Tiger's Absence Sure to Cripple Broadcasters

It will be a brave new world for televised golf with Tiger Woods out of commission for the summer and fall, and it's not a future networks want to be living in, Golf.com notes. "Let's be realistic here: This news is a punch in the gut," says CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz. Other players get their chance at glory—but audiences will be limited.

"This will be an incredible opportunity for the guys, especially Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia," says an NBC producer. "But there's no question, we're going to feel the loss of Tiger." Adds an ESPN host: "No sport, not even the NBA during the height of the Jordan days, saw its imprint on the sports world tied to one man like Tiger and golf are now." (More golf stories.)