The esteemed British author and critic Peter Ackroyd has covered a wide variety of topics in his writing, but has not yet explored the global landscape of golf. However, one of his insightful observations should be displayed at the entrance of the PGA Tour’s headquarters.
“To be insular is to be independent,” he wrote. “But it is also to be alone.”
The PGA Tour has historically embraced a protectionist mindset and approach. Even its partnership with the DP World Tour was established to prevent a potential purchase by Saudi interests. The tightly packed schedule requires members to seek releases to participate in events outside of the PGA Tour’s jurisdiction. Only two weeks this year have been devoid of tour events, both occurring this month. By Thanksgiving, there will only be three dark weeks, demonstrating the schedule’s year-round control over player availability.
However, the insularity of Ponte Vedra Beach has reached its limit.
While the U.S. holds the largest audience for golf, attracting viewers in the Fall remains challenging. The eight scheduled PGA Tour events may offer exciting competition and compelling storylines, but they lack significant impact. Fans are often drawn to football during this season, diverting attention away from golf. Conversely, the other international tours face similar struggles with political divisions and fan apathy. This period presents an opportunity for the PGA Tour to expand its global reach beyond the traditional FedEx Cup season.
A shared vision between the U.S. and European circuits during the fourth quarter could rejuvenate the sport. By coordinating a series of events across diverse markets such as Europe, the Middle East, Korea, Japan, South Africa, and Australia, golf could cultivate a meaningful presence beyond the current fragmented schedule.
The logistical challenges of sponsorship and player participation pose significant hurdles for this ambitious reimagining. Securing media rights outside the U.S. and attracting high-level sponsors remains a daunting task. Additionally, convincing top golfers to travel extensively late in the year presents another obstacle. Despite these challenges, a global expansion could potentially enhance the long-term health of the sport.
While these changes may not be implemented until after 2025, the necessity for evolution within the golf industry is evident. Utilizing the quieter period in the golf calendar to devise innovative strategies can unlock substantial value for the sport globally.
“Sometimes the silences, the gaps, tell us more than anything else,” Ackroyd reflected. The current pause in the schedule should serve as a poignant reminder to golf administrators of the need for meaningful change.
