Golf in 2017: Five things that would be cool to see in the new year
More emphasis on the joys of team golf, don’t sleep on it
Golf is an individual sport and I think it should always be this way. Otherwise, we can’t experience amazing battles such as Stenson vs. Mickelson at The Open. There is nothing better than the pressure you feel of having to beat the world by yourself (caddie helps you, but you’re swinging the sticks).
However, I do feel that there should be more emphasis put on team play. As sports fans, we love rooting for teams, and it’s extremely marketable. Sometimes it’s hard to be a huge fan of one individual player.
Music is certainly an exception, as there are millions of fans of solo performers. But music doesn’t have the ‘ra-ra’ nature that sports does and people absolutely adore their teams and the colors associated with them.
Fans feel like they are truly a part of something when they have a team to root for. It can be difficult at times when it’s just individuals.
The only true rooting interest, is the brand that your favorite player represents. That, in some ways is a team, but not the team that you or I are thinking of.
Certainly, seeing your favorite club swinger rocking a Titleist or Bridgestone may make you be a fan of that brand, but that’s simply marketing. The Ryder Cup is an excellent example of why people adore team play.
Seas of American and European fans proudly wear their colors to show love for their respective squads. Very similarly to how somebody may root for their alma-mater during a college football or basketball game.
The Zurich Classic is receiving more attention than it has ever gotten, thanks to it becoming a team event which will start in 2017. It’s remarkable that the event has gotten such a boost in attention, simply because it’s a team event now.
What’s even more amazing is the fact that it will be in April, the same month as the Masters, yet still, the Zurich Classic has golfers and fans excited.
Now fans can have a team to root for. Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson will be teammates in the event, and that alone is a draw. Jason Day and Rickie Fowler also plan on being partners.
Beyond the fun idea that Zurich put out, I would almost consider having a team golf league, but clearly that wouldn’t work for one big reason: Professional golf is flooded with tours, and it would be a bit of a mess to throw a whole other league into the hat of pro golf.
Certainly it would be cool. To have a golf team in places like Chicago, L.A. and New York that fans can grasp onto would be pretty interesting and exciting.
However, since this idea probably wouldn’t work, it would be nice to add another unique team event to the pros. Similar to the Ryder Cup and President’s Cup, but instead of team USA vs team Europe/International, there could be some real team names. It could also be a stableford format, which would be welcoming for those who are used to traditional scoring in sports.
Not sure what the name of the two teams would be, but it would add a fresh new spin to team golf, while bringing those classic elements that you love about team sports. Plus, it’s marketable, and people could be seen rocking one of team logos on their hats or shirts.
As you’re reading this, you’re probably think this sounds ridiculous, but it would be a once a year type of event, so you don’t have to worry about it being shoved down your throat.