The World Tour: inevitable or avoidable?
Talking with someone close to the development of the Super League in European football, everyone claimed the ‘focus groups’ wanted it, and thought it would be great for the game. No one even expected the backlash when it hit. In fact quite the opposite, the powers that be expected it to be a roaring success and universally received in a positive way by fans across Europe, and the globe.
Oh, how wrong could they have been! What unfolded, was the exact opposite as it eroded what is the very essence, and at the core of the fabric of football: competition. Take away relegation for a franchise based Disneyland alternative, was the antithesis of the tribal culture of football. So, how do we feel about The World Tour in golf, an elite group on an elite circuit - the top of the pyramid? Do we want it? And is it just lazy to say it is inevitable?
In recent years you have the PGA TOUR and European PGA tour working closer together, particularly with the landmark strategic alliance between the two that was announced last year. Plus let’s not discount the supporting Challenge and Korn Ferry Tours that are getting more and more viewing figures, becoming breeding grounds for the next generation on each side of the pond. Does golf really fit this model of a super league?
“I would rather personally seek reform or refinement within the current makeup of the PGA and European Tour. If there is another tournament or series to be added, then let’s look at that, how it is financed and how qualification could work”
The tour schedules by their nature are sometimes gruelling, with a focus on the majors, and the Ryder Cup every 2 years, a competition that unites the pinnacle of the sport across both sports. Is this really about sport at all, and more the lure of huge money? You then add the PGA Tour Player Impact Program, which will see the ten most influential players split a $40 million fund between them based on factors such as their popularity on Google search, and the engagement they drive on social media and in the digital sphere (cue, mass agency pitches across the globe).
The MVP will receive an $8 million bonus with the remaining $32 million spent among the rest. This has received a mixed response, and it is odd, in terms of how a golfer on tour can make a living, however one can understand it’s a natural shield to the lure of World Tour or Premier League golf money from outside of the current set up. Perhaps, it’s a short term deterrent that just needs refinement and to be democratised. Tiger will be happy, as he will probably benefit without hitting a ball, while I'm sure the Bryson De Chambeau vs Brooks Koepka sideshow might just deliver the dollar further down the line? Being cynical, is this a PR sideshow unfolding before our eyes? Only the inner circle really knows.
In terms of the tour players behind an elite tour or league, you have seen Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott pretty open it, while Brooks Koepka and Rory Mcllory have both been public in their rejections.
As a purist and a traditionalist I would rather personally seek reform or refinement within the current makeup of the PGA and European Tour. If there is another tournament or series to be added, then let’s look at that, how it is financed and how qualification could work, but a World Tour or Super League of golf, even if it sat above the PGA and European Tour just won't work for me. You will erode the meaningfulness of each tour, the majors and dare I say it, the Ryder Cup.
But, what’s your view? Come and share your opinion in the comments section below or across social media, using #BehindTheTour.
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