Justin Thomas sent a memo to his fellow PGA Tour golfers on Tuesday, imploring them to be more accommodating to the sport’s broadcast partners as a means to connect with the fans and improve television viewership.
In the memo, which was first obtained by The Athletic, recommendations such as pre- and mid-round interviews and wearing microphones while playing can add an engaging element to the television fan.
“I know stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t always easy,” Thomas wrote.
“Believe me, in the past I’ve been the first to say no before things are even done being asked. I’ve had no interest when someone asks for an interview mid-round or suggest trying something new. But I also know how much the fans love those moments — hearing our thought processes, conversations with our caddies, our reactions to shots, and understanding the ups and downs of competing at the highest level.”
Thomas said research shows that “on-course personality” is the biggest driver of the 18-to-34 demographic.
“Getting the younger age group interested and watching our sport could be a huge difference in our popularity,” Thomas wrote. “They love the opportunity to be able to have that connection to us as fans, and it humanizes us.”
Thomas cited the example of pre-game interviews with NFL head coaches as a means to engage the viewer.
“They pan down to the coach, and he is asked ONE question (one that he knows is coming before asked), gives a 5- to 10-second answer, and I’m always so tuned in to how they explain their gameplan and lay out their approach,” Thomas wrote. “Imagine that happens on the first tee before the final few groups, or even after the first tee shot walking off the tee.”
Thomas finished his memo with a reminder to keep the fans in mind.
“At the end of the day, we’re all owners in this Tour,” he said. “So, the bigger and better we make it not only benefits us financially, it benefits our fans and creates the ability for us to do bigger things down the road.”
–Field Level Media
