TV execs vow to cover LIV golfers at The Masters

Television executives in the United States have pledged to cover LIV golfers competing in next week’s Masters Tournament

As first reported by Golfweek, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus made the promise during the network’s annual pre-Masters conference call. 

The broadcaster is gearing up to show the opening men’s major of the season for the 68th consecutive year and, as much as possible, it intends to turn a blind eye to the ongoing controversy in the game. 

• The Masters: Four more players secure invites

• Sandy Lyle confirms tour retirement

“We’re not going to cover up or hide anything,” said McManus. “As I’ve said often, our job is to cover the golf tournament.  

“We’re not going to show any different treatment for the golfers who have played on the LIV Tour than the other golfer.  

“If there is a pertinent point or something that we feel we should bring up in our coverage Saturday or Sunday or on our other coverage throughout the week, we’re not going to put our heads in the sand. 

“Having said that, unless it really affects the story that’s taking place on the golf course, we’re not going to go out of our way to cover it.  

“I’m not sure there is anything that we could add to this story as it already exists. It’s a factor and we’ll cover it as suitable.” 

Former Masters champion Trevor Immelman will also be on the CBS broadcast as its lead analyst. He echoed McManus’ remarks. 

• Player against tour return for LIV rebels

• The Masters: Early betting favourites

“The Masters Tournament and Augusta National is bigger than any player that has come before, any player that is around now and any player that will come in the years ahead,” said the South African  

“That’s what we’re focused on is giving that tournament justice and crowning a great champion and putting a Green Jacket on a great champion on Sunday afternoon.” 

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor