With the PGA Tour returning at the Charles Schwab Challenge on Thursday, CBS is working to have microphones on golfers during play in an attempt to enhance the broadcast.
But don't expect Justin Thomas to be one of those volunteering to be mic'd up.
"I would not wear a mic, no. That's not me," Thomas said. "What I talk about with Jimmy (his caddie) and what I talk about with the guys in my group is none of anybody else's business, no offense."
The recent conversations stem from the success of The Match II, where Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady all wore microphones.
One could expect Thomas, who was a part of the broadcast and flourished as an on-course reporter, would be willing to wear a microphone. He's an elite player with a personality that would resonate with a mic close by. But that's far from the case.
"As close as those mics are on the tees and the greens, and as close as they get the boom mics during competition, I feel like I basically am mic'd up," Thomas continued. "I can’t say some of the stuff I'd usually say. It's not that it's bad (but) if I want somebody to know what I've said, I'll say it in a press conference, I'll say it in an interview or put it out on social media."
Jon Rahm - the No. 2-ranked player in the world known for his fiery attitude on the course - echoed Thomas' stance.
"Selfishly, because who I am and because I know how I am on the golf course, I wouldn’t support it, because there would need to be a 20- or 30-second delay," Rahm said. "And I’m not the only one. A lot of people swear or cuss … I don’t think it would be the best thing to do."
Despite Thomas and Rahm passing on the opportunity, CBS has already received commitments from some players to wear a mic.
