Rory McIlroy’s win at the 89th Masters on Sunday was a milestone achievement for the 35-year-old golfer, as he finally has won a career Grand Slam in the sport of golf, capturing the lone missing major tournament win. While the final viewership totals have yet to be released, you can be assured millions of people were watching as Rory sank a birdie putt on the first playoff hole. At the same time, the network’s camera crews were focused on all the raw emotions of the moment.
On Monday, Dan Le Batard was joined by ESPN Around The Horn host Tony Reali to discuss the moments following McIlroy’s victory and, more broadly, the access that the sport of golf presents to capture moments like that—something rarely seen in other sports.
“You can say that they nailed it, but there just isn’t another sport that has the time, space, and setting to be able to put a cameraman closer to the emotion than any other human being,” said Le Batard. “This shot doesn’t exist anywhere else in sports.”
Furthermore, while discussing the camerawork of McIlroy walking to the clubhouse following his victory—with tears in his eyes and emotions overflowing—Reali agreed with the sentiments. He added that no other golfer would have fit that approach to the work done.
“He was perfect for the role,” noted Reali. “I got to go get fitted for a green jacket. That’s a great out, that’s an incredible out.”
Additionally, Reali said the moment shot and presented by CBS Sports was cinema, noting that with live television, it’s rare to get that type of moment.
“Just give them the Emmy right now,” joked Reali.
Later in the conversation, Le Batard noted the difficulties surrounding not only capturing, but appreciating a moment like the one McIlroy made—especially given his history filled with choking away victories at this tournament.
“The idea that you can be close enough to see the humanity and his relief because it’s joy but it’s also relief,” said Le Batard. “You’re seeing in that moment a person who is as happy as he can be, and as grateful as he can be. And you’re capturing the intimacy of that up his nostrils.”
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