ode garyt1957 of course they can.....the PGA rarely has to because the players rarely present them with a situation that warrants suspension. They police themselves....that's what happened here. Speaks to how great PGA/pro golf is IMO. When DJ went away for a time he did so with very little scrutiny/coverage. Speaks to their integrity. You better believe if the PGA had no way to suspend him, they would move quickly to put something on the books to deal with this in the future.
lol, that's one explanation🤪 ... Or the PGA could be the proverbial ogre under the only bridge to the money castle, and anyone wishing to get there has to do, say, sign-off on whatever the ogre wants, else miss out. Doesn't make the ogre great or speak of integrity on either side. Nor might an unchallenged ability to "move quickly to put something on the books to deal with this in the future" equate to anything more than bullying.
I don't believe Phil was 100% accurate in what he said about the PGA ... but I also don't think he was 100% wrong either. IMO, the PGA's image has been polished, especially in regard to their charitable giving, far in excess of reality. Listen to the broadcasts carefully. Differentiate between "contributions from the PGA" versus "contributions from PGA tour events". The local non-profits that put on the tournaments contribute the lion's share of the amounts they will state ... maybe 75%? The PGA's Form 990's show annual giving of about 3%. Granted, still a lot of money, but nowhere near the amount I thought they were giving (maybe that's just on me?).
I just don't believe they are above reproach. Their latest strong-arm tactics further enforce that belief. When presented with the possible threat of another League ... they countered with a minuscule carrot (PIP program) and a giant stick (threat of lifetime ban). For the good of the game, not self-interest, I'm sure. 😜
