Professional Golf in 2010

Looking back at this year in professional golf, can we get some insight into where it might be headed in the next couple of years. 2009 definitely had it’s challenges all around.

The global economic crash affected just about everybody everywhere and golf was no exception. While the U.S. PGA tour held it’s own, the LPGA lost sponsorship and it seems the European PGA has begun to fade along with the Dubai Championship purse.

Golf is expensive compared to a lot of leisure-time activities. I’m no economist, but I have to say it’s going to be a long time before the job market starts to grow and no jobs means no cash for things that aren’t necessities. Under those circumstances I don’t envy the new LPGA commissioner. It’s going to be a tough job to even maintain the status quo. Don’t be surprised to see the tour lose more tournaments.

I don’t think the European PGA is much better off. For better or worse they have to compete with the U.S. PGA and they are losing. They just don’t have the fan/consumer base to compete purse-wise. That means the young pros like Rory McIlroy have to play here if they want to make a name and lots of money for themselves. The solution is to incorporate both tours together, but don’t count on it happening, there are too many big egos involved.

It’s not a bed of roses for the U.S. Tour either. If not for Tiger Woods, viewership would be down and fewer viewers ultimately means shrinking purses. There are so many tournaments for so much money that we fans have become numb. Somehow the Tour has to breathe new life into tournaments and that means doing something other than waiting for ‘The Next Tiger’.

In the past, professional golf seems to have always relied upon individuals to increase the games popularity with the likes of Ouimet, Jones, Hogan, Nelson, Palmer, Nicklaus and Woods. I’m not sure adding one more name to that list will make a difference. A great rivalry like Palmer/Nicklaus or Nicklaus/Player/Trevino/Watson would help but where are the players today who can take on Tiger every tournament.

While Tiger has saved the Tour, he also may be killing it if no one can compete with him on a regular basis. I’ve heard a lot of speculation that 2010 may be Phil’s year, but I’ll have to see it to believe it. If no one does take up the long-term challenge and Tiger rides into the sunset as the undisputed best golfer with more than 18 majors, then what happens?

By then we may be sick of Tiger sinking twisting 18 footers on the 18th green to win and with our savings obliterated and our golf budget gone we may not care. The younger generation probably won’t even recognize a real golf course, the only thing they’ll know is their living room walls and the 8 foot by 6 foot digital display where they play the only golf they know. Could it be that the rules of engagement need some freshening?

Related posts:

1. Journey to Become a Professional Golfer
2. Professional Privacy
3. Beta Blockers in Professional Golf!
4. Pro Golf Takes, But Does It Give Enough?
5. Golf Resolutions for 2010

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