The Round Table: Is Tiger Woods still the needle mover in pro golf?
Each week, we ask our panel of writers, PGA members and golf industry experts to weigh in with their views on the hot topics of the day.
During the Genesis Invitational, Tiger Woods was asked about the possibility of playing in the Masters this year. He hasn’t played competitively in almost two years and is maybe only 50-50 to play this year. During Tiger’s absence, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have secured status as #1 and 1a in both rankings and popularity. Is Tiger’s time as the top needle-mover over?
Jim Deeks, Fairways Magazine (@jimdeeks): Well yes, I think it has been for some time. But if he does attempt a comeback, and plays in the Masters, then all eyes will be on him more than Scheffler or McIlroy. To be honest, I’d be quite happy to see Tiger just call it a day and graciously accept his role as Golf’s Eminent Elder Statesman. Jack’s too old now, Player is too weird and self-important, Trevino not really up for it, and Watson disliked by too many colleagues. No one would fault Tiger for permanently retiring, and no one would want to see him make a fool of himself with bad or mediocre play on the course.
Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario (@craigloughry): Oh geez. I still think Tiger moves that needle more. People will watch because it’s Tiger. People will also watch for a short term if he can come back, to see if he can be great again. And some will watch wanting to see complete failure and disaster (because there are some rotten people out there).
Michael Schurman, Master Professional / Hall OF Fame Member, PGA of Canada: Tiger will move the needle for the next 15 years as he plays the Champions’ Tour. Tiger’s time on Saturday as the host was one of the best I have ever heard. He was truthful, said what he was ‘allowed’ to say, he was informative, insightful and extremely relevant. In time, I could become a fan.
TJ Rule, Golf Away Tours (@GolfAwayTJ): Not yet. It’s he’s playing the Masters, more eyes will still be on Tiger. That being said, the Scheffler/Rory rivalry could change that this year. If they could compete down the stretch against each other in a couple of events this year – particularly a major or two – that may move the needle more their way. But Tiger is still a main draw, even into his 50s.
Peter Mumford, Fairways Magazine: Tiger’s days as a competitive player are over, either by his choice or his body’s ability. That said, many of us hung onto hope that Nicklaus could still compete long after he couldn’t and the same will be true of Tiger. As good as he is, Scheffler isn’t a needle mover in the same way that Woods, Nicklaus, Ballesteros, Norman and Palmer were. Rory could be the “guy”, but he needs to beat Scheffler regularly. Or we could be waiting for “the next one”. Until it sorts itself out, Tiger is still the needle mover.
Eight members of the DP World Tour have been granted conditional releases to play LIV Golf events this year. It looks like LIV Golf and the DP World Tour are moving closer to some sort of relationship, perhaps even a merger. Since a PGA Tour merger seems all but dead, does this make sense for LIV Golf and the DP World Tour moving forward?
Deeks: It probably makes sense for both Tours, but it has absolutely no interest for me. Who actually follows the LIV Tour anyway?
Loughry: I think this does make some sense. I believe DP players won’t mind playing for some more money (something they’ve griped about for some time), and LIV Players won’t mind some extra optional starts (when the door swings the other way).
Schurman: What makes sense to me is if the PGA Tour, the DP Tour, a stronger Asian Tour and LIV came together into one unit made up of four parts. Once a player qualifies as a ‘tour’ player he could play each of the four tours by choice as long as a priority list was established similar to that used by the PGA TOUR. Perhaps players would have to earn a minimum of points from each tour which would add strength to all four and help grow the game around the world. The FedEx points could still exist providing a fair system was created. The TOUR Championship Play-offs would result in a bona fide World Championship and be broadcast around the world.
Rule: It makes sense for LIV for sure, to ensure their players can get more World Ranking Points. I’m not sure what the advantage is to the DP World Tour, unless they just feel like their product is so watered down the past few years that they could use a Rahm or DeChambeau playing in a few events to generate some interest. Given each of the Tour’s international schedules, it does make sense that they could work together, it will be interesting to see how this year progresses. If guys like Patrick Reed can gain enough points on the DP World Tour to then gain a PGA Tour card, that may not be in the best interest of the LIV C-Suite.
Mumford: I’ve been saying for several years that a strong DP World Tour would be a nice counterbalance to the PGA Tour and perhaps stifle some of the arrogance emanating from Ponte Vedra. The Euros could use the Saudi money and LIV Golf needs more events with world ranking points and an approved format. With improved purses and access to the majors, I can see many Euro stars opting to stay on their home tour.
Last week, we discussed the idea of The Players as the fifth major and several members of the Round Table made the point that as long as the best LIV Golfers were excluded, The Players didn’t have a major worthy field. Should the PGA Tour extend invitations to top LIV golfers the same as the other majors do?
Deeks: No. They turned their back on the Tour; they don’t deserve to have the door re-open.
Loughry: Extending an invitation to LIV Players would certainly improve the quality of the Players field, but that would completely change the requirements they’ve tried to adhere to and create for their “members”. It would also go completely against the grain of them trying to squeeze out LIV Golf entirely. Should they do it? Yes, I think if they want it to be the 5th Major, your starting point should be the quality of the field. Can they do it? Yes, they can. Will they do it? I can say with great certainty, no they will not.
Rule: It’s hard for them to do that at this time, isn’t it? Given the friction between the two tours, I don’t see how that is possible. So no, I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Mumford: Brian Rolapp isn’t Jay Monahan and doesn’t have the same baggage that encumbered the former commissioner. If Rolapp and those advising him think it elevates The Players, I can see it happening. However, there aren’t too many players left on LIV that improve the field.
