Pat McAfee has claimed that The Masters has repeatedly rejected his show’s attempts to broadcast live from the tournament. According to McAfee, these rejections have occurred over the past three years. He made the comments during a discussion about Jason Kelce’s involvement in The Masters Par 3 Contest coverage on ESPN.
McAfee’s Attempts to Cover The Masters
McAfee stated on The Pat McAfee Show that he has tried to be a part of the Wednesday coverage of The Masters at the Par 3 event for three consecutive years. He said that the response from The Masters was an unequivocal denial each time.
McAfee addressed those who are unhappy about Jason Kelce being a part of The Masters, saying, “They told us to go to hell.” He suggested that people upset about Kelce’s involvement should be happy that The Masters is trying to preserve a certain standard and has a specific vision in mind.
McAfee has a relationship with ESPN that started in 2019, and in 2023, The Pat McAfee Show moved to the network. While his show has not broadcast from a golf tournament yet, McAfee regularly interviews golfers after major championships and other significant tournaments.
Respect for The Masters’ Standards
McAfee acknowledged the high standards maintained by The Masters. He said there will still be a Masters standard. McAfee stated that the decision-makers are very much of the mindset that “We’re not doing that,” which he said he understands and respects, as it is The Masters in Augusta.
Kelce’s Role and TGL’s Performance
McAfee and his co-hosts defended Kelce’s Masters role, which will include serving as an on-course reporter during the Par 3 Contest and interviewing players and their families. McAfee believes Kelce could freshen up the coverage of The Masters. “The internet was rude,” he added.
McAfee also commented on Kelce’s involvement with TGL, saying he enjoyed Kelce’s role at the end of the regular season in early March. McAfee added, “I know TGL was a little bit of a whiff, I think is what people would call it. It drew some attention. I don’t know if it was as big as they thought it was going to be.”
No Comment From The Masters
Neither ESPN nor Augusta National responded to requests for comment.
Connor Campbell, also known as “Boston Connor,” stated that any future endeavour Kelce undertakes will be met with criticism from some quarters. He anticipates a recurring sentiment that Kelce is being forced upon audiences.
McAfee expressed his support for Kelce’s opportunities, stating, “I love that Jason Kelce’s getting an opportunity to do all this shit.”