The PGA TOUR Needs an All-Star Weekend

It’s time Tim Finchem and the PGA TOUR consider adding an all-star weekend for the fans, golfers, and golfers’ families.

Every major sporting league has a weekend where athletes take the edge off and give the people what they want. The best players in the world put on a show for the fans in different skills competitions and exhibition games.

For whatever reason, the PGA TOUR doesn’t really have an all-star weekend and that’s something that needs to change.

The Franklin Templeton Shootout is going on this weekend and it’s pretty much the closest thing the TOUR has to such a thing. Formats include a scramble, a shamble (modified alternate shot), and best ball competition.

Now this is a good attempt, but there’s still a lot more to be done. Luckily for the commish Tim Finchem, I’m here to give him some free consulting on the situation.

More from Pro Golf Now

• Golf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning deal
• Fantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player Selections
• Brutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024
• Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at Concession
• Fantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament

First you much church up the name. Rather than something like the Franklin Templeton Shootout, use your image and the help of FedEx. Call it the PGA TOUR FedEx All-Star Weekend. Make it something people look forward to each season.

The format is close with the Shark Shootout, but there’s still plenty missing that could really enhance the whole experience.

NBA has the Slam Dunk Competition, MLB has the Home Run Derby, and the TOUR needs the Trick Shot Competition.

With the help of social media, there are plenty of golfers who have made a name for themselves because of their trick shot skills. Anywhere you look on Instagram or Twitter, people are posting impressive acts of greatness using a golf ball and golf club. Pros have their own tricks up their sleeves.

The weekend layout would look something like this:

• Friday – Rookies and Sophomores Scramble
• Saturday – Long Drive and Trick Shot/Skills Competition
• Sunday- PGA TOUR Stars Scramble

The top rookies and sophomores would play in their own scramble to kick of the weekend. Long Drive Competition is based on the top golfers in driving distance, while the Trick Shot Competition and PGA TOUR stars are made based on player vote throughout the season.

More from PGA

• Tiger May Play 2024 Genesis and The Players in New Schedule
• Which Cindefella Will Get His Glass Golf Spikes This Week?
• “Love Weather” Dominates at RSM Classic: Rain and Wind and Golf
• Camilo Villegas’ Second Chance on PGA Tour Blossoming
• Davis Love III, Zach Johnson Reflect on What They Learned as Ryder Cup Captains

You’ll notice it’s only a three-day weekend because that’s all it really needs to be. It’s an opportunity for the players to invite their families with them for a weekend of fun since they rarely get to see them throughout the year.

The players really look forward to the Franklin Templeton Shootout every year because it allows them to take the edge off. When the players are more laid back, it’s a more enjoyable experience for the fans. More autographs will be handed out and pictures taken. You can even add some incentive for players to play in it every year by handing out FedEx Cup points for playing.

December is the perfect opportunity for the event. The Fall Swing of the PGA TOUR schedule has just wrapped up and there are unofficial events like the Hero World Challenge and Shark Shootout. Take the players, families, and fans out somewhere warm like Hawaii, Florida, or sunny California. If anything, it’s another excuse for the TOUR to pocket some more cash.

Next: Golf Gifts: Our Holiday Shopping Guide

It’s time the PGA TOUR joins the ranks of the other power sports conferences and add the PGA TOUR All-Star Weekend. Give the people what they want!