We all know Tiger is skipping Torrey Pines for Abu Dhabi and money is clearly the issue. The Abu Dhabi folks are paying Tiger somewhere north of $2 million to appear according to reports. ESPN's Michael Collins says it's time for the PGA Tour to follow the European Tour in paying appearance fees.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7493698
I think this makes no sense financially. The tour is struggling to keep sponsors and appearance fees would make that financial struggle even worse. What do you guys think?
IMO there are plenty of talented players on the PGA Tour that they wouldn't need to pay appearance fees. Many of the young kids would gladly take players spots here in the states. The foreign interests have to spend alot of scratch to entice the top players to their events that the PGA tour doesn't.
OUTIGER: IMO there are plenty of talented players on the PGA Tour that they wouldn't need to pay appearance fees. Many of the young kids would gladly take players spots here in the states. The foreign interests have to spend alot of scratch to entice the top players to their events that the PGA tour doesn't.
That's what I was thinking, too. If we need to pay you to play a tournament to win more money, maybe a more deserving golfer should get the spot. We've got a lot of talent out there.
I agree. Let the Tiger Woods' of the world take the money and run elsewhere. I like what we have here with the Tour and the integrity with not paying players to show up. It will allow the young guns which could bring more intense, close, and entertaining golfing action to our television sets. Guys like Tiger will obviously still play here. There is too much American money to be made off the course for those to stay overseas.
I hope the PGA Tour doesn't do appearance fees. It will take a lot out of the game.
Jerry McGuire says, "SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!" I wish I could get appearance fees....other than my biweekly paycheck.
I agree that if they want the big names they can offer the mmolah, but as a general rule, I don't think that it would enhance the game any and would be burden on the sponsors.
The appearance fee really only effects a handful of players. Sometimes players forget where they came from.
OUTIGER:IMO there are plenty of talented players on the PGA Tour that they wouldn't need to pay appearance fees. Many of the young kids would gladly take players spots here in the states. The foreign interests have to spend alot of scratch to entice the top players to their events that the PGA tour doesn't.
I don't think appearance fees are really warranted on the PGA Tour. I think (although I haven't looked it up) the purses are higher over here, and the fields tend to be deeper (not always, but as a general rule). The European Tour, while it does have some excellent golfers, doesn't have quite as deep a field USUALLY, and in order to attract more big names needs to give appearance fees. I just don't see that happening on the PGA Tour.
Hmm,
I think that the PGA should only pay winners, but I guess there could be some exceptions for the smaller events. Seems kind of weird to pay someone for the chance to pay the more money as a winner.
To a tournment organization it's important to have big names on the entry list and can become hostage of this situation. However, players' sponsors should have something to say on all of this.
GOOD LORD, THE MONEY IS ALREADY REDICULOUS.
I CAN SEE THE TOP 100 RANKINGS WITH A PRICE TAG NEXT TO EACH PLAYER OF A MIL TO NO.1 DOWN TO 50,000 FOR NO.100 TO SHOW UP.
WHO PAYS FOR THAT????????
ONE GUESS.--IF THE SPONSER WE EITHER START LOSING THEM OR HE RAISES HIS PRICES FOR HIS COMMODITY,,,,,,,,,,,,OR. THE FANS.
PLEASE,,,,,,,,,,,,NO.
Paid appearances no way.....Will take way from the game, drain the sponsors and hold back the up and coming players...Tiger playing in Abu Dhabi is all about money and an attempt at being unique once again....Hey if they paid me I'd fly to Abu Dhabi to play !