We all know how the fans have been waiting, no no, let me correct that, desperately waiting for Tiger Woods to return to the game. And now that he’s back, it’s only fitting that we’d want to watch him live in action. But as it often does, reality has a way of dampening everyone’s excitement. This afternoon, the only way to catch Woods playing live at the PNC Championship with his son is through Peacock, a paid streaming service.

Yep, you read that right. If you want to see Woods tee off with Charlie Woods, you’ll have to pony up for Peacock. In the latest tweet by TW Legion, the frustration is palpable and well, we can’t blame the fans now, can we? After six long months away from the game, fans were chomping at the bit to see Woods back in action but instead of getting wall-to-wall coverage, Golf Channel only gave us a paltry 90 minutes before switching over to the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.

“After 6 months away from the game, the only way to watch Tiger LIVE this afternoon is with Peacock, a paid streaming service. Golf Channel had just 90 mins of coverage and have now shifted over to the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open”. And if that wasn’t enough, NBC’s coverage at 4 PM will be tape-delayed, now you know why golf fans are mad. So, what’s a fan to do? Well, if you’re willing to shell out for Peacock, you can catch Woods live this afternoon. But if not, you’ll have to settle for tape-delayed coverage or try to catch highlights online.

It’s not exactly the ideal situation for fans who’ve been waiting months to see their hero back in action and fans are not one step back in expressing that.

Netizens are angry about the PNC Championship coverage

Starting off strong with what this fan said, “I’m pissed. I will not be blackmailed into getting the Peacock app”, while the other said, “It really stinks.” Well, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened, but you’d think that by now, golf broadcasts would have gotten their act together. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case during the third round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 earlier this year, where NBC’s technical difficulties stole the show.

A faulty truck led to a lack of graphics and camera angles, and let’s just say fans weren’t exactly thrilled. Social media was flooded with complaints, with some calling it “unbelievable” and others labeling it a “disgrace”, and honestly, it’s hard to blame them and the latter is exactly what the fans were saying this time around as well.  Another fan said, “I miss the old days with cable, satellite, and staticky HBO”, and honestly who doesn’t?  HBO used to be a fan favorite back in the day but with all the new technologies and stuff, fans have kinda moved on.

Speaking of technology, while the Tour is going backward when it comes to their coverage game, another league has been flourishing in the same. LIV Golf, that’s right, the Saudi-backed league has seriously stepped up their broadcasting game. They’re bringing a whole new level of energy and excitement to the table. The lack of advert breaks makes for a seamless viewing experience, with non-stop action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But what really stands out is the sheer volume of shots they pack into each hour,  a whopping 32 more than the PGA Tour and 35 more than the DP World Tour.

Comparing Tour to LIV Golf one fan said, “It’s bulls**t is what it is,” while another said, “So stupid.” So, what do you think of the broadcast strategy of this year’s PNC Championship? Let us know in the comment section below!