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Soundbites

Observations from the Masters:

In a news conference last week, CBS Masters host Jim Nantz said that because of the drawn-out coverage (an hour more than usual Sunday), we should expect the television audience may be "diluted" and the ratings probably will reflect that.

The ratings also may reflect the play Sunday, as Tiger Woods won the Masters after a remarkably forgettable final round.

It was unfortunate for CBS, which did another solid job covering the tournament -- it was nominated for a Sports Emmy for its coverage last year -- and had six of the seven top-ranked players in the world in the hunt when the final round started.

The network was handcuffed, however, by a dramaless finish.

You could sense the anticipation of the CBS crew, waiting for someone, anyone, to make a move. And when no one did, the analysts expressed regret.

"Everyone's making sure Tiger wins," said analyst Ken Venturi, working his last Masters.

"All the challengers continue to quake in his presence," Nantz said.

Any hopes for a dramatic finish or something resembling a competition were wiped out on Amen Corner as everyone behind Woods blew up. As for Woods, even he looked bored.

"I've seen a Sunday like this," said Venturi, who has been playing or announcing the Masters since 1954. "They all looked confused, and here's the leader; he doesn't have that eye on him."

BEST SHOT: Ernie Els rubbing his temples and running his hands through his hair after shooting an 8 on the par-5 13th. Who couldn't relate to that picture?

REASON NO. 463 WE'LL MISS VENTURI: After Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh hit bad drives off No. 14, Venturi showed us why, in slowed-down video, and it made perfect sense.

HOW DO YOU REALLY FEEL?: After the implosions on Amen Corner, analyst Lanny Wadkins said: "I expected to see some good scoring; I'm sitting here in shock."

POOR PHIL: Analyst Peter Kostis on the struggles of Mickelson as Woods pulled away: "Tiger's never broken 70 in the first round, and Phil's never broken 70 on the final day. That tells you a little about how Tiger approaches major championships."

POOR PETER: Kostis said he thought Woods' motivation was a perceived lack of respect last year because his four straight major championships were in succession, not in the same calendar year. Chances are, Woods' motivation is winning and being the best. A failed attempt by Kostis to create drama and intrigue.

BEST ANALYSIS: Wadkins said that if anyone was going to catch Woods, it had to be early. When no one did, the players had no choice but to take high-risk shots on the back nine, which determined the final result.

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