What if #1 played alone?

November 21, 2006 by Jeff Shores, PGA.

It has become very obvious, through the media, that the focus during tournaments is on the worlds #1.  Although all the ads say “these guys are good”, they might as well say “this guy is great!”  I think the excessive coverage has brainwashed the public into thinking that if the #1 ranked player is not playing, the tournament is not worth watching.

One truth, without a doubt, it is that a competition, any competition, requires more than one competitor.  And the reality is that although many fans like to route for the favorite, there are many more who prefer to cheer for the “underdog” or “long shot.”  Without the possibility for a lesser ranked player to win or challenge for victory (just ask a Chicago Cubs fan), would any competition be worth watching?

The media has taken away the opportunity for other players to become fan favorites and new role models for those of us watching a tournament.  This is why during the Ryder Cup, many people said to me “who are those guys,” about many of the U.S. players.  We need to be very careful we don’t make golf all about #1, otherwise, where does golf go without #1.  Would golf really be worth watching if #1 played alone?   

Thanks for golfing with Jeff

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