The pinnacle of the Premier Golf League stated his group isn’t swayed by Corridor of Famer Greg Norman becoming a member of one other entity in search of to begin a distinct circuit that will appeal to high gamers in small-field occasions for giant financial ensures.
However Andy Gardiner informed ESPN that his unique plan of 48-player, 12-team, 54-hole occasions continues to be in play, with a twist: coming below the umbrella of the PGA Tour.
Gardiner, the CEO of the Premier Golf League primarily based in London, stated in an interview the concept would doubtlessly improve all gamers, not simply those that play as a part of the PGL, due to the monetary backing the PGL can present.
“It is not harmful” Gardiner stated. “It is only a division created below them. We name it co-sanctioning. And the PGA Tour has proven there’s worth within the different fields.”
The PGL, which has been lurking behind the scenes for the higher a part of seven years, is below the banner of the World Golf Group. A number of members of its workforce have now branched out to hitch Norman’s endeavor.
Final week, Norman was introduced because the CEO of Liv Golf Investments and stated he would be the commissioner of a brand new league that has but to be named. The ideas seem like comparable in that there are small fields, 54 holes, no cuts and shotgun begins for the primary two rounds, in addition to a workforce component.
Liv Golf Investments is seeking to begin as early as 2022, whereas the PGL would wait a yr. Gardiner’s plan might be not one which will likely be accepted simply by PGA Tour management, together with commissioner Jay Monahan.
In essence, it will see the 18 PGL occasions take the place of present tournaments on the schedule, probably 10 in the USA that is likely to be performed at present venues and run by the present workers. They might be rebranded as PGL occasions, with $20 million purses — $4 million going to the winner and scaling right down to $150,000 for final place every week. There would even be a workforce element every week — with the successful workforce splitting $1 million — and a season-ending workforce championship.
Gardiner stated he despatched a proposal to the PGA Tour and has not gotten a response. He acknowledges getting within the door to talk is an preliminary problem.
“It is troublesome for them to interact with us as a result of that is an innovation that applies to 250 voting members of PGA Tour Inc. and so they additionally run 5 different excursions,” Gardiner stated in reference to the Korn Ferry Tour, the MacKenzie Tour, the PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Latino America and PGA Tour China. “They’ve a accountability to most likely 1,500 different guys plus no matter they’ve undertaken with European Tour members (as a part of a collaboration). So I can see it being troublesome.
“I do imagine a variety of the apprehension may overcome if we’re capable of get across the desk. I believe a nudge from the membership would most likely allow us to.”
Gardiner and his rivals at Liv Golf Investments have spoken with dozens of gamers and brokers to temporary them on their varied plans.
Whereas Norman has but to unveil the complete scope of his endeavor, it’s clear that each would drastically enrich those that participate. The purses are immense, as are the assured payouts for final place. Each promise some form of fairness stake in “groups” or assured bonuses to signal on. It seems each would have some method for advancing to the League and relegating; the Liv Golf group stated as a lot with its announcement final week that it will be investing $200 million within the Asian Tour, which might develop into the car for World Golf Rating sanctioning.
The PGL is proposing some fairly vital modifications to the PGA Tour’s mannequin, together with amending its non-profit standing and giving 50% possession within the league to the Tour. The precise quantity of income the gamers derive from the Tour now isn’t identified, however believed to be lower than 30%.
As well as, the PGL would commit 10% to the PGA Tour workers, broadcast companions, Korn Ferry Tour and different businesses concerned, with one other 10% going to a basis meant to develop the novice recreation. The remaining 30% could be owned by the World Golf Group. The estimated worth of the PGA Tour by 2029 could be $5 billion, Gardiner projected.
Different elements would come with the opportunity of a thirteenth workforce picked by followers, with “wild card” choices granted to PGA Tour gamers to fill out rosters.
Gardiner stated that the massive sums of charitable {dollars} raised by the varied tournaments could be assured as an alternative of depending on the non-profit mannequin that’s employed.
The PGA Tour has historical past and custom on its aspect. It has a mannequin that noticed 67 gamers earn greater than $2 million in official prize cash within the recently-completed season, together with FedEx Cup bonuses, a pension, well being advantages and varied different perks.
One factor it doesn’t have, nonetheless, is assured pay. You earn what you make, aside from just a few elite occasions. And quite a lot of gamers, based on Gardiner and Norman, have questioned if the celebs are literally undercompensated.
One participant agent who wished to stay nameless outlined the scenario by suggesting that gamers comparable to Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, amongst others, are undercompensated in relation to what they create every week.
They assist promote tv rights offers, company hospitality and tickets that enable for purse will increase and greater FedEx Cup bonuses.
And but, every time any of these gamers tees off on a Thursday, they’re assured zero whereas the one hundredth man within the standings who won’t have offered a single ticket stands to make a tidy sum if he performs.
The PGA Tour has sought to boost its worth to gamers by implementing a Participant Incentive Program that may divide $40 million among the many high 10 gamers as judged by varied elements comparable to their social media influence.
It’s elevating purses throughout the board this season, together with the Gamers Championship, which go to $20 million. And it’s granting a $50,000 stipend to all gamers who compete in a minimal of 15 occasions.
“It is actually a rebalancing as we see it,” Gardiner stated. “There isn’t any lack of earnings potential for many who stay (on the PGA Tour). We see them enjoying roughly 32 occasions for $140 million in prize cash (not together with the foremost championships and when you take out the PGL occasions) as a result of there’s actual worth in the remainder of the sector. There may be a variety of differing qualify of golf across the U.S. and the remainder of the world.”
