Don't Expect to See Tiger's Every Move on ESPN

Excitement for Tiger Woods’ comeback at the Masters next Thursday runs high—so fans and intrigued scandal watchers may be disappointed to hear that ESPN is taking the NBC Winter Olympics route and bundling coverage instead of showing Tiger's every move live. The exception is Woods’ first stroke, which will be shown as it happens in the early afternoon. Otherwise, look for a highlight reel from 3:30-7pm Thursday and 2-5pm Friday.

The move is a combination of ESPN’s search for ratings and Augusta National’s desire to control the broadcast. ESPN sold the event to advertisers on the package deal, and appears happy with the decision. Sure, “ESPN would love to cover his entire round,” a TV veteran tells the Business Insider. But no dice. "Augusta National is exercising its control over the tournament as everyone expected them to." (More Augusta National Golf Club stories.)