Laura Rutledge has been incredibly versatile for ESPN over the past decade, but even she's not immune to some criticism.
ESPN hired Rutledge in 2014 as a reporter for SEC Network. Six years later, she was named the host of "NFL Live." Her rise up the ranks didn't stop there though. In 2025, she landed a full-time gig as a sideline reporter for the "Monday Night Football" crew.
Although she's best known for covering the NFL, Rutledge has been involved in ESPN's coverage of the Masters the past three years.
During this Thursday's opening round of the Masters, ESPN had Rutledge interview WWE superstar The Miz. He even received some advice from two-time U.S. Open champion and longtime ESPN analyst Andy North.
"This isn't an easy game for guys that are fairly tall, but you got a really good golf swing," North told The Miz. "You turn into your right side really well and you got good rhythm. I like what you're doing. There's a lot of hope."
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Clearly, golf fans weren't amused by Rutledge's interview with The Miz.
"ESPN is ruining the Masters," one fan declared.
"What are the names of the ESPN producers that thought this was a good idea," a second fan commented.
"Why is Laura Rutledge interviewing a pro wrestler at the Masters," another fan asked.
"We don’t care," a social media user added. "Just report the golf stats. Stop with these dumb interviews."
ESPN's golf coverage has received plenty of criticism this week.
Roughly 24 hours ago, golf fans ripped ESPN for shining the spotlight on Jason Kelce during The Masters’ Par 3 Tournament.
“Does anybody actually like these 50 year old jester frat boy media personalities? Seems like they are pushed by the same people that make the dad in every sitcom an idiot,” one fan added.
"Please pass word along to Fred Ridley that we did not ask for this," a second fan wrote.
It'll be interesting to see if ESPN drastically tweaks its coverage for the Masters in 2027.
