89 replies to this topic

[Willie Malay]

Anyone else think the new Morning Drive set is a step backward? I think it looks worse and seems horribly cramped. Also is Ahmad Rashad going to be a permanent fixture? If so, that is the end of me watching it. Just don't like the guy.

Edited by Willie Malay, 04 February 2013 - 10:09 AM.

[KILLEDBYASHANKEDWEDGE]

I made the observation in another thread it looks like the Grey Goose set, which is definitely not an upgrade.

[Willie Malay]

Maybe with the screens behind it, they can "transform" it to any look they want, making it multiple sets in one.

[MarkCPA]

Way too many talking heads now.   It's a step backwards to me, and a rather big one at that.

Nevertheless, I'll still turn it on because even bad golf talk is better than anything else on at 7:00am in the morning.

Edited by MarkCPA, 04 February 2013 - 10:26 AM.

[richard t]

Ahmad Rashad??? What's next Johnny Miller doing football games? No offense to Johnny. Geez, I guess he's under contract to NBC and they have to put him someplace. Getting to the point where I only watch the golf on GC. Much as I love the game it's just tedious to watch. It's hard to sustain all golf all the time.

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

Pics please?

[kschneid]

Very disappointing. The show is getting way too gimmicky. The "game ball", are you kidding me? Just talk about golf, that's why we all watch. Also, Ahmad Rashad is absolutely horrible. I'm hoping the show will get better after time, but for now it's better than nothing I suppose.

[TMadigolf]

Atleast they got rid of the stupid mics in front of them like they were on radio, even though they were mic'd up on their shirts. I'm ok with the new set, but agree Rashad is a terrible choice.

[taz757]

I just gotta say that I've still got a huge crush on Kelly Tilghman.

[HackerVance]

I watched it for awhile this morning. I really wanted to like it.  I made myself believe that I could handle  the whole on air crew, I just couldn't do it.  There are too many and it's distracting.  After the 2nd or  3rd inane Ahmad (Bobby) comment I just couldn't take any more.  To protect what sanity that I have left I pushed the off button.  What are they thinking about putting this guy on?  He's been horrible broadcasting every other sport that he's tried.  His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!

[tatertot]

I'm convinced Rashad has incriminating evidence against the upper-echelon at NBC. It's the only reasonable explanation for why he's still employed.

[tbowles411]

taz757, on 04 February 2013 - 12:07 PM, said:

I just gotta say that I've still got a huge crush on Kelly Tilghman.

Can't say I disagree.  

[the.landshark]

I'm willing to give them a chance, seeing as today was just their 1st with the new look/feel.

That being said, my initial impression is that they've changed too much (too fast)... seems like they're trying a little too hard. I'd imagine that Morning Drive is the jewel of the Golf Channel "crown", and so they want the show to join the "big leagues" of morning talk shows. What set them apart however, aside from the subject matter, was that they didn't follow their (the other shows) formula. Now they have, and only time will tell (both) how MD grows into the new space, and how they utilize the new on air "talent".

[tbowles411]

tatertot, on 04 February 2013 - 12:18 PM, said:

I'm convinced Rashad has incriminating evidence against the upper-echelon at NBC. It's the only reasonable explanation for why he's still employed.

I think you're right.  He just seems out of place.  I mean, I golf.  Does that mean I can sit in one of the chairs too?  I think I liked the other format better.

[jwrogers]

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 12:14 PM, said:

His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!

The dude is a four-time pro bowler and MVP of a Pro Bowl, too.   No problem criticizing him, but at least get the facts right.   He was a damn good NFL football player for 10 years.

[HackerVance]

jwrogers, on 04 February 2013 - 12:38 PM, said:

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 12:14 PM, said:

His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!

The dude is a four-time pro bowler and MVP of a Pro Bowl, too.   No problem criticizing him, but at least get the facts right.   He was a damn good NFL football player for 10 years.

Which of my facts wasn't right?  You can  add more facts if you like, and being a good football player doesn't make you a good television personality, especially regarding golf.  Lawrence Taylor was a damn good NFL football player but I don't care what he thinks of Tiger's swing.

[BenSeattle]

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

BenSeattle, on 04 February 2013 - 07:30 PM, said:

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

You and Rodney Dangerfield....

[chri55]

BenSeattle, on 04 February 2013 - 07:30 PM, said:

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

Best rant EVER!!!

[lightgrip]

BenSeattle, on 04 February 2013 - 07:30 PM, said:

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

Atta boy.  Agree 100%. Just do not see the new version of the show working well at all.  I have a feeling it will be too...artificial.  A shame, really.

[Beatupfender]

BenSeattle, on 04 February 2013 - 07:30 PM, said:

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

''NEVER got a dinner'' - Red Buttons

[jwrogers]

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 06:36 PM, said:

jwrogers, on 04 February 2013 - 12:38 PM, said:

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 12:14 PM, said:

His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!

The dude is a four-time pro bowler and MVP of a Pro Bowl, too.   No problem criticizing him, but at least get the facts right.   He was a damn good NFL football player for 10 years.

Which of my facts wasn't right?  You can  add more facts if you like, and being a good football player doesn't make you a good television personality, especially regarding golf.  Lawrence Taylor was a damn good NFL football player but I don't care what he thinks of Tiger's swing.

He was one of the 11 best receivers in the history of the NFL game when he retired.   He was on the 40th anniversary Vikings team (best players in 40 years).   You said his claim to fame was that he played college football.  That's like me saying you have a Kindergarten education.     It's factually correct but it doesn't convey the truth of the situation.

[Rock Chalk Jayhawk]

jwrogers, on 04 February 2013 - 10:05 PM, said:

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 06:36 PM, said:

jwrogers, on 04 February 2013 - 12:38 PM, said:

HackerVance, on 04 February 2013 - 12:14 PM, said:

His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!

The dude is a four-time pro bowler and MVP of a Pro Bowl, too.   No problem criticizing him, but at least get the facts right.   He was a damn good NFL football player for 10 years.

Which of my facts wasn't right?  You can  add more facts if you like, and being a good football player doesn't make you a good television personality, especially regarding golf.  Lawrence Taylor was a damn good NFL football player but I don't care what he thinks of Tiger's swing.

He was one of the 11 best receivers in the history of the NFL game when he retired.   He was on the 40th anniversary Vikings team (best players in 40 years).   You said his claim to fame was that he played college football.  That's like me saying you have a Kindergarten education. It's factually correct but it doesn't convey the truth of the situation.

I think we can all agree that his claim to fame is "NBA Inside Stuff".

[JDuffJr.]

Was anyone else disappointed with the new Morning Drive?

Edited by JDuffJr., 04 February 2013 - 10:40 PM.

[NickPhillips]

I felt as though the set had no golf feel. The old set had clubs, practice range thing and whatnot, it felt more homely.. This seems like a boring studio.

[jwrogers]

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[quote name='HackerVance' timestamp='1359998043' post='6360903']
His only claims to fame are that he played college football,  changed his name, is Michael Jordan's friend, and married Mrs. Huxstable.  Someone please stop him!
[/quote]

The dude is a four-time pro bowler and MVP of a Pro Bowl, too.   No problem criticizing him, but at least get the facts right.   He was a damn good NFL football player for 10 years.
[/quote]Which of my facts wasn't right?  You can  add more facts if you like, and being a good football player doesn't make you a good television personality, especially regarding golf.  Lawrence Taylor was a damn good NFL football player but I don't care what he thinks of Tiger's swing.
[/quote]

He was one of the 11 best receivers in the history of the NFL game when he retired.   He was on the 40th anniversary Vikings team (best players in 40 years).   You said his claim to fame was that he played college football.  That's like me saying you have a Kindergarten education. It's factually correct but it doesn't convey the truth of the situation.
[/quote]

I think we can all agree that his claim to fame is "NBA Inside Stuff".
[/quote]

I thought he peaked as a sideline reporter for football games... back when they had sideline reporters who knew what they were talking about.

Edited by jwrogers, 04 February 2013 - 11:24 PM.

[Tmiller72]

Yep.  The Golf Channel just can't leave good things alone.  They ruined the 19th Hole and I expect the same from the Morning Drive.

[BenSeattle]

NickPhillips, on 04 February 2013 - 10:59 PM, said:

I felt as though the set had no golf feel. The old set had clubs, practice range thing and whatnot, it felt more homely.. This seems like a boring studio.

Boys, for 15 years I did local TV news and sports as an anchor in various medium-market cities and I can tell you that the ONLY people excited about a New Set are the people actually sitting on it.  I'm with an earlier poster who said this sterile, hospital-waiting-room-like monster has no "golf feel" whatsoever... it's simply a corporate creation that now allows "Morning Drone's"  27 personalities to wander around as they fight for air time while they offer the viewer nothing but the usual predictions an opinions.   In other words: nothing but useless chatter.  Oh yeah and "game ball?"   Seriously -- THIS IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO?

[BenSeattle]

Beatupfender, on 04 February 2013 - 09:58 PM, said:

BenSeattle, on 04 February 2013 - 07:30 PM, said:

As I've said elsewhere:

This is me: I wake up every day and ask myself "Where can I find a thin-voiced minor-league small-market radio guy to irritate me over and over?" and lo and behold, there's Gary Williams. I ask myself "Where can I turn to for television that promotes magazine writers with virtually NO on air-presence onto a national stage?" and before me appear Damon Hack and Matt Ginella. I once asked myself, "Is it possible that a network could provide me with the expertise of a failed professional golfer who never won on the PGA Tour and whose best finish on the money list is a lofty 103rd place?" and there before me appeared a teary-eyed Charlie Rymer. And finally I asked myself the question "Is it remotely possible that once again I could get a load of the a**-kissingest, least-informed, most mindlessly incompetent hack of a jock-turned-broadcaster?" and then it was announced that NBC and Golf Channel would surgically pry Ahmad Rashad out of Michael Jordan's a** specifically to light His Airness' cigars on the new Morning Drive.

Since the age of 13 I've attended in excess of 100 PGA Tournaments. I attended the Masters for 10 years and even once played Augusta National. I subscribe to four golf magazine and read every golf book there is along with having broken par a few times at my peak as well capturing a city championship or two. I'm a golfer who loves the game AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET ??

''NEVER got a dinner'' - Red Buttons

I have no clue what this means but it sounds hilarious.

[minitour]

They ruined Golf Channel when they got rid of Academy Live with Kessler.  Actually, anything Kessler was involved with was gold.  Except for the Perfect Club, but I digest..