Spuzz Technically, yes, but in reality, that concept disappeared ages ago, when the big name sponsors started paying big money. The players are rich as long as the sponsors pay for outside the ropes commitments.
Fowler has done jack shit his entire career and he could live off what he has now, and then some, from Puma alone.

I think that you're selling Fowler short - yes, his recent play has been disappointing, but he has some significant achievements as a professional golfer, from earning his tour card through Q-school, to winning 5 events on the PGA Tour (and 2 more on the European Tour), representing the US on multiple Ryder and Presidents Cup teams, contending at several majors. He's been very successful at bringing money in through sponsorship (and probably more successful in that area than on the golf course), but he's made a pretty good living from his achievements on the golf course too.

(Info taken from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickie_Fowler)

Most players have to earn the right to continue to play on Tour each year, but successful players end up earning significant exemptions, to the point where someone like Fowler whose level of play has dropped off will still have full playing rights for several years - any Tour win gives a 2-year exemption (or longer for multiple wins or victories in the most important tournaments), there are additional exemptions for players in the top 25 and top 50 of the career money list - and other ways to be able to play in events in addition to this (injury exemptions, sponsor invites, etc.) To give an extreme example, if Tiger Woods had been so significantly affected by his injuries after winning the US Open in 2008 that he was incapable of making a cut, he would have been fully exempt on the PGA Tour through the 2015 season (5 years for the US Open win, 2 additional years from his position on the career earnings list).

      From the LIV Facebook page....

      McIlroy reportedly signed to Nike for £80m per year, hasn’t won a major since. So he gets paid, regardless of performance. Tiger’s sponsorship outstrips everyone, yet performances are obviously never again going to warrant said income. Both eulogise about the competitive nature of the PGA, easy from an ivory tower. Players offered life changing sums to trade thier wares, should and will accept the payment, it’s just a form of sponsorship.

        MartinD I think that you're selling Fowler short - yes, his recent play has been disappointing

        That was my partly my point. Jack shit=No majors= not worthy of big sponsor money for on the course results.
        With ZERO majors to keep his reputation alive and missing cuts more often than not, he is still making lots of money, due to his "marketability". If he was Matt Kuchar (double the wins) he would have had it cut off by now.
        Being "eligible" to play means jack shit if you miss the cut more than you play the weekend.

            Spuzz It would be interesting to know the details of the LIV contracts. Obviously they're not going to give Phil $200 million and he can retire next year. Does he have to play 3 years? 5? 10? Does he have to give money back if he quits early? Enquiring minds want to know

              sdandrea1 Golf is getting watered down from it's roots.

              Speaking of watered down, how will the PGA "sprinkle" these new events into their schedule?
              Does this mean other events that "unfortunately" fall before or after them, now get less of the big names in their fields?
              What's the fall out from that?
              Does the PGA "re-do" the event commitments of the big names to force them to play more often?
              On the surface, these new events look like this would deter ship jumpers, but, if it "forces" players to play more often then what? LIV would still look more inviting.

                Spuzz That was my partly my point. Jack shit=No majors= not worthy of big sponsor money for on the course results.

                I think that we'll have to agree to disagree on this one - a player who has won multiple times, finished in the top 10 on the money list three times, contended in all of the majors several times and has made more than $40m in tournament earnings alone has done quite a bit more than 'jack shit' in my eyes. Ask any young player currently playing college golf or on the Korn Ferry Tour about what they hope to achieve as a golfer, and I suspect that pretty much all of them would be very happy to have the career that Rickie Fowler has had.

                    Par4QC - I remember observing some planning for an organization many years ago and there was a concern about the big bank balance earmarked for their reserves. They were able to show blue prints or an artist's rendition for a new headquarters building under discussion.That passed muster.

                      MartinD Ask any young player currently playing college golf or on the Korn Ferry Tour about what they hope to achieve as a golfer, and I suspect that pretty much all of them would be very happy to have the career that Rickie Fowler has had.

                      Perhaps. But would they want what he is going through now? Rickie is done, imo. Almost a mental case. Changed the swing, when everything as going well, and now, after 2 seasons, cannot find his way around any course. He will never get that back, sorry. How many of those kids are looking at that part of their future? Famous for a few years, a has-been for several? And just how long will Rickie continue to 'hang around'? If that is what they are looking at, and wanting, then it IS just about the money only.
                      If they are just going to be in it for a few years, and want max payout, they will go LIV, if given the offer. And they should.
                      Rickie needs an offer. Now.

                          johnnydoom That was from 11 days ago, so they must not have been offered more than $1.98 per event. In present forms, all they are worth. 🤨

                            I have to assume everyone that is going is either getting some guaranteed "signing bonus" or is about to lose their tour card anyway.

                            raggmann54 They still play Pro Baseball??? In Pittsburgh we wouldn't know???

                            PA-PLAYA I can relate. Although the Phillies are starting to turn the corner.

                            The letdown is sure to come however.

                            You guys are funny, I'm a Tiger fan. Well, at least I live near Detroit

                                https://www.golfchannel.com/news/jay-monahan-addresses-pga-tour-changes-and-liv-threat-i-am-not-naive

                                Jay Monahan addresses PGA Tour changes and LIV threat: 'I am not naive'

                                “I am not naive. If this is an arms race and if the only weapons here are dollar bills, the PGA Tour can't compete,” Monahan said. “The PGA Tour, an American institution, can't compete with a foreign monarchy that is spending billions of dollars in attempt to buy the game of golf."

                                “We welcome good, healthy competition. The LIV Saudi golf league is not that. It's an irrational threat; one not concerned with the return on investment or true growth of the game.”

                                Monahan also framed the current narrative as a challenge to the established meritocracy of the Tour and a moral choice that’s complicated by the geopolitics of the Saudi-backed LIV series.

                                On the PGA Tour, our members compete for the opportunity to add their names to history books, and, yes, significant financial benefits, without having to wrestle with any sort of moral ambiguity,” he said. “Pure competition creates relevancy and context, which is what fans need and expect in order to invest their time in a sport and in a player.

                                Specifically, the commissioner outlined the plan to dramatically increase purses at eight events – Sentry Tournament of Champions ($15 million), Genesis Invitational ($20 million), Arnold Palmer Invitational ($20 million), Players Championship ($25 million), Dell Technologies WGC-Match Play, Memorial ($20 million), FedEx St. Jude Championship ($20 million) and BMW Championship ($20 million) – and create a three-event international series in the fall for the game’s top players beginning in 2024.

                                The purse increases starting in 2023 total $54 million, and Monahan was asked where those funds came from.

                                One of the things that we've heard over the last several months from our sponsors is, please tell us what we can do to help. And so the changes that we're making is coming from a combination of sponsor contribution and our reserves.

                                Monahan was also asked about the changes to the playoff structure and how players earn exempt status. The playoffs will now begin with the top 70 from the regular-season points list, down from the top 125, with the existing fall events deciding the final exempt list for the next season.

                                To say that everybody supports this would be an exaggeration, but it's the right move for the business and ultimately it's the right move for our players and fans, and that's something I look forward to proving in the years ahead,” Monahan said when asked the level of support for the changes to the exempt process."

                                  Sneakylong with the existing fall events deciding the final exempt list for the next season.

                                  And will the top 70 be barred from these events, in order that others have a solid chance to improve positions, like the Korn Ferry Tour does it?

                                  Sneakylong without having to wrestle with any sort of moral ambiguity

                                  Yet, most are signed with companies they really could give a shit about. They came straight from the collegiate circuit, with good records, and money was thrown at them. Did any of them step back and check into the companies before signing? Or was ...'here is $40M/yr. for the next 3 yrs.' good enough for them to grab the pens? I'll say....it was the latter. Morals be/were damned. Same as the LIV signers. People are people, and money always yells, it never talks. Esp. to the young, and the old. 😉😁

                                  I'm not saying either side is right or wrong, but 1 side is really spreading far too much BS around, and it's a helluva bad look for them. Just shut up, do your thing. You look almost stupid with some of the things I'm reading. Almost embarrassing, personally.

                                        sdandrea1 The PGA Tour protesteth too much-eth......or some shit like that.

                                        It's better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt...or some shit like that.

                                          Par4QC

                                          That's the first time I've heard him say that the PGA Tour can't compete money wise. It's obvious, but he acknowledged it publicly. I think he's being proactive to the threat.

                                          We've hashed over to death all the geopolitical / morality stuff. Now it's just a chess game with one side having the upper hand money wise and the other having the better competition model / prestige / legacy etc..

                                          As long as LIV remains mostly a high paid exhibition tour, then the PGA Tour's model will continue to have the upper hand. That could all change down the road, but for now I think Monahan is doing just what he needs to do in reacting to the threat.

                                              Sneakylong That could all change down the road, but for now I think Monahan is doing just what he needs to do in reacting to the threat.

                                              Except talking........I think the high road in this situation would be to just press on and operate the Tour. Defending it makes him look threatened. IMO.

                                                  Sneakylong a high paid exhibition tour,

                                                  And nothing wrong, if that is what it actually turns out to be. To think about it, it's needed. A 'between' so to speak, PGA Tour and Champions Tour. They still got game, but c'mon, anyone that thinks someone like Phil is more than just a name, does not watch golf. He's got name, not a lot of game. Not 4 rounds, maybe not even 3. A lot of the others, the same way. Haven't had 4 rounds in them for years. Yet, too young to quit, or for Champions Tour. This is their chance to keep going.
                                                  The PGA should embrace this thing, not fight it. Guys are not going to jump back/forth, except for the big tourneys/Majors, on the PGA Tour. Look at the money they could have kept 'in reserves', 🤣.

                                                  Oh, I forgot about the 'morals' though. 🤔

                                                      sdandrea1

                                                      I wouldn't shy away from talking about how the PGA Tour's model is superior to LIV's. I think any business faced with an existential threat with bottomless billions to spend, you have to hype your advantages.

                                                      LIV isn't the USFL or World Hockey Assn. or a Saudi prince owning a Kentucky Derby winner. Again, the PGA Tour as of now has the upper hand. But if LIV is here to stay then they can afford to make mistakes and keep on going.

                                                      Because if it ever comes to be just about money, then LIV can crush the PGA Tour.

                                                        Par4QC To think about it, it's needed.

                                                        Looks to me like the PGA has adopted a government type solution.
                                                        Throw money at it, with no thought behind it.

                                                        Looking at the events, it seems what they have done, for the most part, is increase purses at events that are limited to the Top Tier players on the tour. At this rate, maybe all the journeymen grinder players will want to jump to the LIV and leave the PGA with the 15 or less events these top guys play now. Then which tour is the exhibition?
                                                        😉

                                                            Spuzz Yeah, did not understand the reasoning to the 70 limit. But, if I read it correctly, they are supposed to come out with 8 more 'lesser' tournaments that run the same days as the $20M tourneys. Only problem with that is they will only be getting about $1M(maybe less) for wins, and very little down the line. In reality, only a small handful of those lower than 70 are going to make any advancement upward. There will be even more falling back to the Korn Ferry than ever before. Plus, even with a win, their rankings will go hardly anywhere. Not a good plan.

                                                              Suddenly, the American PGA Tour now finds itself dealing with an issue that the European PGA Tour has been dealing with for years, BECAUSE of the American PGA Tour.


                                                              So has the LIV Tour succeeded in generating the Pay equity PM was trying to leverage for the PGA Tour players? Government approach or not, did it work, albeit, for only the top 50 players? If so…

                                                              Giphy - Nathan Fillion The Rookie Abc GIF by ABC Network

                                                                https://m.independent.ie/sport/golf/distraught-padraig-harrington-fears-for-dp-tour-future-as-rory-mcilroy-calls-for-closer-partnership-with-pga-41780563.html

                                                                Interesting comments by Paddy Harrington regarding his concern about the DP World Tour. And Rory commenting on the "duplictious" behavior of the ones who have taken the Saudi cash. And how he'd like to see an even closer alliance with the DP World Tour.

                                                                "Pádraig Harrington admits he’s massively worried about the future of the DP World Tour as events are set to endure a serious world ranking downgrade next month.

                                                                It's devastating, and it's not getting talked about with all that's going on, Harrington said of the new system which will see European events received far few world ranking points.

                                                                Really I'm distraught about it. For the young guys coming up I just don't see the pathway anymore to get into the top 100, which is what you've got to do."

                                                                "Speaking ahead of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, McIlroy said he has been surprised by the "duplicitous" behaviour of some of the golfers who have taken the Saudi cash.

                                                                Am I surprised? Yes, because of what he said previously,” he said of Koepka. I think that's why I'm surprised at a lot of these guys because they say one thing and then they do another, and I don't understand that and I don't know if that's for legal reasons or if they can't - I have no idea.

                                                                But it's pretty duplicitous on their part to say one thing and then do another thing…the whole way through, in public and private, all of it.”

                                                                As for the Strategic Alliance between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, McIlroy wants to see even more co-operation in the face of the LIV Golf threat.

                                                                I've always advocated for something where the tours work more closely together or we create some sort of world tour model or ATP model,” he said. Where there's different events going on in different areas of the world, but they're all governed under one umbrella.

                                                                I would like to see the PGA Tour and the European Tour start to work more closely together and maybe try to forge a path to where all the biggest golf events in the world are under the same umbrella”

                                                                  Sneakylong While not necessarily an excuse, the duplicitous behavior is pretty easily understood by most that don't work in an environment like the top level of the PGA tour. It is generally for negotiating purposes. When asked whether or not you'd be interested in going to work for someone else, the best reply is generally going to be something along the lines of "I'm very content with what I'm doing now". That lets the other party know that they will need to provide a very high incentive if they wish to lure you away from your current employer.

                                                                  Most people don't have to negotiate in public, but for high profile sports figures almost everything is public and the PGA Tour made it more so by trying to pre-emptively and publicly shame players to discourage defections. The PGA Tour (and Rory) is almost certainly engaging in the same duplicity as their purpose is to retain as many high profile players as they can to keep the sponsorship and fan based money coming in, not for some high-minded geo-political cause. The sponsors they accept money from aren't refusing to do business in Saudi Arabia,

                                                                      toraider So has the LIV Tour succeeded in generating the Pay equity PM was trying to leverage for the PGA Tour players?

                                                                      Partially, imo.
                                                                      One of the beefs was guaranteed money for the lesser knowns.
                                                                      This money approach looks like the exact opposite solution.

                                                                        raggmann54 DJ is probably getting lots of advice from his not "so dumb as a rock" father-in-law, Wayne Gretzky, about his future in golf and money making abilities.

                                                                        Of course he is.
                                                                        He made more in endorsements that salary (50-46 mil) and his net worth approx 250+ mil now. (google search)
                                                                        Not bad.