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USA Network’s Ryder Cup Day 1 Telecast Faces Widespread Criticism for Ads and Missed Shots

Complaints zeroed in on missed action during a lean foursomes session with only eight balls in play.

Overview

  • Viewers and pros, including Graeme McDowell, Byeong Hun An, and Michael Kim, blasted the early broadcast for frequent commercials and missed shots.
  • NUCLR Golf flagged an error-strewn first hour that featured missed plays, heavy ad loads, and an early interview with the PGA CEO, triggering a surge of fan complaints.
  • Front Office Sports reported audio sync issues and cited examples of missed key moments, with criticism from figures like Nathan Hubbard and Kirk Minihane.
  • The first session used an alternate-shot format, which limited the number of live balls on the course and made production choices more conspicuous.
  • NBC holds U.S. rights worth about $55 million annually, weekend coverage remains set for NBC, and outlets say the situation is developing as NBC Sports is asked for comment.