Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SuperTiger18
Think market expansion for a second here...Tiger could continue to play in the WGC events held in the U.S. every year and the market opportunities for the companies which he endorses would remain relatively unchanged. Now image the opportunity for spreading the Accenture, Tag Hauer, Nike, Buick, AMEX message by changing the audience to a different part of the globe several times a year. In that sense you can bet that Tiger would rather play halfway around the world.
Second...I think Tiger enjoys seeing the world and trying the game on different continents. He enjoys new experiences and new cultures and if he can tie those trips to business its all the better. As for the appearance fees...when was the last time Tiger played in a PGA Tour event where the winners share was $400K? Is there even an event on tour like that anymore? Realize that it costs far less to operate a Gulfstream V from Orlando to Boston or San Diego than it does from Orlando or San Diego to Dubai. Without the appearance fees Tiger likely loses money IF he doesn't walk away from Dubai with a win.
In order for events like Dubai to attract the top talent they offer huge sums of money to get them there. Would you rather play in your own backyard and have no assurance of how much you are going to make for the week or travel halfway around the globe for a garauntee of $3M? Seems like a no brainer. I think Tiger will play the WGC events overseas without the huge appearance fees because the events will still have major sponsorship that provides him with the opportunity to walk away with $1M or more.
|
Tiger would play the WGC events no matter where they play them but he's barking up the wrong tree for blaming the PGA Tour for holding them in America. The PGA Tour's job is to do what's best for the PGA Tour and it's members. It's not to promote golf in other parts of the world. That, to me, is the heart of the matter. In a perfect world, every golf fan worldwide would have the opportunity to attend WGC event on a rotating basis. That's never going to happen because the PGA Tour isn't willing to give up what it's worked for and I don't blame them.
If other countries, or other Tours, want a piece of the pie then they've got to do what it takes to get it and just stop whining about how unfair the big bad bully known as the PGA tour is. Players like Els and Campbell are full of good intentions until it comes time to really step up and do something other than talk.