Big Golfers

No, not just big-name PGA Tour golfers like Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh, but large men that announcers feel the need to point out. As Mark Calcavecchia was walking to his next shot at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, the broadcasters could not help commenting on his physique. This was not only one time either folks – it happened each and every time he was shown making a shot. They simply couldn’t resist and had to mention how heavy he is - cracking jokes about exercise and dietary choices. This phenomenon is not only reserved for Mr. Calcavecchia but haunts every golfer that is not built like Tiger Woods or Zach Johnson. John Daly and Craig “The Walrus” Stadler certainly get their share of ribbing as well.

Alright, I am a staunch advocate for exercise and living healthy but why must these so called professionals continue to taunt “the big guy”? Did these people not get enough grief from the kids in school? What makes the announcers so freaking perfect that they have the right to judge anyone? Let’s not forget, this is a sport that was dominated by drink-swilling white dudes that were a bit out of shape until Tiger Woods came along.

Now that golf is a more mainstream sport, children look up to and aspire to be PGA Tour players. When they watch these events and hear the commentators make “fat comments” they see it as acceptable. Certainly this validates their own actions to make fun of a heavy classmate or taunt that kid down the street with a few extra pounds. Let’s grow up folks!