Are you a die-hard golf fan eagerly anticipating the 2023 Masters Tournament? Well, get ready to witness some major changes in the Masters TV Coverage 2023 of this prestigious event! From new camera angles to innovative technologies, there’s a lot that’s going to be different about how we watch The Masters next year. So sit back and relax as we break down all the exciting developments that are set to revolutionize your viewing experience!
The Situation Right Now
The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and as such, it attracts a wide range of viewers. In recent years, however, viewership has been on the decline, with some blaming Augusta National for not making adjustments to their tournament format.
This year’s Masters saw a decrease in viewership from last year by about 9% according to Sports Media Watch. Some experts attribute this drop to a lack of innovation by Augusta National with regards to their tournament format. For example, last year’s Masters had a unique system where players could earn points for making cuts throughout the week. This year’s event only featured one cut-off point where players were guaranteed a spot in the final field if they made it. While this change may have resulted in more golfers playing through to the end, it may have alienated some viewers who were used to following individual players throughout the week.
Another change that was made this year was the introduction of media previews prior to each round of play. This allowed reporters and other observers more access to players and their caddies in order to get better footage for future broadcasts. However, some feel that this disrupted the flow of play and eliminated some spontaneity from tournaments like The Masters.
Despite these changes, viewership numbers still declined by 9%. It is unclear whether or not Augusta National will make further adjustments going into next year’s event in order to boost viewership numbers, but whatever happens will likely have an impact on how well golf
What Changes are Coming to Masters TV Coverage?
Beginning in 2023, the Masters Tournament will move from CBS to ESPN. This is a big change for both broadcast networks as well as the golfing world.
Here are some of the major changes that will take place with regard to Masters coverage:
-The tournament will move from weekday afternoons to Saturday morning.
-A new dedicated live stream channel, ESPN+ (details below), will be created specifically for Masters coverage. This means that viewers without cable or satellite subscriptions can still watch the event live and on-demand.
-There will no longer be any commercial breaks between rounds on TV and online. Fans who want to follow the action all day long can do so without interruption.
-ESPN+ will also offer an exclusive extended cut of each round that’s not shown on TV, as well as other supplemental content like player interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The subscription is available for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (a savings of $20 over buying each round individually).
Overall, these changes should make for a more immersive experience for Masters viewers, no matter what their viewing habits are. Those who already have ESPN+ may find this an appealing option since it gives them even more content to access than they would have had before (plus, there’s no need to cancel their existing subscription). Meanwhile, those without cable or satellite may be hesitant to jump onto an additional streaming service
What this Means for Professional Players
Masters coverage is changing this year, and professional players have a lot to worry about.
Teams that finish in the Top 8 of a major championship will now automatically qualify for the next season of Masters events, which is a big deal for teams like Tiger Woods’ PGA TOUR team. This means that instead of having to win one of the four qualifying events, top teams can simply try and make it into the main event at Augusta National or Chambers Bay.
This change also affects individual players who are not on team sponsorships. Ranked play will still be important to maintain ranking points, but winning tournaments will no longer be necessary to stay in the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). This could mean more opportunities for amateurs and unranked pros with good performances in majors.
Players who make it through the qualification process but don’t make it into Augusta or Chambers Bay will still get paid their tour money if they finish inside the top 125 on OWGR. However, some fans may be disappointed with how this changes things because this system rewards mediocre performances.
The Future of the Game
The future of Masters coverage is looking bright for both organizers and viewers. The recent announcement that the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play will join the Masters as a FedExCup event has generated excitement for the players and fans alike.
This move not only gives Dell Technologies Match Play an equal footing with the other majors, but it also demonstrates how committed Augusta National is to increasing viewership and engagement around their events. For golfers, it’s important that they have a variety of opportunities to showcase their skills on major championship stages, so having Dell Technologies Match Play as a part of the Masters schedule creates more opportunities for top players to compete against each other.
For viewers, this news means more opportunities to follow all of the action from one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. The addition of Dell Technologies Match Play means that there will be at least two rounds of play every day, giving spectators more chances to get up close and personal with their favorite players. With broadcasts available in both English and Spanish, there’s sure to be something for everyone who wants to watch Masters Tournament coverage.
Conclusion
As the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games approach, we can see that the changes in TV coverage for masters athletics are vast. Gone are the days of watching elite athletes compete on traditional networks like NBC and CBS, as now there are dozens of streaming services catering to specific interests. This has caused a lot of upheaval for organizers and athletes alike, but ultimately it has led to a more diverse pool of viewers who can experience masters sports at their best. The future looks bright for masters athletics and we can only wait to see where this movement takes us next.
