12/22/24
June 28, 2006
Playoffs for the PGA?: What a player does during the year will have a minimal impact in the so called post season. Tim Finchem says its like the Yankees winning 115 games during the season and starting over in the playoffs. However, the Yankees start each game with a zero-zero score. This system will definitely reward the streak player who is hot at the end of the season.
This will serve to get the top players in competition against each other as the season ends although I suspect the 'usual' suspects will walk away with all the money.
posted by jaygolf at 08:32 AM on June 29, 2006
If I had only taken golf seriously when I was young. I might have been able to pocket some of the huge money that players play for today. Sure beats crunching numbers for a living.
posted by dbt302 at 08:56 AM on June 29, 2006
This system will definitely reward the streak player who is hot at the end of the season. I think that goes without saying -- isn't that the case in every playoff format in every sport?
posted by BullpenPro at 08:58 AM on June 29, 2006
"This will serve to get the top players in competition against each other as the season ends " The top players are already in competition with each other as the season ends - that's how you define "top player".
posted by JJ at 09:17 AM on June 29, 2006
The 10 mil prize will make players mouth drool for sure. But don't ya think this is more of a bone for the tv networks to boost ratings in an otherwise anti-climactic end to the season? What would really be cool would be to play all of the majors in consecutive weeks at the end of the year.
posted by panteeze at 09:41 AM on June 29, 2006
The big problem most people have with golf these days (in here and people I talk to) is that no one is stepping up in majors and winning them with gutsy performances. The reason for that (I think) is that everyone good enough to be in contention in a major is already financially comfortable, if not a multi-millionaire. Very few of them feel like they have something to prove anymore. There is a problem (that I first witnessed when Chip Beck chose to lay up at the 15th at Augusta in '93 to protect his cheque rather than go for the green - from 236 yards - and challenge Langer's three shot lead) caused by money in golf; it breeds earners, not winners. That problem has been cited more than once as a possible explanation of the US team's poor showing in the Ryder Cup in recent years - they don't know how to struggle anymore. Trying to create public interest is one thing, but I gather that the PGA Tour think they will create player interest or make people try harder with this extra money. I'd suggest that the difference for most of the "top players" these days between 1 million and 10 million is neither here nor there. I think it's right that the players should be getting the money that golf makes - I don't begrudge them the money - but I question the notion that it will make the golf more exciting to have a supplementary mini-tour at the end of the season. The whole thing sticks like a not very cheap marketing gimmick.
posted by JJ at 11:02 AM on June 29, 2006
So now golf is trying to keep up with NASCAR"S race for the cup? Seems like the same thing, sounds like it too.
posted by volfire at 12:54 PM on June 29, 2006
The reason for that (I think) is that everyone good enough to be in contention in a major is already financially comfortable, if not a multi-millionaire. Very few of them feel like they have something to prove anymore. I am of the opinion that you would have a full field for all of the majors if the only prize was the trophy. I don't think the cash prize matters to many; they simply want to win the dang thing and be recognized by their peers.
posted by panteeze at 12:58 PM on June 29, 2006
panteeze, I think you are 100% correct in your assertion that it is a bone for the tv networks to boost ratings in an otherwise anti-climactic end to the season. So was the season ending "Tour Championship", which only invited the top 30 on the money list to an event on a (usually) historic cousre, set up like a major, with a huge purse that could affect the final Money List standings. Lets face it, in the fall, when all the majors have been played, the NFL and college football seasons are starting, baseball is getting down to the nitty gritty, and other factors take away from the people who would usually watch golf, except hardcore golfophiles such as myself. It's on year round, and the made for TV silly season is a bonus only for the players and the truly obsessive golf fan. I truly doubt that this will drum up much in the way of increased ratings, and I think it is a poor way to determine who was the best golfer of the year.
posted by mjkredliner at 01:48 PM on June 29, 2006
I don't think the cash prize matters to many; they simply want to win the dang thing and be recognized by their peers. Sure, but if you can lay up and be assurred of going home with 6 figures vs. risk it all and win or go home with a few grand, you gots to feed the kids.
posted by yerfatma at 01:57 PM on June 29, 2006
Dan Jenkins wrote one of his funniest pieces ever in regards to the Masters JJ referred to, and he was merciless in his opinions about Beck laying up and "Herr Langer" goose stepping down the fairways and not being challenged by the field. Dan was also among the first to point out that the pros are perhaps playing more for checks than glory. Dan's fans might enjoy this, I know I did.
posted by mjkredliner at 02:30 PM on June 29, 2006
Excellent - more money - just what golf needed.