Kevin Kisner criticizes CBS Masters coverage over tape delay as viewers question broadcast timing
CBS’ coverage of the final round of the Masters drew fresh scrutiny after viewers noticed shots that appeared to be out of sync with live play at Augusta National. PGA Tour player and SiriusXM analyst Kevin Kisner became one of the loudest critics, saying the broadcast felt delayed and confusing during the tournament’s biggest moments.
Kisner said on Barstool Sports’ “Fore Play Golf” podcast that the viewing experience felt so far behind real time that it was easier to follow the tournament through a scoring app. He argued that CBS showed events that had already happened several minutes earlier, which made it difficult to track the action as it unfolded.
What Kisner said about CBS
Kisner did not hide his frustration with the way CBS handled the Masters feed. He said, “I was so f—ing confused the entire time by trying to keep up with the behind-the-scenes CBS feed,” and added that the same shots were being shown long after they had already occurred.
He also said he texted Colt Knost during the broadcast to ask whether viewers were ever seeing a live shot. Kisner said the delay made the presentation less useful than the Augusta National mobile app, which updates results and shot details in real time.
Why the criticism landed hard
The Masters is widely viewed as one of the most polished broadcasts in sports, and CBS has long been credited for its tournament coverage. That reputation made the complaints stand out, especially during a final round that featured Rory McIlroy chasing a rare repeat victory at Augusta National.
There were visible issues during play as well. After McIlroy hit his second shot on the 18th hole, cameras lost track of the ball when it landed in the trees to the right of the fairway. Other shots also appeared to challenge the broadcast’s tracer system, feeding the impression that the telecast was not fully keeping up with the action.
How the Masters broadcast differs from other sports
CBS reportedly uses a short tape delay for some shots at the Masters instead of showing every moment live. That approach can help producers manage multiple players across the course, especially when several groups are hitting at the same time and commercial interruptions are limited.
Kisner compared the setup to the Super Bowl and said golf should not feel like a replay-driven event. He argued that a major championship should not present moments that already happened minutes earlier while announcers act as if they are live.
Key points behind the broadcast dispute
- CBS received criticism for showing some shots on a brief delay rather than in real time.
- Kevin Kisner said the feed was confusing and difficult to follow during the final round.
- Some viewers noticed cameras losing track of shots and tracers struggling to keep pace.
- The Masters remains one of golf’s most respected broadcasts despite the complaints.
- ESPN holds the next scheduled major, the PGA Championship, which begins next month at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
CBS has not publicly addressed Kisner’s comments in the referenced report, but the complaints underline how closely Masters coverage is judged by fans, players, and analysts. At Augusta National, where every shot can shape a major championship, even a short delay can become part of the story when the audience expects a broadcast that feels completely live.
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