The Golf Thread

[wiw]

You wonder who'll be the next to go.

Justin Thomas I remember saying everyone has a number!

Quite interesting isn't it...not sure of the exact numbers but if someone offered to triple (?) your salary and it meant you work less...you'd be tempted wouldn't you. The money clearly overrides the principle at some point

[RichC]

The money they're throwing around is insane. As a "joining fee" Mickleson has picked up $200M & Dustin $150M, I think Norman said Tiger rejected a high 9 figure sum to join so the money involved is absolutely mental.

I guess it shows that even with the crazy money these golfers can earn they can still have their heads turned.

[Buzzo]

I think John Rahm still summed it up well. He said he and his wife discussed whether this additional money would change their lifes in a single way, and the answer was no.

Thats why some of them have tried the 'work/life' balance line.

Its plain greed, and a lack of care as to being complicit in sportswashing.

Will be interesting to see how the press handle the World Cup in the winter.

[ChesterDave]

Quite interesting isn't it...not sure of the exact numbers but if someone offered to triple (?) your salary and it meant you work less...you'd be tempted wouldn't you. The money clearly overrides the principle at some point

Its not as if they are poor to start with though. Many of these guys should be completely financially comfortable to start with. Is Phil Mickleson worrying if the gas bill can be paid next month like an 'ordinary' member of the workforce. The money shouldn't be as much a head turner for them as it would be for the average man in the street.

[Buzzo]

Its not as if they are poor to start with though. Many of these guys should be completely financially comfortable to start with. Is Phil Mickleson worrying if the gas bill can be paid next month like an 'ordinary' member of the workforce. The money shouldn't be as much a head turner for them as it would be for the average man in the street.

Yep thats the distinction, and that is what Rahm was saying.

[wiw]

Its not as if they are poor to start with though. Many of these guys should be completely financially comfortable to start with. Is Phil Mickleson worrying if the gas bill can be paid next month like an 'ordinary' member of the workforce. The money shouldn't be as much a head turner for them as it would be for the average man in the street.

There's no doubting that. For some I would guess the LIV tour earnings are more on par with what they 'think' they should get, rightly or wrongly.

Would you not be tempted in those circumstances though? What if your mates did it?

[Pablo]

Lots of the players have basically said "this is just a job". They are doing a job, they have a huge pay rise on offer and could potentially retire early. If you look at it that way you can empathise to some degree.

For someone like Rahm and McIlroy though it seems they really do love the game, the history and the legacy they could leave behind. They think of it more of a vocation than a job if you like.

That is admirable, but as Justin Thomas said I'm sure they all have a price, and the numbers being offered are staggering and I think we will see more who have previously taken the moral high ground backtrack in the next few weeks.

[Pablo]

Just on the format though; it really is awful. I can't think of a single thing they've changed that I think is better for it.

Shotgun start - ****. I don't want to watch someone start their round on the 18th, completely against how the course was designed.
No cut/3 rounds - I've no inherent issue with reducing it to 3 rounds, but I don't see what it adds for the spectator?
Team format and names - Utter cringe, confusing and who gives a ****?

It might improve if they are willing to change it up, but for me it is nowhere near as exciting as watching the traditional format of golf.

[Buzzo]

Lots of the players have basically said "this is just a job". They are doing a job, they have a huge pay rise on offer and could potentially retire early. If you look at it that way you can empathise to some degree.

For someone like Rahm and McIlroy though it seems they really do love the game, the history and the legacy they could leave behind. They think of it more of a vocation than a job if you like.

That is admirable, but as Justin Thomas said I'm sure they all have a price, and the numbers being offered are staggering and I think we will see more who have previously taken the moral high ground backtrack in the next few weeks.

Surely all of them, even hacks like Poulter are way past needing to play to pay the bills?

A quick google suggests Poulter is worth £60m. He doesnt need to play Golf anymore.

[Jas]

Its not as if they are poor to start with though. Many of these guys should be completely financially comfortable to start with. Is Phil Mickleson worrying if the gas bill can be paid next month like an 'ordinary' member of the workforce. The money shouldn't be as much a head turner for them as it would be for the average man in the street.

Mickleson probably needed to pay off some of his gambling debts.

[RichC]

Rory has had his say on it again; can see this upsetting a few of them !

LIV Golf: Rory McIlroy calls players who switch 'pretty duplicitous'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/61899722

[Shaggy]

I think John Rahm still summed it up well. He said he and his wife discussed whether this additional money would change their lifes in a single way, and the answer was no.

Thats why some of them have tried the 'work/life' balance line.

Its plain greed, and a lack of care as to being complicit in sportswashing.

Will be interesting to see how the press handle the World Cup in the winter.

[Pablo]

What would be the tipping point do you think in terms of it breaking the PGA Tour?

McIlroy, Rahm, Scheffler, Morikawa, Thomas, Speith, Hovland, Zalatoris, Cantley, Schaufelle, Cam Smith.

I'd say if they can get 4/5 more from off that list then the PGA Tour is in big trouble in terms of becoming a viable entity. The ones in bold are my ransom guesses at the ones I think could be tempted .

[Harv]

Has Fred Couples joined yet?

[RichC]

What would be the tipping point do you think in terms of it breaking the PGA Tour?

McIlroy, Rahm, Scheffler, Morikawa, Thomas, Speith, Hovland, Zalatoris, Cantley, Schaufelle, Cam Smith.

I'd say if they can get 4/5 more from off that list then the PGA Tour is in big trouble in terms of becoming a viable entity. The ones in bold are my ransom guesses at the ones I think could be tempted .

I would have said prior to Koepka that now Morikawa has come out and said he's staying that's what he'll be doing but who knows now!

If they can convince 3 or 4 of the top 10 then the PGA tour is in real trouble as when does it move towards the best players being on the LIV tour rather than the PGA.

Money is one of those things that seem to change peoples position on things; $100M+ whomever you are is a lot of cash to say no to just as a joining fee.

What I hadn't realised was these are the same guys that own Newcastle now.