and so pro the PGA? I assume nobody purchases gasoline? Everyone coming out so strongly against seem to be hugely hypocritical to me.
That money's dirty! It's a rogue nation! Yeah, whatever, pal.
Competition is a good thing. Maybe the PGA needed a kick in the ass.
I really don't care either way.
Generations of professional golfers built the tour. Arnie's Army brought golf to our homes. Tiger's energy and greatness exploded the tour to what it is today, driving the advertising revenue and player purses through the ceiling. Those leaving for the LIV Tour were the beneficiaries of their predecessors' efforts.
PGA Tour money is earned. A player eats what he kills. Miss the cut. No coffee. Putts matter.
The LIV Tour is not the American Basketball Association of the late 1960's - 1970's or the World Football League from the mid 1970s, where one could make a choice about playing in a different league if that league seemed more attractive than the NBA or NFL.
Rather, the Saudis (because they can) are buying players, and offering guaranteed money. Phil was reportedly paid $200 million (made the choice to pay off his gambling debts). DJ, Bryson, Keopka were each paid $100 million. Cam Smith has been offered $90 million.
Hence, this is not arms length competition between two tours. The Saudis are buying their own tour, their own league. They could do the same with professional tennis, football, baseball, basketball.
And yes, I am not naive. Money is often a driver in sports. See Premier League. But there is a difference between player compensations versus creating a new league by raiding the cupboard with enormous sums of guaranteed money.
It will dilute the PGA. I fear more players will capitulate, placing their families' financial welfare ahead of one's principles.
But, it is about a player's character and integrity. Rory has it. Not so much for the Assholes who sold their souls to the Devil.
Magic and Bird who saved that business? While the NBA goes whoring out to China?
I thought this was America. Go snd ply your wears for the highest bidder?
The PGA doesnt want competition. Plain and simple.
Let's use MLB.
Assume Kim Jong-un and Putin decide to create and fund a new professional baseball league. They are the "owners" of their 12 team league.
In order to lure away MLB players, they agree to pay ungodly money ($300- 400 million) up front to a host of players -- e.g., Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Joe Musgrove, Manny Machado, Juan Soto; and then lesser amounts ($75 - 250 million) to another 30-40 players -- all MLB All Stars. Kim Jong-un and Putin further agree to pay damages for any breach of contract suits brought by MLB clubs.
How would you feel about those players who take the money and leave MLB for greener pastures?
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With all of the fuss you are making you sound a bit jealous.
is secondary. Go Rory, go Jon.
Some legitimately have an issue with professional athletes selling their services to business owned by a group with a history of questionable human rights actions.
The P.G.A. and all parties intimately tied to it, however, are simply concerned about their own product getting a bit watered down. It's nothing but self-interest, and anyone who disputes that from their side is lying. These players aren't under contract to play exclusively in P.G.A. events, so the only lever the P.G.A. has is public pressure via the human rights angle.
And yes, it's hypocritical. When these same people demand that the N.B.A. stop earning profit from China, I might listen to them.
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itself.
of a meeting on in disgust. The LIV tour is the same concept with a new benefactor....absolute greed for greed's sake only...would make Gordon Gekko proud.
There is nothing 'socially redeeming' about the LIV tour...and it's not even a professional sport, where money is earned through open competition...just a lot of money for 'nuthin.
Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1994/11/19/norman-golfing-for-greed-in-plans-for-world-tour/9a1e4fbf-87b6-4944-9f00-0b9414c9a28b/
Too...Just because Palmer wasnt for it doesnt make it right.
other very talented players fro their prize money each week...they got their money the old fashioned way...they "Earned" it...these LIV guys don't want to work anymore.
Link: http://he
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The NBA can profit off of China.
The PGA never had an issue with the white male requirement at Augusta.
Because there is actually a threat to the PGA, they are virtue signaling. I hope the Antitrust enforcement is all over the PGA in the US and Europe.
kind of money at me, you bet your bet your ass I would be playing for them. The PGA doesn't like competition and they are crying foul. Phil took a huge payday, so did a few others and I don't blame them one bit. Good for them for cashing in on their name and skill set.
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LIV is funded by the rich Saudi dude.
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