1 week Ago By Matthew Neschis
Disgruntled viewers are once again voicing their displeasure with The Masters television coverage after missing what some people are calling the “shot of the week.” Friday saw an abundance of drama as Rory McIlroy shot up the leaderboard before making a personal admission after his heroics played out in front of ex Caroline Wozniacki , who aimed a subtle dig in his direction in an ESPN interview. Bryson DeChambeau, who spent a long time on the range like McIlroy on Thursday night , also put in an impressive performance to slot in behind leader Justin Rose.
While big names missed the cut, including Brooks Koepka after an 18th hole meltdown and Dustin Johnson after being left frustrated by his first round , others climbed the leaderboard. Viktor Hovland’s rollercoaster Round 2 came to a fitting end at the par-5 18th hole. After driving his ball deep into the wooded area off the tee, the Norwegian golfer somehow managed to chip his third shot through the overhanging tree branches and onto the green, where it came to rest 11 feet to the pin.
The incredible shot, however, was not shown to TV viewers. Unfortunately for Hovland, his ensuing putt didn’t have enough power behind it as the 27-year-old was forced to settle for a second-consecutive bogey. He still managed to finish the day in contention at 69 and tied for 10th at -4 overall - thanks in large part to the four straight birdies he sunk at the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th holes.
Taking to social media, droves of golf fans commended Hovland for his incredible shot at No. 18 - but conceded that they weren’t able to watch it live since ESPN was focused on other players. It was seen by those watching the live streams on the Masters official website, which allow fans to follow any player they choose and not miss a shot.
"Here’s the third shot at 18 since they refused to show it on the broadcast. Absolutely absurd shot,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “Viktor Hovland. Shot of the week?” A third chimed in, “I wish they would show more Hovland.
That kid just bounced back. All those birdies.” If you cannot see the video below you can view it here Hovland is far from the only golfer who didn’t get enough screen time according to fans.
Several people - chief among them rapper Lil Wayne - complained that they couldn’t watch Bryson DeChambeau , who wasn’t heavily displayed by ESPN and not showcased in any of the Masters app featured groups despite shooting a stellar 4-under 68 in Round 2 to finish -7. “The Masters blew it w this lack of coverage on Bryson!!! They gotta stop hatin on the LIV s---. This man is killin it out there and I can’t watch,” Wayne wrote on X.
The music mogul’s followers expressed a similar sentiment, with someone commenting: “Lil louder for everyone in the back, baby! Bryson goes 368 down the middle, but nah let's switch over to Homa.” Another person stated, “I agree. No love for LIV players w/ featured group coverage.
I don’t think they’ve even mentioned former Masters winner Patrick Reed by name.” Others blatantly called out the Masters App and ESPN, imploring the two platforms to do better. "Bryson DeChambeau is arguably the most popular golfer in the world and I can’t seem to find a way to see him hit a shot on ESPN’s coverage right now," a viewer lamented.
Someone else wrote: "Second day in a row you don’t get any coverage of Bryson DeChambeau the (Masters) App and it’s people are a travesty.".
