OUT OF BOUNDS By Ed Gowan

OUT OF BOUNDS

LIV AND

LET LIV

WORDS BY ED GOWAN

Jonathan Jones/USA Today After there have now been a few LIV events and the rhetoric has subsided into factual reflections, it’s a good time to make an appraisal of current status of LIV, the PGA TOUR and the future of professional golf.

Radio Sports’ Colin Cowherd has talked about both sides of the debate on whether LIV is good or bad. Let me throw out several of the “takes” so far and think about where this may be going.

LIV is without question the largest ‘disrupter’ in golf in quite some time. Others, like the change from both a large and small golf ball, touched many parts of the world. The PING lawsuit with the USGA over grooves combined with the affect metal woods had on all golf in the ‘80’s was closest to what’s happening now. These three were disrupters, but without the impact on televised golf LIV is having. My view is that this is only the beginning.

After the first blush of punch and counter-punch, and ignoring the political overtones of the Saudi involvement, we’re now back to the fact that money drives professional golf. The PGA TOUR’s position as the sole venue for top players is being challenged. The effect of that challenge and its impact on the PGA TOUR is most clearly represented by

The idea of guaranteed money drives professional golf closer to the “ professional team sports where the players have power and leverage. ”

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the TOUR’s almost immediate reaction of raising purses signi cantly for 2023. Will that satisfy players? Yes, but most particularly the elite players who dwell in the upper echelon of money winners. As Rory has said several times, he doesn’t need the guaranteed money of LIV. ere aren’t many players who can say that and really mean it. Guaranteed money is anathema to the TOUR, where every player every week has to earn a paycheck. e idea of guaranteed money drives professional golf closer to the professional team sports where the players have power and leverage. It’s hard to argue this is not in the players’ best interests.

One of the lesser recognized aspects is that amateurs are being o ered substantial monies under the new NIL (name, image, likeness) court ruling that allows money to be made on their name and reputation. Several elite amateurs have accepted LIV guarantees and are competing in LIV events, though they can’t make money in the events. e guarantees that are paid more than o set likely winnings while giving these players valuable experience against some of the world’s best. e thought that the PGA TOUR is the only path forward is now in jeopardy.

What should we expect in the near future? It will be interesting to follow. Will LIV continue to expand as suggested, drawing more and more players away from the TOUR? Will media provide coverage and funding for expansion? Will the events at three days of play engage the audience? is last item may be the key to LIV longevity. If media buy in, you can bet LIV will evolve and expand to meet sponsor and media expectations. e thought that $250 million-plus per year is too steep a mountain to climb simply ignores the resources of LIV’s sponsor group.

Golf fans worldwide now have another subject for debate likely to last more than a few years. I would suggest stockpiling popcorn. e entertainment is just beginning. Look for the next o ering in December: the “LIV and let LIV” opportunity!