A significant portion of the investment that SSG is going to make in the new company PGA Tour Enterprise will be allocated to improving the television production of tournaments. The goal is for it to be seen more, to be seen more easily and to be seen almost on demand. This was stated this Tuesday by Jay Monahan in his meeting with journalists in the run-up to the THE PLAYERS Championship. In this regard, he revealed that in 2025 a new division on the circuit called PGA Tour Studios will be launched, which will be responsible for perfecting the television experience for golf viewers.
The PGA Tour, through Monahan, is clear that this is what fans are asking for. “We have conducted extensive research and what they tell us is simple: they love golf, they are loyal to the PGA TOUR, they are tired of hearing about conflicts, about money and about who gets what. They want to see the best golfers in the world compete in tournaments with history, meaning and legacy in places they recognise and like. They also want to know how we are going to make this sport more entertaining and easier to watch and follow. They want an even more attractive product. It’s about seeing more golf shots, more players, more data, analysis and more information. It’s about providing fast, simple and intuitive technology that allows fans to easily locate their favourite players, participate and enjoy the content”.
In this regard, they are already working on the solution. “When PGA TOUR Studios launches next year, it will help us deliver live golf and other content in a more dynamic way, bringing players and our sport closer. We focus all our energy on offering the most competitive and entertaining TOUR possible. This is my commitment and that of our players. The investment from Strategic Sports Group allows us to invest in new technologies, data, innovative ways of presenting our sport and, ultimately, I believe that yes, we will be in a position to significantly increase our media rights”, the commissioner has stated. Speaking plainly, the broadcasting rights of the PGA Tour are going to be more expensive.
Beyond this good news for fans, who have been demanding it from the PGA Tour for some time, Monahan once again made a staunch defence of meritocracy. “Last year at this time six players who were among the top 20 in the World Ranking won. This year there have been two. Last year there was not a single player among the top 100 who had won. This year there have been four. The average OWGR ranking of a winner last year was 16, while this year it is 67. The positive thing about this is that new players and new stars are emerging. Jason Gore said that the PGA Tour has the ability to generate a new star in just three weeks. So far, 49 different golfers who did not finish among the top 50 last year have played the Signature Events (through the AON Next 10 and the AON Swing 5) and 20 new players are expected to be among the top 50 in the FedEx at the end of the year compared to 2023″.
In the same vein, Monahan insists on the idea that the PGA Tour changes golfers’ lives. “Winning here is an incredible achievement because there are tournaments that have been held for decades, with history, legacy, tradition, a great list of champions, familiarity with fans, on a global scale. That excitement you see on Sunday after a player wins, that excitement you see in the fans, is something that the PGA TOUR has uniquely provided. That’s what we do: we change the lives of players, and no organisation does it better than the PGA TOUR”.
Speaking of meritocracy, he was asked about the possibility of including an exemption category for the THE PLAYERS Championship for winners in the style of the Majors, obviously thinking of Tiger Woods. “All of this we have to discuss with the players, although Tiger will surely be the hardest person to convince, as he has always believed that you have to qualify to play the tournaments”, he explained. And, in the same vein, he threw a dart at Anthony Kim. “I have not personally spoken to him, but other board members have and he was explained what he had to do to return to play the Tour. He has preferred another option and I wish him all the luck”. Meritocracy.
As for the possibility of a global world circuit above the PGA Tour, Monahan leaves the door open. “Over the years we have moved to more international markets (SIC). The co-sanction with the Genesis Scottish Open is a success and there are more opportunities for the future. Balancing this with the realities of our business and our business model is something we discussed at our most recent meeting”. He does not specify, but he does consider it an option.
Finally, he has no intention of stepping aside at this time. “That question should be asked to the players. I can’t generalise about the players, but it’s clear that, given the responsibility that both boards have given me, I have the support of our board and I am the right person to take us forward. I know it. I believe it with all my heart and I am determined to do it”, he concluded.
