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OT: In no surprise Dustin Johnson chases Saudi cash

Nothing I said was opinion. It was all fact, except possibly the pissing part. It's hard to argue with facts but many before you have tried.
Lets not let principal get in the way of an already obscenely lavish lifestyle of the ones going to LIV for the additional government credits.
It's not like these guys are going to LIV for the poor guys ranked 132-186 on the Tour who don't have exemption into every event, don't have guaranteed big sponsor money and literally need to make the cut to put food on the table. That is not what they are doing. They are leaving because the inmates want to run the asylum. They want to make their own rules. Lets be very clear here, LIV exists because the very top players or thereabouts want to make the rules and want all the money. (period) No reason to beat around the bush.
Well I don't think I disagreed with any "fact' you stated in your first post. If you think I did please point it out. Our only disagreement was IMO Arnold and Jack made the tour not vice versa. Switching tours doesn't denigrate their great legacy one iota. Sort of like saying Joe Namath signing with the AFL pissed on the legacy of Johnny Unitas As to your second post, long on opinion and short on fact. I think I read the LIV is going to have 7 events. Sounds pretty greedy by the PGA to not find room for 7 events.
 
reality is PGA tour is in trouble, they cannot compete with Saudi money. PGA tour will become like the Pirates or Tampa Rays or Oakland A's where they are the small market teams that develop the talent for the Yankess and Red Sox and Dodgers to pay big money to sign on for longer deals.
Did I read the LIV tour is only planning 7 events? If that is true the PGA should embrace it. Almost like an expanded exhibition season. Let them play both, The huge money disappears and you could build some LIV vs PGA events.
 
Well I don't think I disagreed with any "fact' you stated in your first post. If you think I did please point it out. Our only disagreement was IMO Arnold and Jack made the tour not vice versa. Switching tours doesn't denigrate their great legacy one iota. Sort of like saying Joe Namath signing with the AFL pissed on the legacy of Johnny Unitas As to your second post, long on opinion and short on fact. I think I read the LIV is going to have 7 events. Sounds pretty greedy by the PGA to not find room for 7 events.
The tour was almost quite literally a creation of Arnold and Jack and Dean Beamon. It was to create somewhat of a union for tournament players and organize and create events. It truly is their legacy outside of their stellar play. I have actually read telegrams between them and other ranking players and administrators about this very subject from the late 60's. These guys are pissing on that legacy for some Saudi money that is meant to diversify a country that knows oil will be like coal in 15 years. Prior to the tour, players just went around the country playing in State Opens run by state golf associations. The AFL/NFL thing isn't remotely related to what is going on right now.
 
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Did I read the LIV tour is only planning 7 events? If that is true the PGA should embrace it. Almost like an expanded exhibition season. Let them play both, The huge money disappears and you could build some LIV vs PGA events.
It is 7 events this year. They plan to go to 14 events in the next year or two.
 
I agree. On gun control, the issue is how to write legislation. There is no definition of an "assault rifle". We an make minor changes like increasing the age to 21 to buy a gun (which sounds ridiculous because you get one for free at age 18 by joining the army) or doing more background checks (which would have prevented few of the shootings over the last few years). But we can feel good about ourselves for doing something. The problems with gun violence in the USA is culture and healthcare. 99% of shootings fall into two categories: Gang activity (drugs or stealing women) and mental health inadequacies (Sandy Hook, Uvalde, Stoneman Douglas). I can get on board with limiting the size of the magazine (you just bring more, especially when we so both Uvalde and Stoneman cops to nothing and let the shooter shoot for extended periods), waiting periods, and background checks. But all of them will be inconsequential.
Obliviax, the real problem with defining an assault weapon..... any weapon used against others is an assault weapon. You don't have to use an AR to kill someone. And many fear those on the left want all guns under their control. O for the days when my buddies drove to school and it's our guns in the gun rack of our pickups, and we never worried about being killed.
 
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It is 7 events this year. They plan to go to 14 events in the next year or two.
I don't think the PGA, DP World Tour, or the LIV Tour see this as a potentially cooperative arrangement. The LIV is meant to be a global tour that features the best players in the world pulled from the existing tours.
 
Obliviax, the real problem with defining an assault weapon..... any weapon used against others is an assault weapon. You don't have to use an AR to kill someone. And many fear those on the left want all guns under their control. O for the days when my buddies drove to school and it's our guns in the gun rack of our pickups, and we never worried about being killed.
I get incredibly tired of the cop out phrase "those on the left". The vast majority of ALL Americans want certain considerations as relates to aspects of gun control to at least be discussed --- and the best proposals that have a chance to genuinely help reduce mass gun killings acted upon. You see the same thing as relates to Trump ("those on the left"). Hell I've voted Republican most of my life, and I can't stand Donald Trump. It is delusional, but ever so convenient, to think that the only people who oppose gun control are those on the left (and the same is true of those who can't stomach Trump and his "big lies" and repugnant lack of character that have splintered the Republican Party).
 
I get incredibly tired of the cop out phrase "those on the left". The vast majority of ALL Americans want certain considerations as relates to aspects of gun control to at least be discussed --- and the best proposals that have a chance to genuinely help reduce mass gun killings acted upon. You see the same thing as relates to Trump ("those on the left"). Hell I've voted Republican most of my life, and I can't stand Donald Trump. It is delusional, but ever so convenient, to think that the only people who oppose gun control are those on the left (and the same is true of those who can't stomach Trump and his "big lies" and repugnant lack of character that have splintered the Republican Party).
I hate guns and never want to own one and think there should be common ground. I liken this to the abortion debate. I would bet there are as many folks who support moderate anti abortion laws as there are who support moderate gun laws. However the left fears the slippery slope on abortion and won't move off of abortion any time and at any age for any reason including immediately after birth. the NRA right fears any gun control will lead to get rid of all guns. and both sides think the constitution is on their side. And that my friends is the sate of affairs in our country.
 
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When did golf changes turn into gun changes? Uggg
Among the rampant misinformation these days, the false equivalencies mount up. However, both are only good inside the echo chamber, they fall flat on their face in open discussion. It is most typically the same voices over and over. But as we all know, when you deal with a less informed populace the repetition and conviction trumps fact and reality. It is somewhat a molding or grooming process of the brain.....and history shows it works.
 
I don't think the PGA, DP World Tour, or the LIV Tour see this as a potentially cooperative arrangement. The LIV is meant to be a global tour that features the best players in the world pulled from the existing tours.
There is definitely some truth to this. They are trying to create small matches of top players almost like the one on one TV battles we have seen over the years, like the old Tiger vs. Sergio, on a larger scale with more players. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a ton of interest in that. Is there some, of course.
The problem with this philosophy is that by in large part the real excitement in golf or any sport for that matter is winning the "big championship" ie. super bowl, Stanley cup, world cup, Masters, British Open, etc.
The prestige and pressure lies within these historical events with rich tradition and deep history. LIV has none of that and it can't be manufactured. It is almost like a casino run big money game, which doesn't create nearly as much interest as say the Memorial or AP Invitational or Players Championship, which are secondary top events. They are trying to use money to create prestige and interest, which likely won't work outside the circle of players playing for it. Nobody gives a crap how much you win for being the Master Champ, however they do want the fancy silver clubhouse trophy, green jacket, lifetime membership, invitation in perpetuity and prestige of it all. The money is nice but it's only a little more than say the Shell Houston Open.
 
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There is definitely some truth to this. They are trying to create small matches of top players almost like the one on one TV battles we have seen over the years, like the old Tiger vs. Sergio, on a larger scale with more players. Unfortunately, I don't think there is a ton of interest in that. Is there some, of course.
The problem with this philosophy is that by in large part the real excitement in golf or any sport for that matter is winning the "big championship" ie. super bowl, Stanley cup, world cup, Masters, British Open, etc.
The prestige and pressure lies within these historical events with rich tradition and deep history. LIV has none of that and it can't be manufactured. It is almost like a casino run big money game, which doesn't create nearly as much interest as say the Memorial or AP Invitational or Players Championship, which are secondary top events. They are trying to use money to create prestige and interest, which likely won't work outside the circle of players playing for it. Nobody gives a crap how much you win for being the Master Champ, however they do want the fancy silver clubhouse trophy, green jacket, lifetime membership, invitation in perpetuity and prestige of it all. The money is nice but it's only a little more than say the Shell Houston Open.
Additionally, what has helped create the LIV is the fact all the majors are run by organizations other than the PGA Tour. Until the tournament committees at Augusta National, the R&A, The USGA & PGA of America (yes, the PGA of America is a completely different organization than the Tour, they just share a few letters in their name) say we are going to suspend players not in good standing with the PGA Tour from competing in our tournament you may see players continue to toe that line in hopes of a big LIV payday.

If Fred Ridley comes out tomorrow and says no player will be invited to the Masters that is not in good standing with the PGA Tour or an amateur, you will see a major change in who is going to LIV. You might even see players resign from LIV.
 
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Additionally, what has helped create the LIV is the fact all the majors are run by organizations other than the PGA Tour. Until the tournament committees at Augusta National, the R&A, The USGA & PGA of America (yes, the PGA of America is a completely different organization than the Tour, they just share a few letters in their name) say we are going to suspend players not in good standing with the PGA Tour from competing in our tournament you may see players continue to toe that line in hopes of a big LIV payday.

If Fred Ridley comes out tomorrow and says no player will be invited to the Masters that is not in good standing with the PGA Tour or an amateur, you will see a major change in who is going to LIV. You might even see players resign from LIV.
what I am seeing so far...

  • US Open - LIV tour players will play
  • The Open - LIV tour players will play
  • PGA - LIV Players are not eligible given the current bylaws (have to have tour standing) but they could change that
  • Masters - Up in the air. Nothing says that they can't play but you can bet the Tour is lobbying them hard
The PGA has to be careful here. They've had some player problems (Vijay, Phil to name two). This reminds me of when there was an open-wheel racing civil war between the Indy500 and the rest. It resulted in the Indy Racing League and the Formula 5000 (IIRC). Open-wheel racing in the USA has never recovered. There are several events that are near majors (Memorial, The Players). And there is the Ryder Cup and FedEx Cup.

I thought Rory had the best comments. He said that this is simply a choice and there are no hard feelings either way. But for him, anytime he's made a choice simply on money it didn't work out. And for him, going to LIV would simply be for the money.
 
what I am seeing so far...

  • US Open - LIV tour players will play
  • The Open - LIV tour players will play
It's really hard to regulate an event that terms itself "open." There is a defined criteria for qualification and qualifying and the PGA Tour has nothing to do with either except in the fact that each committee offers exemptions into them based on performance on the Tour itself. I'd have to really dig in to look it up but roughly 15%ish players in the British and US Open's are not PGA Tour players.....They are amateurs or mini tour pros that made it through qualifying or the like. It's hard to throw a blanket over an "Open," since by definition they are open.
You can kiss the Ryder Cup goodbye for these LIV guys but I doubt they give a crap about that.
 
It's really hard to regulate an event that terms itself "open." There is a defined criteria for qualification and qualifying and the PGA Tour has nothing to do with either except in the fact that each committee offers exemptions into them based on performance on the Tour itself. I'd have to really dig in to look it up but roughly 15%ish players in the British and US Open's are not PGA Tour players.....They are amateurs or mini tour pros that made it through qualifying or the like. It's hard to throw a blanket over an "Open," since by definition they are open.
You can kiss the Ryder Cup goodbye for these LIV guys but I doubt they give a crap about that.
totally agree. But that doesn't mean it won't change. I am 100% certain that the tour is calling the open event managers and saying "really? you want your event to be open to players who are sponsored by a murderous regime? Don't you think it would be smart to limit access to your "open" to people that are sponsored by legitimate organizations? Or, how about you just strip them of the exemptions and make them "play in" like any other amateur?"

I can tell you one thing, the lawyers are smacking their lips.

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totally agree. But that doesn't mean it won't change. I am 100% certain that the tour is calling the open event managers and saying "really? you want your event to be open to players who are sponsored by a murderous regime? Don't you think it would be smart to limit access to your "open" to people that are sponsored by legitimate organizations? Or, how about you just strip them of the exemptions and make them "play in" like any other amateur?"

I can tell you one thing, the lawyers are smacking their lips.

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The USGA & R&A can do whatever they want. Currently, they offer a local qualifying exemption for players with PGA Tour status who are not exempt into the championship. Those players go straight to sectional qualifying and get to skip over local qualifying. They could easily, rightly and legally rid or add any exemptions into their tournament they want whether to the championship proper or stages of qualifying. Now if they are discriminate on a particular class of entrant, that would be a problem for lawyers to sort out but the committee is certainly entitled to determine which players/tours merit/warrant certain types of exemptions or eligibility to become a contestant in the championship proper. They are not discriminating against the golf population at large by saying you must be a 1.4 handicap or lower to even enter the 1st stage of qualifying, which is currently the criteria.
 
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what I am seeing so far...

  • US Open - LIV tour players will play
  • The Open - LIV tour players will play
  • PGA - LIV Players are not eligible given the current bylaws (have to have tour standing) but they could change that
  • Masters - Up in the air. Nothing says that they can't play but you can bet the Tour is lobbying them hard
The PGA has to be careful here. They've had some player problems (Vijay, Phil to name two). This reminds me of when there was an open-wheel racing civil war between the Indy500 and the rest. It resulted in the Indy Racing League and the Formula 5000 (IIRC). Open-wheel racing in the USA has never recovered. There are several events that are near majors (Memorial, The Players). And there is the Ryder Cup and FedEx Cup.

I thought Rory had the best comments. He said that this is simply a choice and there are no hard feelings either way. But for him, anytime he's made a choice simply on money it didn't work out. And for him, going to LIV would simply be for the money.
Looking at the LIV leaderboard, as someone who enjoys watching golf, my reaction is "why would I watch this?" The field is heavily populated with players that were good, but not great, are past their prime, or both. I'm not that interested in the senior tour, and I don't see a tour composed of guys I wouldn't expect to see contend at a major or other top tournament as any more appealing. Yes, DeChambeau is a notable exception, but he's only one guy and I don't find his approach to the game that interesting to watch.

I think you make an interesting point with your open-wheel comparison, and if we see PGA events struggling to fill fields with legitimate pros, we'll be there. (I remember when it got so bad that the Indy cars invited sprint cars to run at Pocono to build up the field, although I can't remember if it was during the USAC/CART period or the CART/IRL period.) I think another analogy may be the WFL in the early 70's when the new league made splash signing big names from the NFL and still failed miserably.

I don't have a problem with players taking the money. For most, it's the smart play given where they are in their careers. I also don't have a problem with the PGA playing hard ball. The goal of the LIV is to supplant the PGA and DP World tours, and I don't it reasonable to expect either tour to be nice to players who are trying to help LIV do it.
 
Looking at the LIV leaderboard, as someone who enjoys watching golf, my reaction is "why would I watch this?" The field is heavily populated with players that were good, but not great, are past their prime, or both. I'm not that interested in the senior tour, and I don't see a tour composed of guys I wouldn't expect to see contend at a major or other top tournament as any more appealing. Yes, DeChambeau is a notable exception, but he's only one guy and I don't find his approach to the game that interesting to watch.

I think you make an interesting point with your open-wheel comparison, and if we see PGA events struggling to fill fields with legitimate pros, we'll be there. (I remember when it got so bad that the Indy cars invited sprint cars to run at Pocono to build up the field, although I can't remember if it was during the USAC/CART period or the CART/IRL period.) I think another analogy may be the WFL in the early 70's when the new league made splash signing big names from the NFL and still failed miserably.

I don't have a problem with players taking the money. For most, it's the smart play given where they are in their careers. I also don't have a problem with the PGA playing hard ball. The goal of the LIV is to supplant the PGA and DP World tours, and I don't it reasonable to expect either tour to be nice to players who are trying to help LIV do it.
Agree. In the USA, it is all driven by TV. I don't follow the Euro tour but know there are a lot of good players that always seem to challenge in the majors. If I am watching or following the PGA tour, I don't really care about what is happening on LIV. Out of sight, out of mind. LIV is going to have to get TV audience traction outside of the Middle East. And that means Euros and North Americans. Could China be a market? IDK
 
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Agree. In the USA, it is all driven by TV. I don't follow the Euro tour but know there are a lot of good players that always seem to challenge in the majors. If I am watching or following the PGA tour, I don't really care about what is happening on LIV. Out of sight, out of mind. LIV is going to have to get TV audience traction outside of the Middle East. And that means Euros and North Americans. Could China be a market? IDK
The competitions matter more than the players.....and that's a problem for LIV.
When Arnold Palmer and Nicklaus became irrelevant in majors due to age, it didn't diminish the majors. LIV is relying on the names to make it important, which it won't.
Nobody cares (except the guy putting it) that the 4 footer to finish 4th instead of 5th in a major is worth about 200k and nobody is gonna care about some non-brand name tournament with zero history played at some new resort course outside of Mecca because the purse is big. Prestige and importance can't be manufactured.
 
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The competitions matter more than the players.....and that's a problem for LIV.
When Arnold Palmer and Nicklaus became irrelevant in majors due to age, it didn't diminish the majors. LIV is relying on the names to make it important, which it won't.
Nobody cares (except the guy putting it) that the 4 footer to finish 4th instead of 5th in a major is worth about 200k and nobody is gonna care about some non-brand name tournament with zero history played at some new resort course outside of Mecca because the purse is big. Prestige and importance can't be manufactured.
Agreed. LIV is paying these fellas to jump-start the league. That will work for some short period of time. But if they cannot leverage that into eyeballs, it will lose steam and interest. If you don't hear about DJ or Bryson for several months, you'll forget about them. In the meantime, you can see what a hot streak from a guy like Scheffler did. A year ago, nobody cared about Scottie Scheffler.

the next joe blow will get hot and capture people's attention in the USA.
 
that is a good point about TV eyeballs. In Europe the time change could facilitate TV but Europeans are not huge TV watchers to begin with. In USA east coast that is a 7 hour time change so nobody is going to be watching live and who watches golf replays.
 
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This year will likely end some of the exemptions. Sergio Garcia qualifies the US Open by having been in previous year's tour championship. So that goes away. His other is being Top 60 in OWGR points and that likely goes away as well. Not sure how they will do OWGR points of LIV. Phil would get a couple more due to his PGA Championship in 2021 as the last 5 champs get in. DJ is in for a while. DeChambeau if he ends up playing has some time as well.

It will be interesting.
 
that is a good point about TV eyeballs. In Europe the time change could facilitate TV but Europeans are not huge TV watchers to begin with. In USA east coast that is a 7 hour time change so nobody is going to be watching live and who watches golf replays.
That is why I bring up China. I don't know who the target market is.

If you are unfamiliar with the Belt and Road Initiative which ties China to the Middle East and ends up being a major economic and security threat to the USA

 
Among the rampant misinformation these days, the false equivalencies mount up. However, both are only good inside the echo chamber, they fall flat on their face in open discussion. It is most typically the same voices over and over. But as we all know, when you deal with a less informed populace the repetition and conviction trumps fact and reality. It is somewhat a molding or grooming process of the brain.....and history shows it works.
You got this one right. Two great examples are "The Big Lie" that Trump won and the belief that that the events of 1/6/21 were led by the far left. What amazes me is that a minimum of 50% of voters who identify as Republican believe it! You have identified the reason well --- repeat lie, repeat lie, repeat lie, and then repeat it again. The Nazi's prior to, and during, WW2 knew this well, as does Putin today. I used to vote Republican, but am ashamed of today's Republican Party. Problem is --- the Democrats aren't much better :(
 
totally agree. But that doesn't mean it won't change. I am 100% certain that the tour is calling the open event managers and saying "really? you want your event to be open to players who are sponsored by a murderous regime? Don't you think it would be smart to limit access to your "open" to people that are sponsored by legitimate organizations? Or, how about you just strip them of the exemptions and make them "play in" like any other amateur?"

I can tell you one thing, the lawyers are smacking their lips.

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Supported by a murderous regime. Unless these LIV guys are required to publically support The Saudi govt it shouldn’t matter Do they allow Chinese players, anyone from N Korea? How about Gary Player and Ernie Els during apartheid. Pretty hard being a political judge and jury.
 
Agree. In the USA, it is all driven by TV. I don't follow the Euro tour but know there are a lot of good players that always seem to challenge in the majors. If I am watching or following the PGA tour, I don't really care about what is happening on LIV. Out of sight, out of mind. LIV is going to have to get TV audience traction outside of the Middle East. And that means Euros and North Americans. Could China be a market? IDK
It would be interesting to add up the number of majors have been won by the LIV and those by the current PGA tour? Are many of those wins by older guys sure but to suggest Phil isn’t still a draw is naive. Bring over 1 more big name current guy and I would almost rather watch LIV. Hypothetically let’s say Brooks K came over Jon Raymond. Give me Rahm or Koepka DJ De Chambeau Phil and Sergio vs JT Rory Cantlay and then who? Good golfers but not a draw. You heard it here first this is AFL vs NFL. They will fight for a couple years then accommodate each other. Especially if an LIV player wins a major.
 
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Supported by a murderous regime. Unless these LIV guys are required to publically support The Saudi govt it shouldn’t matter Do they allow Chinese players, anyone from N Korea? How about Gary Player and Ernie Els during apartheid. Pretty hard being a political judge and jury.
We are not a mirrors regime? Check out the stickers about the CIA trying to kill Julian Assange. ?
 
Given the money involved everyone should be joining LIV. It's not political. Who cares where the money is coming from. They're not giving them money they're taking it. People want to be mad about way too much these days.
 
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No surprise that a board full of right wing Trumper philistines sees no problem with taking dirty money and helping the terminally psychopathic Saudi government with their pr efforts.
 
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can you name me a star athlete who doesn't have "reports that they can be a d-bag?" I can't think of a single one. Media outlets make money from defaming stars. its just the way it is. Meanwhile, PM has been married to the same woman and is successfully raising a family while the guy you noted, Tiger Woods, was beaten by his wife with a golf club for whoring around with several porn stars and partying it up in Vegas.

There is a story that early in TW's career he was in Vegas at a club with MJ. Tiger fancied a young lady but being shy with the woman, he was hesitant. MJ was telling him to go for it. Tiger said 'why would she go with me?" Amd MJs response was "because you are ****ing tiger woods!"
How many times are you going to tell that MJ asshole’s story? And revel in it?
 
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No surprise that a board full of right wing Trumper philistines sees no problem with taking dirty money and helping the terminally psychopathic Saudi government with their pr efforts.
I don't care who they're taking money from. Why do you? What impact does it have on you?
 
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No surprise that a board full of right wing Trumper philistines sees no problem with taking dirty money and helping the terminally psychopathic Saudi government with their pr efforts.
Good night mom. You keep worrying about all of us.BTW are you in favor of removing sanctions on Iran?
 
Here is a great article on this soon-to-be debacle.

could have done without the politics. i think this guy also greatly underestimates the amount of money the Saudi's have. A few billion to the crown prince is nothing for him to have his own golf league for a few years to see if it can become something. this was never about money, it was about the crown prince flexing his money to get into more things.
 
Low handicapper. Gotta disagree. As you say Arnold and Jack blazed the trail. The PGA tour just held on for the ride. If you want more for the players you should embrace this. It reminds me of the early NFL/AFL days. If both parties are smart they will fight for a while then figure out a merger.
Yeah ain’t it interesting that now that LIV is in existence suddenly the PGA Tour is increasing the purses. I am sure this is pure coincidence.
 
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could have done without the politics. i think this guy also greatly underestimates the amount of money the Saudi's have. A few billion to the crown prince is nothing for him to have his own golf league for a few years to see if it can become something. this was never about money, it was about the crown prince flexing his money to get into more things.
I really don't agree. If nobody watches the new golf league the idea of funding it will wear off. it has no value: financially or politically. I had a view of the NBA CBA negotiation back in 2009/10. What LeBron finally realized is he doesn't make the big bucks if the other guys on the bench aren't there. The same is true of the tour. Nobody will remember Dustin Johnson or Brooks Kepka five years from now if they don't play on the tour. Look at a guy like Colin Montgomery...what kind of money and fame is he drawing in the USA? Almost zip. The PGA tour is made up of guys who come of age and become stars. This year it is Scheffler. Today he's a star. Two years ago NADA. Stars will come and go.

LIV hired, for the most part, guys that earned their bones but are on the back end of their careers. LIV can continue to pick off guys that become starts but if nobody watches who cares. Its like buying a Bently if you have to change the name of the car to a "Shwartz". Hey I drive a Shwart! Who cares.

At the same time, the players had a pretty interesting interview. Some complained about the FedEx cup. Koepka said that his knees keep him from playing a full schedule but it hurts his chances to make FedEx points. His endorsements were dependent on his FedEx standings. The other players talked about missing kids births and birthdays, failed marriages and being on the road for 9 months strait. With LIV, they play under a dozen events and make a ton of money.

The media here isn't giving the player's side. If you want the players side, from Koepka, Reed and Perez, watch the video. Perez was particularly acidic.

 
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I really don't agree. If nobody watches the new golf league the idea of funding it will wear off. it has no value: financially or politically. I had a view of the NBA CBA negotiation back in 2009/10. What LeBron finally realized is he doesn't make the big bucks if the other guys on the bench aren't there. The same is true of the tour. Nobody will remember Dustin Johnson or Brooks Kepka five years from now if they don't play on the tour. Look at a guy like Colin Montgomery...what kind of money and fame is he drawing in the USA? Almost zip. The PGA tour is made up of guys who come of age and become stars. This year it is Scheffler. Today he's a star. Two years ago NADA. Stars will come and go.

LIV hired, for the most part, guys that earned their bones but are on the back end of their careers. LIV can continue to pick off guys that become starts but if nobody watches who cares. Its like buying a Bently if you have to change the name of the car to a "Shwartz". Hey I drive a Shwart! Who cares.

At the same time, the players had a pretty interesting interview. Some complained about the FedEx cup. Koepka said that his knees keep him from playing a full schedule but it hurts his chances to make FedEx points. His endorsements were dependent on his FedEx standings. The other players talked about missing kids births and birthdays, failed marriages and being on the road for 9 months strait. With LIV, they play under a dozen events and make a ton of money.

The media here isn't giving the player's side. If you want the players side, from Koepka, Reed and Perez, watch the video. Perez was particularly acidic.

I don't think we disagree. but the article threw in too much politics against the Saudi's so an obvious agenda. And i also think the author underestimates the money that the crown prince has to spend. For certain, if the LIV has zero viewers and is a joke 3 or 4 years from now then it will be stopped. But this author is implying that it will blow up sooner rather than later. What i am saying is that the crown prince can bankroll this as long as he wants and what the crown prince objectives are in doing this golf league are sort of unknown. I don't see the LIV as something the crown prince thinks is going to make him big money, he is doing this probably mainly for prestige and something else we don't know about.
 
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