Tiger throws out a wild Ryder Cup per-player comp number. Plus, Kisner to be lead analyst on major telecasts, USGA updates gender entry policies, latest Masters film, Quotable, This, That and Reads.
The gender policy reeks of anticipatory compliance with new political leadership. Expect broader acquiescence to be made (cough, Rory). Is eternal vigilance the price of liberty or is golf merely a cosigner on tyranny?
Btw, any connection between Marcoux Samaan departure and this announcement?
I don't think her departure was tied to this. She's been an oddly reclusive Commissioner at a time when the sport needed her more out front. She's also built a huge marketing staff light on golf knowledge and as has been noted, the LPGA feels like (whether true or not) it's missing this moment where women's sports are picking up market share for various reasons.
The gender policy timing might be somewhat tied to politics but as Whan explained it's been in the works a while once the IOC punted. It's complicated and probably going to be a very rare thing. But there is a current player and the optics stink because it looks like they are targeting her. I haven't read enough to understand if the policy addresses this properly or fairly. And it's always concerning when Amy Olson is involved after her severe point-missing on her embarrassing backstopping incident and peculiar remarks about abortion that didn't make much sense.
Judas Priest. I can't take a full season of listen to the NBC cast referring to him as "Kiz" every time they address him. I loved to know what he's making compared to what NBC offered Paul.
Yeah, the new Rog! I suspect, but have no knowledge of facts, that he's making much less. The freedom to keep playing undoubtedly gave NBC an opening to offer less. I'd guess $1.5 million.
Hero gets Tiger...every few years when he can play but otherwise it's an odd sponsorship since the motorcycles aren't sold here. The Dr. is very eager to have a LIV franchise, or was before the viewership numbers started coming in. So I'm not sure he wants this week to turn into a statement on the state of the negotiations.
I watched the DP World Tours Ryder Cup documentary. The passion of the European players really comes through. I’m sure there are American players who are as passionate about the Ryder Cup, but it’s not the same. The reverence for Seve, the centrality of the Ryder Cup to European golf and golfers - none of that is contrived. When Luke Donald reminds them that Europe hasn’t lost a home Ryder Cup in 30 years, they understand the weight of that statement. They have a legacy to uphold. There’s nothing like that on the American side.
Well said and you got me thinking about the American side. I could maybe make the case for a few current guys like Max Homa or Scheffler, but even then I'm not sure how much they match the Euros for passion based on the legacy of the event. Then again, there is also an intangible element of beating the big, bad, egomaniacal and deeper Americans that can't be replicated for Team USA!
Geoff you are the lighthouse navigating a car tunnel. Seems as if off course stories are far more interesting than on course stuff. Maybe paying the players (Masters speak participants) a measly 1Million each will lower the cost to the patrons? LOL.
Not sure if they are more interesting but they are worth covering since I continue to marvel at the idea the Americans and PGA of America's pricing could be setting the US team to be boo'd on home turf! It's shocking really. And of course was totally avoidable.
I saw one not long ago that all seemed on course for a return in the new year. It'll be interesting to see how he approaches his schedule since he essentially is a lock for Pebble Beach, loves the west coast swing (except the silly rough at Torrey) and I know won't miss Riviera. He needs to ease back into it during a time of year when it's cold. His doctor sounded pretty confident that it was an easy repair, which is always good.
I will continue to post the same point after every discussion here about the Ryder Cup pay issue: why should players be the only ones working this event for free?
You're asking them to play for the honor of the USA. You do not ask the same from grandstand companies, beer companies, transportation companies or PGA of America executives.
Its 100% as Justin Thomas said, this is like college sports, where for 100 years everyone got paid (and many got REALLY RICH! NIck Saban, ESPN execs) except the people fans paid to see.
It's easy to bash the greed of the players nowadays, but fair is fair.
Very late to the party. Play for free? Ryder Cup? Find a copy of the late, great Jackie Burke Jr's It's Only a Game and read the chapter about his year as Hal Sutton's Assistant Captain at Oakland Hills (still most memorable for the first tee shot Phil Mickelson hit when playing with Tiger Woods in the opening Foursomes match; Tiger peering into the wilderness where Phil's ball reentered the atmosphere is priceless). Anyway, every player on the team will get paid many times over for having been on a Ryder Cup Team.
Again, it's about fairness, KLG. Sure, becoming more famous and known for being on a Ryder Cup team probably pays out over time.
But again — you're not asking the grandstand vendor or Budweiser to donate their product "for exposure." To have Ryder Cup on the web site to get new business later. Same thing with PGA of America employees. No one expects them to work for free or for exposure.
The pampered PGA stars (as humorously documented by you) need a rude awakening at Bethpage.
I predict LIV is gone in 18 months and all the players are back in their respective tours (with no fines or penalties). I did attend the LIV event in the DC area last year and it was enjoyable. The TV presentation is unwatchable.
The gender policy reeks of anticipatory compliance with new political leadership. Expect broader acquiescence to be made (cough, Rory). Is eternal vigilance the price of liberty or is golf merely a cosigner on tyranny?
Btw, any connection between Marcoux Samaan departure and this announcement?
Great piece as always!
I don't think her departure was tied to this. She's been an oddly reclusive Commissioner at a time when the sport needed her more out front. She's also built a huge marketing staff light on golf knowledge and as has been noted, the LPGA feels like (whether true or not) it's missing this moment where women's sports are picking up market share for various reasons.
The gender policy timing might be somewhat tied to politics but as Whan explained it's been in the works a while once the IOC punted. It's complicated and probably going to be a very rare thing. But there is a current player and the optics stink because it looks like they are targeting her. I haven't read enough to understand if the policy addresses this properly or fairly. And it's always concerning when Amy Olson is involved after her severe point-missing on her embarrassing backstopping incident and peculiar remarks about abortion that didn't make much sense.
They’re all going to kiss the ring. It’s vile. Maybe Annika can wear her presidential medal of treason while she’s out and about.
Judas Priest. I can't take a full season of listen to the NBC cast referring to him as "Kiz" every time they address him. I loved to know what he's making compared to what NBC offered Paul.
Yeah, the new Rog! I suspect, but have no knowledge of facts, that he's making much less. The freedom to keep playing undoubtedly gave NBC an opening to offer less. I'd guess $1.5 million.
Tiger Woods is so full of it.
If he wants to help bridge the gap with LIV Golf then why didn't he invite to his tournament Brooks, Bryson & DJ?
What does sponsor Hero get out of this event?
Hero gets Tiger...every few years when he can play but otherwise it's an odd sponsorship since the motorcycles aren't sold here. The Dr. is very eager to have a LIV franchise, or was before the viewership numbers started coming in. So I'm not sure he wants this week to turn into a statement on the state of the negotiations.
I watched the DP World Tours Ryder Cup documentary. The passion of the European players really comes through. I’m sure there are American players who are as passionate about the Ryder Cup, but it’s not the same. The reverence for Seve, the centrality of the Ryder Cup to European golf and golfers - none of that is contrived. When Luke Donald reminds them that Europe hasn’t lost a home Ryder Cup in 30 years, they understand the weight of that statement. They have a legacy to uphold. There’s nothing like that on the American side.
Well said and you got me thinking about the American side. I could maybe make the case for a few current guys like Max Homa or Scheffler, but even then I'm not sure how much they match the Euros for passion based on the legacy of the event. Then again, there is also an intangible element of beating the big, bad, egomaniacal and deeper Americans that can't be replicated for Team USA!
Geoff you are the lighthouse navigating a car tunnel. Seems as if off course stories are far more interesting than on course stuff. Maybe paying the players (Masters speak participants) a measly 1Million each will lower the cost to the patrons? LOL.
Not sure if they are more interesting but they are worth covering since I continue to marvel at the idea the Americans and PGA of America's pricing could be setting the US team to be boo'd on home turf! It's shocking really. And of course was totally avoidable.
Definitely going to apply for the Reverse package. Thanks for the heads up Geoff!
Geoff, Thanks for all info. A question: Are there any updates on Jordan Speith’s wrist? Is he still expected to play next month?
I saw one not long ago that all seemed on course for a return in the new year. It'll be interesting to see how he approaches his schedule since he essentially is a lock for Pebble Beach, loves the west coast swing (except the silly rough at Torrey) and I know won't miss Riviera. He needs to ease back into it during a time of year when it's cold. His doctor sounded pretty confident that it was an easy repair, which is always good.
Jordan is still talking to his caddie to determine if it is 143 or 141 yards to the pin to give an update.
And here's an update just filed today by Sean Zak! https://golf.com/news/jordan-spieth-explains-post-surgery-return/
I will continue to post the same point after every discussion here about the Ryder Cup pay issue: why should players be the only ones working this event for free?
You're asking them to play for the honor of the USA. You do not ask the same from grandstand companies, beer companies, transportation companies or PGA of America executives.
Its 100% as Justin Thomas said, this is like college sports, where for 100 years everyone got paid (and many got REALLY RICH! NIck Saban, ESPN execs) except the people fans paid to see.
It's easy to bash the greed of the players nowadays, but fair is fair.
Very late to the party. Play for free? Ryder Cup? Find a copy of the late, great Jackie Burke Jr's It's Only a Game and read the chapter about his year as Hal Sutton's Assistant Captain at Oakland Hills (still most memorable for the first tee shot Phil Mickelson hit when playing with Tiger Woods in the opening Foursomes match; Tiger peering into the wilderness where Phil's ball reentered the atmosphere is priceless). Anyway, every player on the team will get paid many times over for having been on a Ryder Cup Team.
Again, it's about fairness, KLG. Sure, becoming more famous and known for being on a Ryder Cup team probably pays out over time.
But again — you're not asking the grandstand vendor or Budweiser to donate their product "for exposure." To have Ryder Cup on the web site to get new business later. Same thing with PGA of America employees. No one expects them to work for free or for exposure.
A great read as usual - thanks.
The pampered PGA stars (as humorously documented by you) need a rude awakening at Bethpage.
I predict LIV is gone in 18 months and all the players are back in their respective tours (with no fines or penalties). I did attend the LIV event in the DC area last year and it was enjoyable. The TV presentation is unwatchable.