Caddies

The PGA Tour is flirting with the idea of putting microphones on the caddies of tour players. The idea is that the exchanges between player and caddie could make for good television, e.g., on club selection, length to the hole, or reading a putt.

The Tour likely will test the idea this week at the Houston Open and on the tournament’s NBC telecast. However, caddies appear unsure as to whether this is a good idea or not. The idea only works if the player and caddie are in proximity to one another. Also, the idea of having a microphone on over the course of a four-hour round could result in some non-telecast-ready dialogue, at least to some of the worried caddies.

The commentary will be on five-second delay but could certainly provide some behind-the-scenes insight which would make for compelling sports programming. For example, the conversations that Tiger has with Steve Williams, his caddie, about playing partners like Phil Mickelson or Rory Sabbattini, could be worthy of pay-per-view.

By the way, if there's any doubt, Tiger's back after that birdie putt on 18 yesterday to win the Bay Hill tournament in Florida. Classic stuff...