For the Good of Golf

“Golf Is a world game anyway.” - John Daly

Just once did I see Tiger in the flesh. I think it was 2001 when he was enticed to play a tournament near Wellington, our capital city. Tiger was at the peak of his powers, everybody wanted to see him. Unfortunately, the dodgy Wellington weather kept the crowds away.  

In the mid-1990s a transformative dispute occurred in rugby over “shamateurism”. The dispute was whether players remain as under-the-table amateurs or turn fully professional, the same as rugby league players. Administrators soon realized “shamateurism” in the sport was not good for anybody. Agreements were made between all the major stakeholders and there was no longer any under-the-table activity.

Stars Attract

There must be a way to bring the two major leagues together. It doesn’t have to be a full merger, just enough events per year where the public can see the stars at one venue. Major stars from LIV Golf and the PGA will have the public drooling in anticipation. Can you imagine the drama, the excitement, it would be like a hyped-up Ryder Cup. Except it will be all year. One commentator suggested 14 combined events. That is probably too many.

Start Small

You could start with just two teams, one representing LIV Golf and the other representing the PGA. Set it up like the Ryder Cup, with captains and reserves. The Ryder Cup is set for 26 September 2025 at Bethpage Black. It’s probably too late to get a team’s event, LIV Golf versus the PGA, organised for this year. There is enough time to organize the team event for March 2026. Alternatively for any other date early in the season. The earlier the better, if it is to be the lead event, for any other combined tournaments throughout the season. It could be a useful way to even end the season on.

No matter how the team is selected or when it takes place, the key is to organize one combined event. It is far easier to organize a single event, rather than to focus on a full merger or even a partial one. Trying to organise 14 combined events, more or less, for the season is still a mammoth task. LIV Golf and the PGA Tour could potentially work together for the future of the game, but considering the complexities and challenges involved, it will take years to sort out.

Just one event.

LIV Golf or the PGA do not need to compromise on their values and financial transparency is not required. The only requirements are.

• Teams Event

• Chose a date

• Select a venue

• Value of prize money.

• Decide on any future event/s.

Summary

•  LIV Golf and the PGA sponsoring a single event, is far less complex than attempting a full or partial merger. A team event between LIV Golf and the PGA will generate enormous interest. Who is better, the upstart LIV team or the mature set-in-their ways PGA team? Fan interest will be enormous, broadcasting rights will be fought over, because future combined events with all the stars will attract exceptional viewer numbers. 

• The next combined event should be an event for qualified individuals on a pro-rata basis. Assuming the PGA has 130 players on its books, while Liv Golf has 50 players. Therefore, LIV Golf can send 28 players to a 100 field PGA Signature event. Thus, offering one pathway for Liv golfers to gain valuable Official World Golf Ranking points.   

Start small with one team event, then see if it is worth repeating and expanding the relationship, while dealing with one issue at a time.

Remember Golf is a World Game.