[PHOTO: David Cannon]
Justin Thomas wrote a memo overnight to PGA Tour membership, encouraging them to proactively work with the tour’s network partners to provide “more access and insight” to improve the televised product.
Thomas’ letter, first reported by The Athletic’s Gabby Herzig, offered a list of thoughts on how players can better connect with those outside the ropes to “keep building on the momentum we’ve created in recent years”. Thomas works with Max Homa, Mackenzie Hughes and Adam Schenk on a sub-committee focused on fan engagement, and cited research indicating on-course personality is the highest-ranked driver of interest for the target market of fans between 18 and 34.
Among the pitches from Thomas were pre and mid-round interviews, wearing a microphone during rounds and communicating equipment and swing changes to networks.
Justin Thomas just sent this memo to PGA Tour members, obtained by @TheAthletic, about the importance of players being open and accessible to the tour's TV partners: NBC, CBS and ESPN.
"I'm sure many of us feel the telecasts can be better, so let's help them do that." pic.twitter.com/QnTgHrqPzb
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) January 21, 2025
“I know stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t always easy,” Thomas said. “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.”
The tour’s broadcast partners introduced in-tournament walk-and-talks at the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open, where Homa chatted with CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman during the tournament’s third round. The DP World Tour has been doing similar in-round interviews for years, mostly via the familiar voice of Tim Barter from Sky Sports.
Thomas also pointed to other sports leagues like the NFL context for what tour players should be doing. “They pan down to the coach, and he is asked ONE question (one that he knows is coming before asked), gives a five 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’ letter comes after the tour suffered a 19 percent drop in final-round television ratings last season, and as the tour attempts new ventures like TGL to grow its base. Thomas will make his TGL debut later today, Australian time.
