Sep 10
27
When Luddites Attack: Ryder Cup bans player tweets
Photographer: br3akthru (from www.freedigitalphotos.net)
I got a real chuckle from the news today that US and European teams will be banned from using Twitter and Facebook – as per order of their team captains.
Apparently it’s “trouble” said Colin Montgomerie, European Ryder Cup captain. Apparently they want their team members to be focusing on the game at hand. Which I guess extends to what they say or write online on or off the links.
So I guess the team captains will be following their team players around and blocking any interviews with radio or TV reporters. Or they’ll follow them around with duct tape, ready to slap tape on players’ mouths.
Because apparently before Twitter, no athlete has ever said anything stupid. To a reporter. Or on nationwide TV. Or in an article. Or on radio.
These are professional athletes folks. Many of them have professionally managed social media accounts — it’s called sports marketing in the 21st century. These golfers are athletes in a sport where your personality IS your brand. Muzzling them during the Ryder Cup is … restraint of trade.
Just sayin’!
I'm Todd Hyten and I started my content career as a journalist and later jumped into web marketing with both feet. I like marketing that's direct, effective and efficient, like a good headline on a newspaper story. I also like marketing because it's about connecting interesting ideas to people. The point is, I love this stuff. Located in the Boston area and curious about working with me? Feel free to call: 617.208.8710 
