PGA ?

[mont86]

I have been hearing talk on the GC that some golfers want too cut the number of pga golfers from 125 to maybe 80, what are they talking about and how would it help?

[EDSGolf]

There would have to be less tournaments if they did that.

[limpalong]

Today, the top 125 on the money list at the end of the year have full exempt status on tour. The money available to these exempt players is astounding. Rarely, do we see all the "name" players playing a full schedule of events. "Middle of the pack" players can retain their card, earn well over $1 million in winnings (plus endorsements of that much or more) and not "work too hard". The only real competition we see is at the end of the year with a dozen or so players jockeying for #120 thru #125.

If only the top 80 were exempt, that would put pressure on many more marque players to perform. If numbers 81 thru 125 had to Monday qualify or get in on sponsor's exemptions, they would to have a chance to get into that elite 80. You would see the players that are in the #20 to #50 each year play more events to make certain they didn't fall out of the top 80. Dialogue out there is suggesting that cutting the number of exemptions dramatically would put some keen competition back into the PGA. That competiton would involve the fans in two distinct ways. First, we would be able to "feel" the competition between our favorite players as they 'play for their lives' on tour. Secondly, we would see name players involved in many more events. Sponsors, too, would benefit. Sponsors do not put up a bazillion dollars and not get frustrated when no one in the top 20 show up. The reduced number of exemptions should enhance the return for sponsors by involving more name players.

The PGA is struggling! Rounds worldwide are down. Most equipment companies have seen a drop in revenues over the past 5 to 7 years. Viewership of televised events has been down. The PGA has negotiated a television contract with TGC that, I personally, feel is a mistake. That feeling is somewhat selfish since I cannot get TGC. But... I do not believe the "common" person is paying a premium for TGC and additional viewers will be lost going away from broadcast television. To their credit, the PGA is discussing some options. The option of cutting the number of fully exempt players from 125 to 80 is simply one of the optons being mulled over.

I may not have explained it really well, but I'll let someone else "clean up" after me!!!

[Davebud]

One more thing that is does is allow for more guys to come up out of the Nationwide, getting more names out there and potentially increasing viewership based on wider appeal of up and coming golfers.

[Sandpiper3]

Ive heard alot on the subject on TGC as well, im for it from everything ive heard. limpalong summed it up really well, and davebud added part to it.

We will be seeing a much more competitive and tougher PGA Tour next year i believe.

[emc]

They would surely have to reduce field size if this were the case. Normally fields have about 150 players, enough for everyone in the top 125 and then 25 qualifiers or sponsors exemptions. If there were only 80 exempt plaers there would be 70 Monday qualifiers and/or sponsors exemptions. I couldn't see it working and anyway, it would kill off a lot of up-and-coming talent.