One TV announcer who was banned from the Masters is Gary McCord, a former CBS commentator. However, it is worth noting that he was not the first CBS commentator to face such a ban.
In 1966, Jack Whitaker, another CBS commentator, found himself in a similar situation. During the 18-hole playoff that year, Whitaker referred to the crowd in attendance as a “mob” rather than using the preferred term “patrons.” This choice of words did not sit well with the Masters officials, and as a result, Whitaker was banned from covering the Masters for the next five years. It wasn’t until 1972 that he was allowed to return to the broadcast team.
Fast forward to Gary McCord’s situation. After an impressive 33-year stint as a commentator for CBS’s golf coverage, McCord was unexpectedly not brought back for the network’s 2020 Masters broadcast team. This decision effectively banned him from covering the event he had been a part of for so many years.
The reasons behind McCord’s ban were not explicitly stated, but there were rumors and speculation surrounding his departure. Some suggested that his humor and unconventional style of commentary did not align with the more traditional and conservative atmosphere of the Masters. McCord had a reputation for injecting humor and colorful anecdotes into his broadcasts, which may have clashed with the Masters’ desired tone.
It’s important to note that while McCord’s ban from the Masters was a significant event, it is not entirely uncommon for broadcasters to face restrictions or bans from certain events. Broadcasting organizations often have specific guidelines and expectations for their commentators, and any deviation from those standards can lead to consequences.
Gary McCord, a former CBS commentator, was banned from covering the Masters golf tournament after a long and successful career. His departure followed in the footsteps of Jack Whitaker, another CBS commentator who faced a similar ban in 1966. The reasons for McCord’s ban were not explicitly stated, but it is believed that his humor and unconventional style of commentary clashed with the more traditional atmosphere of the Masters.