The prevailing feeling when it comes to men’s professional golf is increasingly one of apathy. The players don’t know what’s going on – and, in the case of Adam Scott, are desperate for a resolution one way or another – and both qualitative and quantitative data points to a decline in interest among fans. Are things terminal? Not yet, no, but it’s clear to everyone that ongoing fragmentation is doing neither side any favours.
While most, including executives on both sides, realise some form of olive branch waving is required – indeed, we’re told negotiations between PGA Tour Enterprises (Jay Monahan) and Saudi Arabia’s PIF (Yasir Al-Rumayyan) are ongoing and ‘constructive’ – the path to reconciliation and a mutually beneficial solution is littered with obstacles.
