In Golf and Basketball

Okay, so as anyone who knows me knows, I've been actively obsessed with the Carolina Tarheels for quite some time now. What with it being the beginning of April and another glorious b-ball season coming to an end, this means that I've been busy staring at the television for a little over a month. Last night's game against Villanova was no exception. While I can appreciate that CBS has paid millions of dollars for the singular telecasting rights to the NCAA tournament, I have to admit, these late-night tip offs have been trying for me. It's hard to keep your eyes peeled when you've only had a few hours sleep the night before, already been through the emotional trauma of the first game (UConn vs. MSU-which effectively put the nail in the coffin that WAS my bracket), and have two sleeping dogs in front of you, one if whom is lightly snoring. Still, I was able to overcome all of this and keep up with the break neck speed of UNC's game, particularly that of Ty Lawson, but the thing that kept killing me was the damn Masters commercials. 

Before I start getting hate mail, it should be noted that I am a native of Georgia and am as proud to host the biggest tournament in golf in my home state as anyone. However, when one cuts from a bloody Tyler Hansbrough to soft piano music ushering in the news that there will be LIVE coverage from Amen corner all next week starting Thursday (which means it isn't really ALL week then, is it?) it throws me. I mean, basketball can be a graceful sport in a kind of a way, what with these large gazelle-like guys making seemingly effortless shots (Wayne Ellington) and showing incredible control over a volatile bouncing ball, just as golf can be kind of a clumsy sport what with players struggling to keep their clubs (and their tempers) under control while they battle mother nature.  But as far as the pace of each sport goes, you couldn't pick any two more different. I mean, have you seen the guys of the NCAA fight for a rebound? It's like a pack of snarling dogs in there! People get punched, kicked, elbowed, occasionally kneed in their nether regions, and much worse-all in pursuit of having control of the ball and dominance on the court. Imagine Ernie Els blocking one of Tiger's puts from the hole. It'd be an outrage! (Kinda funny though.) That is not how golf is conducted. Golfers have long iron clubs to crush the ball, not to mention complete silence to assure focus as they tee off. They have someone to carry their clubs for them and walk with them side by side thourought the entire competition offering encouragement and advice for each shot that is taken. Not the same suspense, people, not the same at all.  

I'm not saying that one sport exceeds the other in level of athleticism or skill, I'm just pointing out the subtle differences in the way that each game is carried out. I mean, if you were courtside at a boxing match, would you want to see commercials for synchronized swimming? Probably not. Both require great athletes, just not really the same demographic.  While I am sure that there will be many people who will watch both the NCAA tourney and the Masters, I just wish CBS could give their "we own ALL major sporting events" flaunting a break. No soft piano music tomorrow night as you broadcast yet another game with a tip off after 9pm.  If I'm gonna give up sleeping, then I want to see my bloody Hansbrough in all his gory-um, glory.