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PGA Tour: The Case Against World Golf Championships

By Richie Randolph

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JULY 28: Brooks Koepka reacts to a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind on July 28, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JULY 28: Brooks Koepka reacts to a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the World Golf Championship-FedEx St Jude Invitational at TPC Southwind on July 28, 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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The World Golf Championships (WGC’s) began in 1999.

The World Golf Championships started with the intention, as our Matt Coles said, “to create a large group of tournaments, which would bring golfers from all the major golf tours together on a more regular basis.” However, after 20 years, it is clear these events do not serve this purpose.

There have been 79 World Golf Championships held following the St. Jude FedEx Championship. Despite proclamations that this is designed for ‘the world’, 69% of events have been hosted in America. Even when they leave the United States the events are featured on classic, American-styled golf courses. As James Brown, the Director of Golf at Sheshan Golf Club (which hosts the HSBC Champions) said ‘You feel like you’re not in China.’

Three of the four WGC’s play a standard format, with the Match Play providing the lone exception. Even in that event, the excitement has been diluted as single elimination has been stripped from that event; it now features a ‘Round Robin’ opening which guarantees top players each least three matches.

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Since golf is played in many ways across the globe, the World Golf Championships provide a chance for a unique format; however, it does not stray from the incredibly uninspiring tournament styles played year around. I wrote back in March on why this is terrible for golf fans.

So, if most of these events are in America, are vanilla stroke play formats, and play on similar golf courses, why are they held? The answer is simple:

The WGC’s are simply a cash grab. Brooks Koepka made $1.745 million for slaughtering Rory McIlroy on Sunday in Memphis, which is the highest non-major or Players purse on the Tour. More asinine, the last place finisher – Kevin Tway, who finished 63rd and 33 strokes behind Koepka – made $52,000. Compare that to the British Open, where the 63rd place participant raked in $26,000.

That is a complete joke.

The World Golf Championships go to venues players are familiar with, do not have a cut, and make it as simple as possible for players to put in minimal effort and walk away with at least a five-figure payday. It is not enjoyable for the fans and is golf at its absolute worst; elitist.

These World Golf Championships are invite-only and allow the rich, top 100 players to get richer. While many players battle for their PGA Tour card and struggle to make an average salary, the WGC’s provide an opportunity to make NEARLY THE U.S. MEDIAN INCOME for finishing dead last. What?!

The WGC’s are played at uninspiring private golf courses with no unique appeal or flair. They are boring to watch and lack any buzz or excitement other than convincing top players to show up for an easy paycheck.

Next. Tom Watson – The Greatest American Links Golfer Ever. dark

The World Golf Championships have such unique potential; it is an opportunity to highlight golf around the world, what it means in different cultures and the top players in various regions. What we have, though, is a pathetic, soulless corporate pig fest that only serves the top players and PGA Tour executives and does nothing to improve the game or fan experience.

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