The Sentry 2024 event is in full swing at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui. And it has proven to be the perfect start to the 2024 PGA Tour season. With Sentry being one of the first no-cut signature events with a $20 million prize pool, the enthrallment amongst the fans for the tournament was uncanny. However, things started to go south as soon as the tournament began!
Along with being a curtain-raiser, the event also aims to raise awareness about the tragic Maui fires. With fans looking forward to the event eagerly, they expected more from it, especially those who were watching it from their homes. The 2024 Sentry came under scrutiny from netizens, and that too for its horrendous broadcasting!
How was Sentry’s first-day coverage not adequate?
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The round one leaderboard of the PGAT’s calendar opener is out. Sahith Theegala carded a 9-under 64 in the opening round to take a single-stroke lead after the first day. Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Jason Day, Camilo Villegas, and Sungjae Im are tied for the second spot. As round one of the Sentry concluded, criticism about its coverage also started rolling in.
Many netizens took shots at the PGA Tour for their lackluster coverage. One golf fanatic by the name of Stephen Roche had a lengthy complaint concerning the same. The netizen pointed out the blatant reason for people not liking the live coverage of the PGA Tour events. The man said that he had been watching the tournament for 4 hours, and half of it was watching the leaderboard in deafening silence, with no glimpse of the live action happening on the course. As per him, the other half was also not good.
The golf enthusiast further pointed out that after the coverage was done showing the leaderboard, the next thing they presented on the screen was the commentators. He pointed out that he was then watching experts talk about the game while “shots are played” in the background.
Wonder why some of us don’t like the PGAT coverage? I watched 4 hours of feature groups where 50% of coverage was a leaderboard in silence. Now full coverage has started & I’m watching these guys while shots are played. Give me shotgun & score ribbon everyday! @flushingitgolf pic.twitter.com/BDCqS1psB7
— Stephen Roche (@StephenRoche100) January 4, 2024
The man wished for the coverage to become more sport-centric and less about other things in the event. His wish for the event resonated with millions of PGA Tour fans online. And they came forward to speak in his support.
What do fans have to say about the lackluster coverage of the event?
With the comments that rolled in, it was evident that Stephen Roche spoke for every other person who was watching the tournament from their couch.
Read More: The Sentry 2024: Prize Money Breakdown and Winner’s Payout
Almost all PGA Tour fans are unhappy with the coverage of Sentry 2024. A fan said while their heart goes out to the Maui fires, the PGA Tour’s coverage only talked about the tragedy.
It's been insufferable sadly. I say this with empathy for the Maui fires but I didn't tune into Day 1 of the PGA season to watch Mark Rolfing and every other person on set blow themselves about how much this event means to Maui. Nobody loves themselves more than the PGA Tour.
— GolfWarsPundit (@BobSuraFans) January 4, 2024
Another fan supported this argument by stating the coverage was just CEOs and sponsors talking instead of showing the game.
And then don’t you love the interviews with those wonderful CEO’s or sponsors spokespersons. One long commercial.
— Bjringo (@Bjringo_2) January 5, 2024
A golf fan pointed out that they love to watch the experts talk, but along with that, they are watching the coverage to see the players making shots.
Agree!! I love watching them walk up the fairway when we could be watching other players golf shots!! I mean why would we want that🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
— Scott Cochuyt (@hwkys771) January 5, 2024
A netizen had a theory about this lackluster PGA Tour coverage. They claimed that the coverage style of LIV Golf has made watching the PGA Tour boring. “I blame LIV for this,” said the user.
I blame LIV for this..lol 😉 Two years ago I would happily watch this boring drivel, but now there's an alternative that shows actual golf shots I'm finding PGAT hard to watch. Excitedly turned on this morning, but just the same old 2 to 3 players only etc blah blah 🥱
— Luke Hartcher (@LukeHartcher) January 5, 2024
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One fan came up with a solution rather than extending the problem like everyone else. Their solution sure seemed innovative, and apt as well in this situation!
Lots of people complaining about the coverage. I DVR every tournament and skip though lots of stuff. Love watching it that way.
— Neil A. Waring (@wyohistoryguy) January 5, 2024
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However, not all fans felt the same way. Some felt the coverage of the PGA Tour has been like this for decades and should not change. What are your thoughts on the debate about the coverage of Sentry 2024? Let us know in the comments section below.
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