Where do we even begin?
Probably with the $500 million man, though even that figure’s uncertain.
There are so, so many questions left to answer.
So let’s field some from you all.
@Recruit96
Let’s start with the word “merger.”
That’s what the June 6 agreement was publicized as but that was a misnomer from the beginning.
Everything else was merely an agreement to keep on talking.
The PGA Tour’s leadership structure has undergone significant upheaval in the six months since.
Which brings us to this Rahm move.
With that context now laid out, let’s answer your question directly.
That’s not good for the sport, at all.
There was a sense of optimism after June 6.
Shock, and anger from some players.
But from a fan’s perspective, optimism.
There could be team events!
A dealhasto get done with the Saudis involved.
For the PGA Tour, and for golf fans everywhere.
LIV Golf, the best example we have of the PIF’s vision for golf, has 48 players.
They’d likely hit the Tour with a dose of cold, unforgiving capitalism.
But the PGA Tour needs money.
Phil Mickelson - LIV3.
Bryson DeChambeau - LIV6.
Dustin Johnson - LIV8.
Brooks Koepka - LIV9.
Jon Rahm - LIV10.
Bubba Watson - LIV
Six of the 10 have jumped.
They need the private equity money, and that private equity money is going to come with stipulations.
And there are parts of the PGA Tour ecosystem that don’t have profit has their guiding light.
Pretty much every other sport there is a clear delineation between labor and ownership.
@miller_justin7
Good question.
What are the assets of the PGA tour other than brand name that are being negotiated?
Is there actual land?
Seems like both sides need each other.
@SourceCode2010
The PGA Tour has something money can’t buy: status as a classic American institution.
They want that legitimacy, that access.
In addition…the PGA Tour has most of the best players in the world.
They do own land, yes, for their 30+ courses in the TPC connection.
They own archival highlight footage of most of the game’s great players.
But it’s what theydon’town that’s led to this existential crisis.
The PGA Tour does not own or operate the five biggest events in men’s professional golf.
They don’t own the four majors, or the Ryder Cup.
Would Jon Rahm like to finish with more PGA Tour wins than Tom Watson?
Sure, but how many tour wins does Tom Watson have?
Legacies are built on major championships and the Ryder Cup.
Money goes a long way.
Still, if the PGA Tour owned the major championships, this wouldn’t be happening.
At least not on the same scale.
There would still be players who take the money, which is of course a perfectly reasonable choice.
He hardly plays PGA Tour events anymore.Maybetwo or three a year, which is being generous.
I would argue that Rahm was that player, and that his departure has shifted the dynamic.
Your question also requires a definition for “survival.”
I’d argue they need to get the LIV guys back in their tournaments soon for that to happen.
Since 2020, PGA Tour players have combined to win 8 majors.
LIV Golfers have combined to win 7.
LIV has two of the four reigning major champions.
If players are able to truly move freely then will LIVs success/purses steal from the prestige of Majors?
@kevinisalright
I actually see it going the other way.
That’s not good for anyone.
What is the best case scenario pro golf landscape 5 years from now, from a fans perspective?
I think it’s full merger/1 Liv a month throughout PGA schedule.
Hopefully it turns into a more match play focused competition.
@GoForBrokeAF
I’m picking up what you’re putting down.
The guiding light here has to be one circuit with the best players on it.
Golf simply isn’t big enough to healthily sustain two top-level leagues.
Tennis has tried it many times throughout the decades with little success.
So the question becomes how best to incorporate team golf into the larger plan?
I’ve been vocal about my issues with the LIV team format as is.
The team competition happens simultaneously to the individual competition.
It’s almost like background noise.
The guys are playing their own ball in stroke play and they add up the scores at the end.
That’s not team golf at its best.
That’s what makes the Ryder Cup so greatyou get guys hyping each other up.
You don’t get any of that with the current LIV setup.
You still have teams, but you have “LIV weeks” that are all about the team competition.
And by that I mean, no individual tournament happening at the same time.
Those are the broad strokes.
@zrieger2
I certainly wouldn’t want past statements to be held over our heads like this.
We’ve all said things about LIV Golf and the PGA Tour that are no longer true.
Circumstances have changed, dramatically.
More information has become available.
And smart people change their minds with new information.
Fast forward a year and he’s on Fox News wearing a LIVGOLF letterman jacket.
Things change, man.
Did you really stiff your wedding vendors or was that a troll?
@SeanDavis32
Until next time,
Dan
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