You dont hear much applause at golf tournaments anymore.
"The art of clapping is gone," Tiger Woods said a couple years back. "Everyones holding a cell phone."
Oh sure, youll still hear plenty of "woo" and "mashed potato" and "Tiger Tiger Woods y'all" and, of course, "get in the hole." ("Baba Booey" has faded as Howard Sterns cultural footprint has diminished. "Brooksy" mostly vanished when Koepka and DeChambeau squashed their beef. And "dilly dilly" died the lonely, unmourned death it always deserved.)
But applause? No, theres very little applause anymore. Everyone tracks the players, cell phone in hand, filling their photo libraries with awkward, poorly timed or misaligned shots. Im as guilty of this as anyone; whenever Im at a course that allows cell phones, Im all over it, capturing gems like this from Kiawah Island in 2012:
(Yahoo Sports)
Its Tiger! And hes walking! Superstars are just like us!
And since were not pro photographers, we end up with a whole bunch of photos from a distance that look like this, from Pebble Beach in 2019:
(Yahoo Sports)
Check out Phil and DJ, right there just uh hanging out by the green or something.
The biggest crowds surround the biggest names, and unless youre right up front, you end up with gems like this, from the 2021 Tour Championship:
(Yahoo Sports)
Hey, thats Bryson down there! So close you could almost yell "Brooksy" at him!
Augusta National, as always, is the exception to all of this. Phones arent allowed on the grounds, on penalty of permanent lifetime expulsion, so everyone can freely applaud well, as long as theyre not holding cheap sandwiches and beers. At the Masters, youre always in the moment, unconnected to the world beyond.
The most fascinating part of watching any golf tournament is that if you happen to be standing at just the right spot, you can find yourself in the middle of the action. Unlike any other sport, golf can roll literally right up to your feet. You can be sipping a beer one minute, and the next, Tiger Woods is standing beside you ready to take one of his 70-or-so shots on the day.
Story continues
And if youre at a course that permits cell phones, that leads to photos like this:
(Maddie Meyer/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images)
Take a look at that photo. Behold everyone in it, almost all of them busy with their phones. Notice anything odd? Out of place?
Yep, that one dude there on the left, in khaki shorts and a blue shirt. Hes holding his beer like you hold a cell phone, yes, but it is definitely a beer a Michelob Ultra, to be precise. Everyone else is viewing Tiger through the lens of their phone; hes watching the GOAT with his own two eyes. Hes living in the moment.
(Granted, considering the price of beer at the PGA Championship, he was holding something almost as valuable as a phone, but still )
You dont need me to tell you that putting down your phone and enjoying the life thats unfolding in front of you is a good idea. If youre like, well everyone, you know exactly how addictive that damn phone can be.
Now, since nothing in this life can go unbranded, Michelob turned beer-holding dude into a marketing campaign, complete with merch.
(At least its not an NFT. Yet.)
Still, the message is a good one. Put down the phone, be in the moment, and see the world through your own eyes. And if you want a memory for posterity that badly, just ask the person next to you to text you the video. You know they'll be filming.
______
Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter at @jaybusbee or contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com.
Excerpt from:
Put down the phone and watch Tiger Woods with your own eyes - Yahoo Sports
- 7 Social Security Shakeups You Need To Be Ready For Heading Into the New Year - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Crypto had a surprisingly great year. It still faces threats in 2024. - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'How the hell does that even happen?' McCarthy exits Congress amid confusion over who can run to replace him - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Short sellers lost close to $178 billion in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Trump legal news brief: Giuliani files for bankruptcy after judge rules he must immediately pay $148 million for election ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- No One Wants Used EVs, Making New Ones a Tougher Sell Too - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Israel's military campaign in Gaza seen as among the most destructive in recent history, experts say - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Barbara Corcoran Says Housing Prices 'Are Going To Go Through the Roof' But When? - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Are You Wealthy? The Net Worth You Need To Be Considered Poor, Middle-Class And Wealthy In America - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- German bishop Btzing criticizes pope over Ukraine and Israel stance - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'Severe revenue decline': California faces a record $68 billion deficit here's what is eating away at the Golden State's ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Poll: Trump is tied with Biden for now but criminal trials and unpopular plans pose risks for 2024 - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy days after being ordered to pay $148 million in defamation case - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 'It's just bragging rights': Once you achieve this credit score there's 'no benefit' to scoring higher, expert says here are ... - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Records released by House Republicans show that Joe Biden repeatedly emailed Hunter Biden's business associate ... - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Tesla Getting Trounced by S&P 500 Three Years After Joining - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Ukrainian forces shoot down three Russian Su-34 fighter jets on southern front - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- The only AI 'regulation' coming is from workers - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Innocent Black Man Spent 50 Years in Prison, His Compensation Will Annoy The Hell out of You - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Texas begins flying migrants from southern border to Chicago. The 1st plane carried over 120 people - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Donald Trump Is Running Scared - Yahoo News - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- The biggest 2024 threat to Big Tech is coming from both sides of the Atlantic - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Apple halts online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 - Yahoo Finance - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- 2023 FIBA World Cup: Jaren Jackson Jr.'s elite rim protection and defensive presence come with a price - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Fantasy Football Rankings: These are the hardest players to ... - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott feels for Will Grier after Trey Lance deal, not worried about future in Dallas - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Massive alligator captured in Mississippi is a new state record. Nightmare material - Yahoo! Voices - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Virginia Gov. Youngkin eyes a 15-week abortion ban as a 'consensus' voters would back - Yahoo News - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Poll: Trump could be in big trouble for 2024 if convicted of crimes - Yahoo News - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- 'She-Hulk' star Tatiana Maslany nearly brought to tears after overcoming fears of heights and cold with the help of Bear Grylls - Yahoo Entertainment - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Don't feel guilty about being lazy. Experts say there are some health benefits. - Yahoo Life - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Center Paolo Banchero helps Team USA power past physical New Zealand in FIBA World Cup - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Tyreek Hill says Tua's response to ESPN criticism 'fires me up,' shows Dolphins something they've never seen - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- USA's Katie Moon, Australia's Nina Kennedy agree to share pole vault gold after tie atop World Athletics Championships - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Blue Jays' Bo Bichette, Matt Chapman leave game vs. Guardians with injuries - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Benches clear twice as Rays roll past Yankees 7-4: 'It's a last-place team' - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- All-Pro Chris Jones says hes willing to extend Chiefs holdout through Week 8 - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Fyre Festival II: Andy King confirms he's working with Billy McFarland for 'redemption'; 1st drop sells out - Yahoo Entertainment - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Pirates first overall pick Paul Skenes doesn't make it out of 1st inning in Double-A debut - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- U.S. men and women sweep gold in 4x100m relay at World Championships - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Spain soccer president Luis Rubiales apologizes for kissing player, as calls for his resignation mount - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- COVID cases are rising. What are schools doing about it? - Yahoo Life - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Nicolas Batum ashamed and scared to go home after France is knocked out of FIBA World Cup - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- Tour Championship: How much did Viktor Hovland, others earn at East Lake? - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- The Daily Sweat: Cubs get chance to cut into streaking Brewers' NL Central lead - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- NASCAR: Chris Buescher wins at Daytona after Ryan Preece's car flips at least 10 times in terrifying crash - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- With college sports more in flux than ever before, new players association group emerges - Yahoo Sports - August 28th, 2023 [August 28th, 2023]
- NFL Hall of Fame Game: How to watch the 2023 NFL preseason opener - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- 2023 NFL preseason: How to watch, full schedule, streaming info and more - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Reports: Colts considering placing Jonathan Taylor on NFI list, which could negate his 2023 salary - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Sources: Michigan's Jim Harbaugh, NCAA working toward 4-game suspension over recruiting investigation - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Oregon coach Dan Lanning slams Colorado after move to Big 12: I dont remember them winning anything - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- As Bethenny Frankel calls for reality show performers to strike, 'Below Deck' star Captain Lee is only partly on board - Yahoo Entertainment - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Ken Riley, Bengals' all-time INT leader, finally gets his flowers ... - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Broncos WR K.J. Hamler shares pericarditis diagnosis, will reportedly be waived with eye for return - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Sexist remarks from radio host enable Commanders to set tone that things are different after Dan Snyder - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Fantasy Football: What is the correct way to draft from these muddy NFL RB committees? - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Yahoo boys on rampage: The youth and Internet scam - Guardian Nigeria - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- NFL training camp tracker: WR Tim Patrick carted off at practice, Broncos fear Achilles injury - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Is winning the lottery all it's cracked up to be? - Yahoo News - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Fantasy Football: How to avoid the most common draft mistakes in 2023 - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- 2023 Hall of Fame: Don Coryell's offense changed the NFL, even if it didn't win a Super Bowl - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Giants' pass-catchers are wielding uncertainty to their advantage - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- The USWNT diagnosed their biggest flaw in Dutch draw. Can they fix it? - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- Julius Erving's all-time top 10 includes Tiny Archibald, no active players - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- How to watch the Women's World Cup 2023: Full broadcast schedule, streaming info and more - Yahoo Sports - July 31st, 2023 [July 31st, 2023]
- 'Love Is Blind' star Deepti Vempati didn't talk about her eating disorder with family growing up: 'I used to live this double life' - Yahoo Life - March 4th, 2023 [March 4th, 2023]
- Ja Morant reportedly accused of repeatedly punching teenage boy in head, threatening him with gun last summer - Yahoo Sports - March 4th, 2023 [March 4th, 2023]
- Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant's trade requests were about seeking control, but also came at a cost for the NBA - Yahoo Sports - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- 'Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey' director shares details from the 'unfilmable' first draft of his bonkers horror movie - Yahoo Entertainment - February 18th, 2023 [February 18th, 2023]
- My party of 2 spent $210 to decorate a Mickey Mouse cake at Disney World. It was worth it for the mimosas and desserts alone. - Yahoo Life - February 18th, 2023 [February 18th, 2023]
- Kevin Durant is lone man standing amid Nets mess, and it's time to hit reset before things get uglier - Yahoo Sports - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- This golden retriever has 'cooked' more than 400 meals. Here's how the dog's human taught him patience in the kitchen. - Yahoo Life - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Eagles lineman Brandon Graham fined more than Trent Williams for unsportsmanlike conduct in NFC championship - Yahoo Sports - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum: Martin Truex Jr. wins chaotic main event ahead of Austin Dillon, Kyle Busch - Yahoo Sports - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Kyrie Irving's trade request is logical move to secure his basketball future. Now Nets need to protect theirs - Yahoo Sports - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- A decade ago, Colin Kaepernick commanded the Super Bowl stage and helped change the QB prototype conversation - Yahoo Sports - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- M. Night Shyamalan on the 'power' of Bruce Willis, the movie he bet his house on, and his one film people watch on their deathbeds - Yahoo... - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- Debt limit: Social Security is a hot topic even as the GOP says its off the table - Yahoo Finance - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- Pamela Anderson's financial woes detailed in new doc: 'On the most famous show in the world' but 'doesn't have a nest egg' - Yahoo Entertainment - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]