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Is the PGA Tour Transitioning into a Team Format?

Published

3 years ago

November 12, 2021

The PGA Tour plans to create a series of lucrative, international tournaments that will offer guaranteed money to the world’s best players, we can reveal.

The Tour intends to stage between four and six events annually outside of the United States, in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The series will begin in the fall of 2023 at the earliest, though possibly not until 2024. Details of the plan were confirmed to Golfweek by an industry executive familiar with the ongoing discussions. The executive requested anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

The move will be seen as an effort by the PGA Tour to thwart the threat posed by the Super Golf League, a proposed splinter circuit financed by the Saudi Arabian regime that has been trying to lure players to global events with promises of huge signing bonuses and guaranteed cash. The Super League has tried to attract players for at least seven years with no success. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan made clear he will ban any member who signs on to a rival circuit, but has worked behind the scenes to devise ways to further reward his star players and dilute the risk of their splitting with the Saudis.

In April, Golfweek revealed the existence of an unannounced $40 million Player Impact Program, which will award bonuses to PGA Tour members deemed to most move the needle in terms of fan engagement. The annual program began measuring players’ impact based on a range of criteria in January. The player found to be most impactful at year’s end will receive $8 million, with decreasing amounts awarded to another nine stars.

Monahan also announced a strategic alliance with the European Tour (since rebranded as the DP World Tour) as they sought to unify their product against potential rivals. It is unclear what role the European circuit will play in the new overseas events staged by the PGA Tour but it is thought the two organizations will be aligned to not undermine Europe’s season-ending Race to Dubai.

A spokesperson for the PGA Tour declined to confirm specifics of the new series when contacted by Golfweek.

“We’re absolutely always looking at our future product and schedule, with all options on the table as to fields, formats and tournament locations, especially considering our advancing Strategic Alliance with the European Tour,” the spokesperson said. “No details or decisions have been made at this time.”

While internal discussions are continuing on specifics, tentative plans call for between four and six events, with fields limited to 50 or 60 competitors and no halfway cut. It has not been decided if the fields will be determined by the Official World Golf Ranking or FedEx Cup standings. A range of format options are being considered, including the possibility of a team component.

“Nothing firm on formats yet,” the well-placed executive said, “but a team format is certainly one of the ideas on the table.”

A team element — albeit an ill-defined one — has been one of the Super League’s marketing pitches as it sought to gain traction with players and golf fans.

Asked to specify just how lucrative the new series will be for elite players, the executive said no cash figure has been finalized and that the focus is on providing guaranteed money rather than a traditional prize fund that players would compete for a piece of. The source likened the new events to an amped-up World Golf Championships swing that will ensure riches for elite players regardless of how they perform.

The new international tournaments will not replace the existing fall schedule on the PGA Tour — currently, nine events that begin in September after the conclusion of the FedEx Cup playoffs and run through mid-November. Those fall stops typically draw less than stellar fields as star players often take a break from competition after the playoffs before ramping up their schedules in the New Year.

A PGA Tour source told Golfweek that a mechanism will be devised to ensure players who compete in the overseas series will not be disadvantaged in the FedEx Cup points race as a result of having skipped the U.S. schedule.

“Top guys want to have a break from the FedEx Cup,” the source explained. “The setup would be so they don’t have to worry. If they play in these big events, the idea is they don’t fall behind in the FedEx Cup.”

The manager for one top 10 star who has been briefed on the plans welcomed the news. “The big guys will all perform and all get rewarded,” he said.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek.

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Maintenance during the off season

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5 days ago

December 17, 2024

Resident PGA Pro

Ever wonder what kind of repairs you can do to keep your clubs in shape during the off season?

Many of us find the grips on our clubs starting to wear down and nothing brings new life into your older clubs like a new set of grips.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a small fortune having someone else do this for you, this handy DIY video by Coach Lockey will show you how to replace your grips at home. Click below and have a watch. Then see some of our suggestions for new grips you can buy today.

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

The BLOG MAN

Hey there, golf fans and last-minute shoppers! Can you believe it? We’re down to just 9 days until Christmas, and this year, Hanukkah also starts on the 25th, too! If you’ve got a golfer in your life, the clock is ticking to grab that perfect gift. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some amazing last-minute ideas that will arrive in time, thanks to Amazon’s super-fast shipping.

So, skip the stress and check out these top picks that will make any golfer light up like the holiday tree or menorah this year. Let’s dive in!

1. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Golfers can never have too many golf balls, and Callaway’s Supersoft is one of the best around. Known for its soft feel and incredible distance, it’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Plus, it’s an easy, no-brainer gift that any golfer will appreciate.

Why it’s great:

Affordable and high-quality
Available in fun colors like yellow and matte pink
Ready to ship and arrive before the holidays

👉 Buy Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls on Amazon

2. PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer

Help the golfer in your life sharpen their short game with this ingenious training tool. The PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer is compact, effective, and ideal for indoor practice—perfect for winter days away from the course.

Why it’s great:

Builds confidence in putting
Lightweight and portable
A hit among golfers of all levels

👉 Buy PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer on Amazon

3. Golf Trunk Organizer

This gift is a game-changer for staying organized. The Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer is perfect for stashing shoes, gloves, tees, and other golf gear in one tidy place. It’s functional, practical, and will earn you big points for thoughtfulness.

Why it’s great:

Keeps gear neat and ready for action
Fits easily in any car trunk
Arrives quickly with Prime shipping

👉 Buy Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer on Amazon

4. Titleist Players Golf Glove

A good golf glove can make all the difference in grip and comfort, and Titleist is a trusted brand. This premium glove is a simple yet thoughtful gift that will see plenty of use on the course.

Why it’s great:

High-quality construction
Comfortable fit and feel
Available for fast shipping

👉 Buy Titleist Players Golf Glove on Amazon

5. Garmin Approach G12 GPS Rangefinder

For the tech-savvy golfer, the Garmin Approach G12 is a small but mighty gadget that provides distances to the green, hazards, and more. It clips onto a bag or belt, making it easy to use during a round.

Why it’s great:

Compact and accurate
Preloaded with 42,000 courses
Ships in time for the holidays

👉 Buy Garmin Approach G12 on Amazon

6. Funny Golf T-Shirts

Every golfer loves a little humor on the course. A witty golf-themed T-shirt is a fun, budget-friendly option that’s sure to get laughs and compliments.

Why it’s great:

Tons of designs to choose from
Budget-friendly and personal
Many options with next-day delivery

👉 Browse Funny Golf T-Shirts on Amazon

7. Practice Golf Net

A home practice net is a dream for golfers who want to perfect their swing without leaving the house. It’s the gift of endless practice, even in the off-season.

Why it’s great:

Easy to set up in a backyard or garage
Perfect for winter training
Many available for fast delivery

👉 Buy Practice Golf Net on Amazon

Don’t Wait—Act Now!

Time is running out, and the holidays are almost here! These gifts are perfect for golfers and will make it to your doorstep in time, but only if you act fast. Stock is limited, and the closer we get to the big day, the tighter the shipping windows get. Click those links, fill your cart, and cross those gifts off your list today.

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The Golfer’s Gift Guide

Unique Ideas for Dad This Christmas

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

The Bogeyman "Boo"

Is your dad a golf nut? Christmas is the perfect time to show him how much you care with a gift that’s right up his fairway. Whether he’s a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a perfect gift out there for every golfer. Let’s take a look at some ideas that will have him swinging with joy all year long.