Ryder Cup participant pay, greatest PGA Tour change, Tour-PIF information: Tour Confidential

Verify in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most popular matters within the sport, and be a part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we focus on potential Ryder Cup participant stipends, the largest proposed PGA Tour change, the most recent PGA Tour-PIF developments and extra.

Pending approval by the PGA Tour Coverage Board, large adjustments are coming to the Tour relating to membership, area sizes, tempo of play, Monday qualifiers and extra. You’ll be able to learn in regards to the proposed adjustments right here (and a few burning questions right here), however what’s your tackle probably the most vital improvement, and are you in favor of it?

Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): The largest information must be that the variety of full-status gamers will drop from 125 to 100. In brief, it can make it a bit of extra particular to safe a PGA Tour card and strengthen that core group of members, however on the identical time it’s not like the blokes simply exterior that line gained’t get any begins wherever. Removed from it. I don’t thoughts the cutthroat nature.

Josh Sens, senior author, (@joshsens): That diminished variety of full-timers is unquestionably the one which jumps out first. However slicing again on Monday qualifiers additionally caught my eye. At first blush, it looks as if an unlucky change, since who doesn’t love the Cinderella story of some unknown squeaking right into a event on the final minute and happening to win? Factor is, the file exhibits that tales of that sort virtually by no means occur, that almost all Monday qualifiers wind up lacking the minimize or being non-factors. Backside line: actuality trumps romance. Ultimately, it looks as if a smart change.

Alan Bastable, government editor (@alan_bastable): Yeah, little question the trimming of the full-status quantity is the headliner change; that type of discount goes to be a giant deal to the overwhelming majority of gamers who need to scratch and claw for his or her livelihoods from season to season. By way of a logical change, shrinking area sizes makes a whole lot of sense. Positive, we’ll lose out on a number of Cinderella winners, however getting rounds accomplished earlier than darkish ought to be a precedence. It’s wild that just about three out of each 10 rounds this season spilled into the next day — that’s not good both for gamers or followers. Principally, although, I discovered myself unmoved by these tweaks, none of which can make the Tour “product” considerably extra compelling. The Tour and gamers ought to be laser-focused on learn how to enhance the TV viewing expertise, beginning with sinking a few of that surge in Tour funding into fewer industrial interruptions.

Based on a report from Golfweek, gamers and captains from the 2024 Presidents Cup had been allowed to do what they happy with their $250,000 stipend they obtained for enjoying within the occasion (in earlier years, gamers had been allowed to make use of these sums to donate to charities of their alternative). Golfweek reported subsequent yr’s Ryder Cup stipend may very well be an identical format to the Presidents Cup. This information comes after the latest uproar over a large uptick in Ryder Cup ticket costs. Given all this data, is it time to truly pay the gamers?

Berhow: I’d need to look again at my earlier stance right here, however I’m fairly positive I used to be in opposition to paying gamers and thought it wasn’t an excessive amount of to ask millionaires to signify their nation as soon as each couple of years. However one thing in regards to the elevated Ryder Cup ticket costs at a spot (Bethpage) that’s lengthy been praised for and pleased with its accessibility and affordability has irked me. Pay the gamers.

Sens: In my superb world, the PGA of America would use the proceeds to cowl simply the prices of operating the occasion and provides all the opposite earnings to charity. And the rosters could be restricted to (already very wealthy) gamers who’re keen to play for pleasure and nation. However I do know that’s not how capitalism works.

Bastable: Gamers taking part in for nothing may need made sense within the early days of the Ryder Cup when groups crossed the Atlantic not by aircraft however by boat, however the occasions they’re a-changin’. The occasion is now arguably the sport’s second greatest spectacle behind the Masters, and a monetary windfall — to the tune of tens of tens of millions of {dollars} — for its organizing our bodies. If getting paid (even on precept) is vital to the gamers, then maybe it’s time to chop them a test. Take a look at the Olympics, the place a minimum of seven nations pay out its gold medalists six-figure bonuses. Right here’s an thought: Ryder Cup groups might pay out their gamers on efficiency. Say, $50,000 for each level gained. Make ’em earn it.   

Amid golf’s continued divide, there was one other reported assembly final week between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan. How vital is that this information within the curiosity of a deal being accomplished? Somewhat? Or so much?

Berhow: I’m tired of this. They’ve jets and might meet at any time when they need.

Sens: Phrase is that they had been simply buying and selling casserole recipes. I learn that on social media, so it should be true. Come to think about it, possibly they need to strive sharing a potluck meal. None of those different conferences appear to be main wherever

Bastable: Proper. I believe we’re all at or nicely previous the purpose at which solely an official announcement in regards to the PGA Tour and PIF’s path ahead collectively will get our consideration. Followers are pissed off, jaded, disenchanted. Even when a deal is hammered out and offered, it’s going to take a very long time to re-engage these followers who’ve walked over the previous couple of years. I, for one, stay hopeful, although. There are too many sensible individuals within the room — and the stakes are far too excessive — to screw this up.

The tenth installment of TNT’s The Match gained’t contain any professional golfers, however as an alternative a set of eight actors, comedians and athletes. The Match: Superstars will characteristic Invoice Murray, Mark Wahlberg, Charles Barkley, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Phelps, Nate Bargatze, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Blake Griffin. The occasion takes place on Nov. 21-22 at Breakers West Nation Membership in West Palm Seaside, Fla. Ideas on the brand new format/lineup?

Berhow: I’m going to shock myself right here and say I’m mildly on this (a minimum of greater than different lineups). My gripe about The Match has at all times been that it’s tough for many of those golf stars to flick on that swap and turn into entertaining between the golf photographs, which is essential to good tv. However having some comedians (Murray, Bargatze) and characters (Sir Charles) and the inevitable squirrely photographs from amateurs means there is perhaps some enjoyable unpredictability to this.

Sens: Invoice Murray is nice. Charles Barkley could be humorous. However the entire thing sounds painfully contrived to me. Now, when you obtained them altogether and let Nikki Glaser roast them on Comedy Central, I’d watch that.

Bastable: I’ve at all times felt A-list professionals carry a way of gravitas to The Match. To not point out stress. Bear in mind when Tom Brady regarded like a 25-handicapper within the 2020 version with Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods? That was nice theater! You get the sense he wouldn’t have struggled so mightily with Blake Griffin and Nate Bargatze in tow as an alternative. This subsequent Match simply appears like a watered-down model of the American Century.

Pleased Halloween (a number of days late)! What’s your favourite golfy Halloween costume you’ve stumbled upon over time?

Berhow: I’ve at all times been a fan of the healthful Masters caddie uniform, however considered one of my social feeds lately confirmed a bunch of a few dozen guys — a participant, a caddie and followers within the gallery — stroll by neighborhoods hitting photographs like they had been taking part in Augusta. Love the dedication.

Sens: I really performed a post-work twilight spherical on Halloween this yr. I put a whole lot of work into the costume and confirmed up dressed like a golfer, nevertheless it was no use. The get-up fooled nobody.

Bastable: I’m nonetheless ready for somebody to determine learn how to costume up because the scariest factor in golf: aerated greens.