Special Exemption for TW's

[jolter1]

Tiger's lifetime exemptions are into the regular tour events along with his Masters, PGA Championship, and Open Championship but originally not for the signature events. They were originally created for the so called meritocracy that the Tour loudly proclaims. As someone mentioned that he would probably not use all of these exemptions, that is debatable as he continuously insists how much better he is feeling and wants to play more. I can understand the Tour wanting to grab all the money and PR they can obtain from Tiger's appearance but pandering is not the way to go especially if the goal is to gain leverage over PIF.

[SteddyGolf]

I don't have an issue.  As LIV continues to capture a percentage of the market share the PGA needs to be calculated and strategic in how they go about their business.  Tiger is irrelevant but also relevant at the same time.  He pulls people in because "hope floats".  While I know everyone wants to see him in the final group on Sunday afternoons the reality is he will most likely continue to miss cuts.  Tiger is more personable than ever (humbled by life and poor decisions) and that too is good for golf.  He is now a tremendous ambassador to the sport and the PGA was smart to recognize he does still move the needle.  

[Micah T]

I think a lot of us on here have forgotten that the PGA Tour is an entertainment product that has to be sold. It is in the tours best interest to have the biggest name ever in the sport, and arguably the biggest name in athletics ever, in the field whenever possible. The R&A and USGA’s job is to protect the history/legacy/integrity of the game, not the pga tour. It exists because they posses a sellable product, and like any other business they made a move to protect their brand. I think people forget that outside of the Olympics (and really this is debatable too) sport is an entertainment business, just like music and movies.

[RickyBobby_PR]

2 hours ago, Micah T said:

I think a lot of us on here have forgotten that the PGA Tour is an entertainment product that has to be sold. It is in the tours best interest to have the biggest name ever in the sport, and arguably the biggest name in athletics ever, in the field whenever possible. The R&A and USGA’s job is to protect the history/legacy/integrity of the game, not the pga tour. It exists because they posses a sellable product, and like any other business they made a move to protect their brand. I think people forget that outside of the Olympics (and really this is debatable too) sport is an entertainment business, just like music and movies.

Exactly on many levels. How they setup courses is there to entertain their viewers. They want longer drives and lower scores. Their viewership, sponsors and partners do too. The PGA of America also does. 
 

 

[fixyurdivot]

15 hours ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

Exactly on many levels. How they setup courses is there to entertain their viewers. They want longer drives and lower scores. Their viewership, sponsors and partners do too. The PGA of America also does. 
 

 

If this is fact, we may need to re-think our position on the ball rollback.  Jacked balls would increase the odds of reaching more par 4's off the tee and even get the shortest hitters onto par 5's in two.  Let the quest for 54 begin.

[RickyBobby_PR]

1 hour ago, fixyurdivot said:

If this is fact, we may need to re-think our position on the ball rollback.  Jacked balls would increase the odds of reaching more par 4's off the tee and even get the shortest hitters onto par 5's in two.  Let the quest for 54 begin.

Well they want that with the current equipment which I’m good with.

Fast and firm fairways, non penalizing rough all make for lower scores. Shorter courses benefit the shorter hitters and longer courses penalize them. Strokes gained points this out. The tour has a good mixture of both right now.

Plus they don’t utilize the full length of the courses with tee boxes usually forward most days. I’m good with keeping things where they are at

[That’s Mr. Dirt]

I could understand the lifetime exemption if he were healthy. He is not the Tiger of old and those that come out to these tournaments, hoping to catch a glimpse of that are going to be a bit disappointed. Tiger has been through the grind his entire career and the last few years have been an absolute breaker. So for him to be able to walk is remarkable, but to expect him to play golf on his previous levels is just pure fantasy. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

18 minutes ago, That’s Mr. Dirt said:

I could understand the lifetime exemption if he were healthy. He is not the Tiger of old and those that come out to these tournaments, hoping to catch a glimpse of that are going to be a bit disappointed. Tiger has been through the grind his entire career and the last few years have been an absolute breaker. So for him to be able to walk is remarkable, but to expect him to play golf on his previous levels is just pure fantasy. 

Most people just want to see Tiger and most dont think they are going to get 2000s Tiger. He is still a good golfer and being able to watch an all time great athlete just for the chance to see one or two of those Tiger shots is what people are doing.

It’s like when mj was with the wizards. Nobody expected to see early Jordan. But he still had his moments, but you are getting the chance to just watch an all time great 

[illashiza]

It's a tough balance between honoring Woods' achievements and his current struggles. The ceremonial role at events like the Masters could preserve his legacy without the strain of competitive play.

[cardia10]

It is kind of funny that the PGA bashes the guys playing 54 holes while allowing Tiger to show up for 36. I get that he is a draw, but eventually the circus elephant gets worn out.