Are we pseudo journalists?

By Neville Idour

An unexpected aftermath of the last month’s New Zealand Open was to be informed that I, along with any fellow contributors to this excellent publication and any other publication who have written positively about Pernilla Lindberg’s presence in the tournament, are “pseudo journalists”.

Well, that is the opinion of outspoken Sunday Star-Times columnist Mark Reason in the March 8 issue.

He also took aim at the tournament’s sponsor Sky TV lambasting it's coverage of the tournament.

Reason said a mate who watched knew it wasn’t a golf tournament then added “He was being sold a tourist brochure, a rich and famous mates hit and giggle, a confection that invited a journeywoman to play…

``Pernilla Lindberg was a shameless publicity stunt who some pseudo journalists celebrated for beating four men.”

I do not recall anyone celebrating her beating four men. Reason also berated Sky for offering $250,000 for a hole in one.

“I suspect Sky would have taken out insurance.”

Of course it would have. That is normal for any event you can name. You have to be mad not to cover for the unexpected.

We are all entitled to an opinion. I have always found Reason’s column worth a read.

However, for those of us with even a modicum of knowledge about the challenges of presenting a golf tournament like the New Zealand Open, we can understand what is required.

The overall financial requirement is far in excess of the $1.45 million prizemoney. Of course, the TV coverage will highlight the surroundings. Every tournament in the world wouldl hope the TV coverage would look good.

At the European Masters in Switzerland, where the views are most attractive, the commentators extol it. The Pebble Beach tournament in California is another example.

Let us be under no illusion, the TV coverage of the New Zealand Open by Sky was excellent, especially as it gets to cover just one golf event a year and if the pictures presented are stunning don’t blame Sky. It just so happens the region is stunning and there probably isn’t another golf tournament in the world that can offer a more spectacular watch.

It is better than a tourist brochure. If that encourages overseas visitors to our shores it is publicity money can’t buy. The commentary team led by Phil Tataurangi was experienced and knowledgeable and listenable.

As for Lindberg, miserable “pseudo journalist” that I am, her presence was a plus. She was there in an ambassador role and the only sensible playing role was in the main field where in the second round she more than held her own with her fellow male players, not that she was trying to prove anything.

So why not enjoy the event for what it is — a golf tournament of high quality.