The Health of the Champions Tour
I had a chance to watch the final round of the Champions Tour event this weekend, and it was definitely a thriller with Brad Bryant hitting three consecutive long-iron shots over the closing three holes to win. It got me thinking that I wonder what the overall health is for the Champtions Tour. I used to watch it regularly on the weekends, especially when Hale Irwin was in the top 10 consistently. Then Peter Jacobsen came along and gave the tour a boost, but since he’s been hurt, I have to believe TV ratings have been down. I personally don’t watch near as much as I used to, as I’m more apt to look for the LPGA events, or even the Nationwide events. In fact, on a side note, I wouldn’t mind seeing a few select Futures Tour events as well, as I think the Golf Channel could spread the wealth a little on what they broadcast.
Does the Champions Tour have long-term staying power? You’d certainly think so, but the new generation of 50-year-olds coming up are more financially secure than their predecessors and they really don’t need to be out there every week bringing home a paycheck. And as the regular tour purses continue to rise, there will be even less of a reason to continue to play competitively past 50 years old. Greg Norman is 50 now, but has little to no interest in playing on the Champions Tour, primarily because he makes more money from his other business ventures. And Norman has to feel that he’s substantially better than 50 percent of the field at any given event. Which leads to, what about the competition?
Save for the well-known PGA Tour carry-overs, how competitive is the rest of the field at a Champions Tour event? I looked at the final leaderboard after Sunday’s event, and roughly, 30% of the field was over par (the winning score was 17-under). Is that good or bad? I suppose it depends on what percentage of that number is comprised of Super Seniors (those 60 and over). Does the gallery want to follow someone that’s shooting 82?
And what about TV ratings? I’m glad that the Champions Tour has finally found a home on the Golf Channel but I have to believe that a player of Hale Irwin’s caliber needs to step up and create some excitement, consistently. Loren Roberts had a fantastic run at the beginning of the year, but he’s cooled off somewhat. Factor in the competitiveness of the LPGA tour now, and it could be a tough road for the Champions Tour.
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2 opinions for The Health of the Champions Tour
Bob
Aug 3, 2006 at 9:49 am
Regarding article on Health of the Champion’s Tour.
From one who has qualified for a couple of events (US Open) in 2002 and 2004, in what is becoming a “closed shop” membership of aging former PGA Tour stars, you raise a good question regarding quality of competition with 30% or more finishing over par.
My contention is there is not enough good competitors to push the top players to better performance. You do have a large contingent of 60 plus folks who are clearly not competitive anymore.
And as long as they keep their “closed shop” attitude toward allowing new talent from outside the PGA Tour a fair chance at competing, I think you will see a continued decline in both fan interest and sponsor interest in Champion’s Tour events in the future.
Each year they lose a tournament sponsor or two from the year before and that certainly is not a healthy sign.
But to blame Hale Irwin is not fair. He is not responsible for player membership policies. That responsibility lies with the Champions Tour members. They vote policy every year and set their own rules for membership and status.
directtv
Mar 19, 2007 at 3:50 am
good blog.
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