The Next Seven Years’ War
Are the best players in the world playing on the European Tour or does the European Tour have the best players in the world? That’s a very specific and intriguing question that requires some analyzing.
The top four ranked players in the world are all from Europe (holding tour cards overseas). In the past, if you were in that group, you’d play the lion’s share of your golf in the United States. Assuming that the PGA Tour still is the most competitive, respected and desirable place for professionals (highest purses, most exposure) to take their talents, the current trend is bizzare.
The next three players on the world ranking list are Steve Stricker, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson–all PGA mainstays. If the globalization of the game continues to move at a breakneck pace, the PGA Tour will continue to lose its luster. The movement started with Tiger Woods nearly a decade ago, as the superstar spent his offseasons playing in exotic tournaments in Dubai, Japan and Australia. Enough continent-hopping spawned a rapid surge of talent from ever corner of the globe.
Now, another hum-drum week on the PGA Tour begins, as the field migrates its way to West Virginia for The Greenbrier Classic. While across the Atlantic, the European Tour hosts the Irish Open with a newly acquired attraction.
Phil Mickelson and 13 other major winners highlight the field at The Greenbrier, but in Ireland three of the past six major champions are dueling for a shot at victory. It may be a coincidence that three of those past six winners hail from Northen Ireland, but it may not. And that’s a scary proposition for the state of American golf, not to mention Tim Finchem.
Young players under 30 (i.e. Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer) continue to shun opportunities to appear in the States. The excitement comes with these freshly-minted stars. So does the money. That’s why the next seven years become absolutely critical. To stabilize the PGA Tour, and sustain its place as a high-water mark in a player’s career, the following needs to happen. If not, then the growth of the game will be too strong. Burgeoning markets in Asia and the Middle East are ready to attract the world’s best with absurd purses and lavish accommodations.
1) Tie-down more affluent, global corporate sponsors. When the recession hit the United States in 2008, it blew up the identity of the PGA Tour. Names of tournaments survived on a revolving-door policy, with sponsors backing in and out like a bad parallel park job. Buick, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler were a few that shifted into reverse, leaving various events in limbo. Can anyone land the “Jumeirah Open” so that Rory is obligated to come play?
2) Get Tiger back. First and foremost, Woods needs to be healthy. Without that, he’s nothing. Get to 100%, and start playing a full (probably 12-15 tournaments) schedule for 2012. Play at Jack’s, Arnie’s, Byron’s (He’s up there waiting for you to come back) and all the World Golf Championships. Return to Torrey Pines and Pebble Beach at the beginning of the year, and gear up for the playoffs in late-August. You don’t have to necessarily care about them, just show up. Chances are the system won’t get any traction, but every player in the world wants a shot at going head-to-head with you. Once you get your game together, a brash crop of newbies want the throne.
3) The “Next Big Thing” needs to show up. There are plenty of contenders out there, but nobody seems to have the moxie. Mickelson, Stricker, Jim Furyk and Matt Kucher are all great players–from the 90s. The PGA Tour needs to market guys like Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson, who have shown the potential to win. They also serve as a shot in the arm to ratings and can garner a young audience. This player-to-be-named needs to be revered globally, playing occasionally on other continents. Most of all they need to win. Soon.
The next two weeks will bring all of the top-ranked players to the United States for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. Now would be a good time to reverse the course of recent developments. In seven years, we could have The Beijing Open and Dubai Classic in their place. They are more than willing to shell out the money. In seven years, the globalization of the game could devour the PGA Tour, vacuuming out America’s talent pool. Let’s hope Mr. Finchem can rally ’round the flag.
Gen. Phillip Mickelson, fatally wounded at the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, with his 2010 Masters’ flag at his side.
The always flamboyantly-dressed Gen. Rick Fowler rallies troops at the Battle of Torrey Pines.
GoFer Eats 