and what’s on display, you’re simply never going to please every single viewer.
That is just fact, and it’s partly why we see different presentations on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf. All three are looking for what works and across the three, you can see bits from each adapted into each product.
This suggestion from Billy Horschel is a good one though. His explanation of it is even better too, offering a unique insight into what the viewer would get from that information.
As Horschel says, golf has had some seriously impressive innovations in recent times and this suggestion here would only build on that.
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