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This is a fascinating story. The PGA has done a terrible job of keeping players happy, and now they’re facing big money competition and banking on morals to hol
by epmatsw 4y ago
This is a fascinating story. The PGA has done a terrible job of keeping players happy, and now they’re facing big money competition and banking on morals to hold players back from jumping ship. It’s worth noting that most of the guys who switched this season are either irrelevant, on the tail end of their careers, or controversial/disliked on the tour, so they don’t have a ton to lose. It’ll be interesting to see next season if we see big name “squeaky clean” players jump ship after the “villains” take the bad press this year.
- LittlePeter 4y agoWhy is it either PGA or LIV? Why can't a golf player play both tours?
- harveywi 4y agoIn parallel? That would be the FPGA.
- opencl 4y agoBecause PGA won't let them.
- theluketaylor 4y agoThe PGA Tour has a rule that members need permission to play in events not sanctioned by the PGA Tour. That rule goes all the way back to the founding of the tour, since the entire value is predicated on having a showcase of the best golfers all in one event. Before the tour only the best of the best professional golfers made money on exhibitions and other events, but it was a hard living. The tour consolidated all the talent and let everyone make some good money. If the PGA Tour had allowed members to go play in LIV events there would be many other rival tours springing up, further diluting the PGA Tour product. The TV contracts and event sponsorship deals all have strength of field clauses the tour has to maintain to keep the money flowing, so there was never going to be a world where the tour said yes to players asking for permission to play LIV events.
- shkkmo 4y agoThere a are real questions about if the non-compete clause that the PGA (a non-profit) is trying to enforce on it's independent contractors is legal. If those legal challenges go through, then yes, we absolutely could end up in a world where PGA has to say yes to allowing competition in other tours.
- theluketaylor 4y agoThat's true and I think the inevitable court cases will be interesting. I'm sure the Tour's argument will be members freely join and agree to the rules and there is a mechanism for players to vote to change the rules if a critical mass of them decide. A professional golfer doesn't have to join the PGA Tour, there are other tours like DP World (formerly European Tour) and the Asia Tour. How well that will work in front of a judge is a real question.
- MR4D 4y agoSure sounds like a monopoly to me!
- frumper 4y agoPGA mission statement: "The mission of The PGA of America is to promote enjoyment and involvement in golf among the general public, as well as to contribute to the sport’s growth by providing services to golf Professionals and the industry. The PGA seeks to accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of PGA Professionals and expanding playing opportunities for the general public, employers and manufacturers. Through these efforts, The PGA elevates the standards of The PGA Professional’s vocation, enhances the economic well-being of the individual PGA member, stimulates interest in the game of golf and promotes the overall vitality of the game." Doesn't sound like it's their mission would be harmed by competing tournaments. After all, the majors aren't operated by the PGA and they co-exist just fine.
- theluketaylor 4y agoThe PGA of America and the PGA Tour are different organizations. The PGA of America used to control the PGA Tour, but they split a long time ago, like back in the 60s I think. The PGA Tour mission statement is very different: "By showcasing golf's greatest players, we engage, inspire and positively impact our fans, partners and communities worldwide." Hard to showcase the greatest golfers if they are off playing in different events.
- brianwawok 4y agoBecause it would weaken their monopoly of course.
- cyanydeez 4y agoALM: America Loves Monopolies