I Like to Watch....

Of course, I'm referring to sports on TV.

However, this weekend was mostly spent glued to some monitor watching the "Open Championship" – aka the British Open.

First, let me review the difference between watching golf, and watching other sports (i.e. - baseball, basketball, football, etc). 

Watching a golf tournament is not as "exciting" as other sports.  Now, before you get all pissy and start ranting at me, I don't mean that the sport of golf is not exciting - nor that it doesn't have highs and lows like other sports.

I just tend not to curse and throw things during a golf tournament.

Here's an example: on Sunday (long after the final putt of the British Open), the New York Yankees had a 2 run lead in the 9th inning. Their reliever, Aroldis Chapman, appeared to be TRYING to lose the game.  First, he gave up a hit.   Then a long double.  And, lastly, a passed ball/wild pitch.
So, I started cursing at him – and if my 60 inch TV didn't cost so much, I would have thrown the remote at it.

This doesn't happen when I watch golf. At one point today, Jordan Speith pulled a Chapman, and looked like he was blowing his shot at The Open championship. Not once did I have the urge to strangle Jordan, or throw the remote through the pricey TV and nail him on he head. (by the way, the Yankees still won)

But, as a golfer, it's totally enjoyable watching professionals play the sport the way I wish I could.

Especially like this weekend, during a "Major".

But, I've digressed:

Getting back to my original topic – watching The Open. In "Olden Times", we digital spectators scheduled our weekends around our home TV, or local watering hole to watch our sport of choice.
In today's world, we have so many options – it is hard to miss a stroke. Aside from the normal televisions, in the car I have XM radio - PGA Network giving play-by-play. On my phone I have several apps (The Open, PGA, NBC sports) to get everything from leaderboard updates a live stream.  At work, you can live stream the content:

On the GolfMatch app, people posted their viewing setups.As I was away for the weekend, this was mine:

Work and golf, side by side

All you need is either wi-fi access, or a data plan with enough data allowance.

Personally, I don't watch ALL golf tournaments when out of the house – just the Majors. They are sort of the SuperBowls of golf.

Of course, in between watching the Open, I actually got to play a bit. Amazing how that works out.

So, congrats to Jordan Spieth on his impressive win.
I don't think I can string 5 ending holes like he did – but I'll keep trying.

On a side note, my blog is now carried by GolfStuds.  Check out their site at www.golfstuds.golf    

Until next time,
Keep it in the Short Hairs