Total Pro Sports
Adam Schefter traded the NFL sidelines for the fairways this week, but not everyone was thrilled about it.
On Thursday, the longtime ESPN NFL insider stepped into a new role, serving as an on-course reporter at the Travelers Championship. Working alongside a featured group that included Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley, Schefter took to ESPN+ coverage with a microphone in hand and a golf fan’s enthusiasm in full display.
But while Schefter’s passion for the sport is no secret, golf viewers weren’t buying the crossover experiment. The move sparked a wave of criticism online, as fans tuned in for world-class golf only to find what they felt was too much screen time dedicated to a football reporter adjusting to unfamiliar terrain.
Golf Twitter did not hold back. Throughout Thursday’s broadcast, viewers expressed growing frustration over ESPN’s focus on Schefter, with many questioning why he was part of the coverage in the first place.
“Boy I think PGA Tour Live really overestimated how much folks want to see Adam Schefter on their TV screens,” one user posted. “Don’t need the constant cuts to a man holding a microphone watching some golf.”
boy i think PGA Tour Live really overestimated how much folks want to see Adam Schefter on their TV screens lol. don't need the constant cuts to a man holding a microphone watching some golf
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) June 19, 2025
Another wrote, “ESPN rolling out Adam Schefter for on course PGA Tour coverage is financial surrender.”
@espn rolling out Adam Schefter for on course PGA Tour coverage is financial surrender.
— Not Today (@DfrankDlf) June 19, 2025
Critics didn’t stop there. One fan added, “It makes zero sense to advertise Adam Schefter as an on-course reporter if the other on-course reporter does all the work and Adam barely speaks.”
It makes zero sense to advertise Adam Schefter as an on-course reporter if the other on-course reporter does all the work and Adam barely speaks.
— Jim Perry | Indiana Jim (@indianajim) June 19, 2025
Even the humor had a bite to it. “Thank GOODNESS PGA Tour Live is doing a split screen so we can watch Adam Schefter watch golf. A dream come true,” one fan joked.
Thank GOODNESS PGA Tour Live is doing a split screen so we can watch Adam Schefter watch golf.
A dream come true. pic.twitter.com/eaP4GFQdQ3
— Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) June 19, 2025
Despite the backlash, ESPN has not commented on the criticism. The network continues coverage of the Travelers Championship on ESPN+ through the weekend. Whether Schefter returns to on-course duties or heads back to the NFL beat remains to be seen. For now, golf fans are hoping the next round comes with fewer distractions and more actual golf.
Also Read: ESPN’s Adam Schefter Announces New Job With Another Major Sport
