ZOZO PGA living LIV
The 2024 ZOZO Golf champion is Nico Echavarria. So what does a LIV looking PGA golf tournament look like. Well the winner receives 1.53 Million Dollars!! It’s a guaranteed check for all entrants, just like LIV golf. The 77th place finisher gets $13,770, just for showing up and walking 4 rounds and shooting the worst of the week. The middle of the road golfer (33th) pockets $44,922 less 40% expenses and a net of $32,991, a half years teacher pay.
Now I know each competitor has expenses, but sponsors are probably paying extra because their brands are being exposed to the major Asian markets. I’m sure some golfers and WAG’s will be making it a family adventure. Then take the swing coach and caddy and fun for all, just like LIV Golf. After all how many times do you get a trip, almost all expenses paid, to Japan. So what’s the PGA v LIV rub?
Why then is the PGA so antagonistic when they promote the same thing. Yes, LIV golfers went for the money. Who doesn’t. Pro-AM’s, appearance fees from your title sponsor, and corporate outings generate extra income for players with a card. Now LIV golfers don’t have that PGA card anymore, but you think that doesn’t stop them from the extra income. Of course who needs it when you were given 100 to 200 million up front just to promote the new league.
Is there enough money for all?
PGA Tour revenue in 2023 was about 2 Billion dollars, That right 2 Billion dollars. PIF poured in that much to fund the beginning of the LIV tour, just a drop in the old oil barrel. Who said golfers have it bad. So don’t feel bad if one of them misses a 5 foot putt for a win or doesn’t get all the name recognition that they used too. It’s not as bad as missing a promotion at the old car lot or insurance job. Not nearly as bad as not being able to get more than a minimum wage job with exceptional young talent.
According to the Professional Athlete index, only one out of 51,346 become a professional golfer in the US. With the US producing 23% of top teir golfers globally. Want to see the high school competion? check out 2024 PGA High School National Invitational. Could be easier getting a 4 year degree in enginering or go to culinary school and be a top chef.
Professional Golf is still 99% a country club sport. If you want to shell out your hard earned dollars to buy tickets to a golf tournament then that’s your money. I would only spend mine on a trip to Augusta and the Masters if I were so lucky. I did see the gate, but had a enlightening experience. I’ll save that for another piece. 🙂
Remember the USFL? LIV took the money and ran. the Saudi PIF has gotten it’s hold on some of the brands without too much backlash. Maybe some billionaire equity fund that can’t by into the NFL will back another breakaway tour and we can have multiple leagues. Still golf is losing it’s luster. If they can’t make it on either one, then maybe transform onto the LPGA. The PGA doesn’t seem to care about them. Can’t wait till April.
Is there a future?
So, where and when do LIV and the PGA decide either make the break or forgive and forget. It’s not the same old professional golf of Palmer, Nicklas, Trevino, and Watson. TV ratings are down which means less money. Attendance is so-so. Less money. Bitterness between present and former PGA and LIV players cause less interest. Less money. Even Tiger has to keep sponsoring golf ventures and building courses. Is there an answer? Not really. LIV is a fulltime exhibition league wanting to be a traditional tour. Some LIV golfers are trying to use the DP World tour to continue their brand. They are also promoting a Ryder Cup style competition between the leagues. Sorry, can’t have your cake and eat it too. And as always, this is just one man’s opinion.
Sincerely and God Bless,
JOMO