Golf announcers are a unique breed of broadcasters with their own set of rules, techniques, and strategies. But perhaps the most curious thing about golf announcers is why they whisper. What is the purpose of this technique? Is it just a fun gimmick or is there a deeper meaning behind it? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the mystery and uncover the reasons why golf announcers whisper.
Introduction – What is the Mystery?
The mystery of why golf announcers whisper has perplexed viewers, golf enthusiasts, and even golf announcers themselves for decades. In general, golf announcers are known for their loud and enthusiastic announcing, but when it comes to certain shots, many announcers switch to a whisper. This strange practice has become a trademark of golf announcing, but what purpose does it serve?
To answer this question, we need to look at the history of golf announcing and uncover the techniques and science behind it. We’ll also take a look at some famous golf announcers, the salaries they earn, and the pros and cons of being a golf announcer. Finally, we’ll discuss the controversies that have surrounded the practice and provide some tips and tricks for aspiring golf announcers.
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History of Golf Announcing
Golf announcing has been around since the early days of the sport and it has evolved considerably over the years. Back in the early days, announcers would simply provide a description of the action on the course. As the sport gained popularity, announcers began to add their own flair to their commentary and inject their own style into their delivery.
The first golf announcer to popularize the practice of whispering was Frank Chirkinian, who worked as an announcer for CBS Sports from 1958 to 1994. Chirkinian was known for his “whisper technique,” which he used to add tension to the broadcast and make the viewers feel as if they were experiencing the action on the course firsthand. This technique was soon adopted by other announcers and has become a staple of golf announcing.
Another reason sometimes is as simply as the proxmity of the announcer to the golfers on the course. Many times, the main team in the tower, is located behind the 18th green. They whisper at times as to not distract golfers currently putting or hitting shots in close proximity.
Also, on course reporters follow a key group or two and are within 20-30 yards of the golfer playing. At a normal voice level, they could become a distraction, which would not go well for the broadcast team as you would have plenty of upset professional golfers.
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How do Golf Announcers Know What Club the Golfer is Hitting?
One of the key components of golf announcing is the ability to accurately predict what club the golfer is hitting. This is no small feat as golfers often change their club selection at the last minute and announcers must be able to react quickly and accurately.
Announcers typically use a combination of visual cues and knowledge of the course to make their predictions. Visual cues include the size and shape of the golfer’s swing, the angle of the clubhead, and the speed at which the golfer is swinging. Announcers also use their knowledge of the course to make their predictions. For example, they will know which clubs are best suited for certain holes and which clubs the golfer is likely to use for each shot.
Sometimes it can be as simply as the caddie helping the announcer out. The caddie will sometimes give them a hand signal on the iron their player is hitting.
Related: Why do golfers have caddies?
The Technique and Science Behind Golf Announcing
The technique and science behind golf announcing is complex and ever-evolving. Announcers must be able to quickly assess the situation, accurately predict what club the golfer is hitting, and then provide a compelling narrative that captures the tension and excitement of the moment.
At its core, golf announcing is a combination of psychology, physics, and storytelling. Announcers must be able to read the situation and draw on their knowledge of physics and psychology to make accurate predictions. They must also be able to tell a story that captures the tension and excitement of the moment.
The science behind golf announcing is also complicated. Announcers must be able to calculate the speed, trajectory, and distance of the ball after it is hit and then adjust their commentary accordingly. They must also be able to adjust their commentary based on the weather, the terrain, and the wind.
Who are some Famous Golf Announcers?
Golf announcing has become a highly competitive field and there are several announcers who have become synonymous with the sport. Some of the most famous golf announcers include Jim Nantz, Joe Buck, and Johnny Miller. Each of these announcers has their own unique style and approach and they have become icons in the field of golf announcing.
Jim Nantz is widely regarded as one of the best golf announcers of all time. He has worked as an announcer for CBS Sports since 1985 and has become synonymous with the Masters tournament. Nantz is known for his signature catchphrase “A tradition unlike any other” and his impeccable knowledge of the game.
Finally, Johnny Miller is a former PGA Tour player who worked for many years as a golf announcer for NBC Sports before retiring. Miller is known for his candid and often controversial commentary and he is widely respected for his knowledge of the game.
How Much Do Golf Announcers Make?
Golf announcers are well-paid professionals who typically make between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. Announcers who work for major networks such as CBS Sports or NBC Sports typically earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller networks.
Announcers who work on high-profile events such as the Masters or the Ryder Cup can also earn significantly more than those who work on smaller tournaments. Additionally, announcers who have been in the field for a long time can also earn more than those who are just starting out.
Pros and Cons of Being a Golf Announcer
Being a golf announcer can be a rewarding and exciting career, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks. The pros include the opportunity to travel to exotic locations, the chance to work with some of the best players in the world, and the potential to make a good salary. The cons include the long hours, the challenging travel schedule, and the need to be constantly prepared and on top of your game.
To become a successful golf announcer, you must have a deep knowledge of the game, a passion for storytelling, and the ability to think quickly and accurately. Additionally, you must be able to work well with other announcers and have the ability to handle difficult situations or personalities.
Controversies in Golf Announcing
Golf announcing has not been without its share of controversies. In recent years, there have been several instances of announcers making insensitive or offensive comments during broadcasts. These comments have been met with criticism from viewers, players, and other golf announcers.
Additionally, there have been several instances of announcers being accused of not doing enough to promote inclusivity and diversity in the sport. Announcers have been criticized for not making enough of an effort to showcase the accomplishments of female and minority golfers.
Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Golf Announcers
If you’re interested in becoming a golf announcer, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get started. First and foremost, you must have a deep knowledge of the game. You should also have a passion for storytelling and the ability to think quickly and accurately.
Additionally, you should practice your announcing skills whenever you can. You can do this by watching golf tournaments and trying to predict the club selection of the players. You can also practice your announcing by recording yourself and listening back to your commentary.
Finally, you should stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques in golf announcing. You should also stay abreast of the latest news and developments in the sport so that you can provide relevant and timely commentary.
Conclusion
Golf announcers are an integral part of the golf experience and their influence cannot be overstated. Announcers add flavor and excitement to the broadcast and provide viewers with an engaging and informative commentary. But perhaps the most curious thing about golf announcers is why they whisper.
In this blog post, we’ve explored the mystery of why golf announcers whisper and uncovered the history, techniques, and science behind it. We’ve also taken a look at some famous golf announcers, the salaries they earn, and the pros and cons of being a golf announcer. Finally, we’ve discussed some of the controversies that have arisen in the field and provided some tips and tricks for aspiring golf announcers.
At the end of the day, golf announcers are a unique breed of broadcasters and their contribution to the sport cannot be overstated. So the next time you’re watching a golf tournament, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the announcers and their whisper technique.