Golf Industry Week in Review: From One Club Launches to TGL Takeoff
Dive into exclusive ticketing partnerships, equipment releases, a potential merger's lessons, and DeChambeau's rollback experiment.
Good morning, GBR Comunity!!!!
Welcome to our concise 10-minute digest of Golf Industry Highlights. This is your one-stop source for last week’s happenings in the golf industry. Stay with us till the end to enrich your knowledge with the latest insights:
One Club Launch: Riding high on the financial success of last year’s Open Championship at Hoylake, the R&A has announced the launch of its new One Club.
Exclusive Ticketing Services: Tixr partners with Golf Events to provide exclusive ticketing services.
LPGA Prize Money Surpasses $120 Million: JM Eagle elevates LA Championship purse to $3.75 million.
UGolf Expands Into Germany.
Roll-Back Golf Ball Experiment: DeChambeau tries out the roll-back golf ball.
Bettinardi introduces the MB24 and CB24 irons, while Wilson unveils the 2024 Infinite Putters.
Tech-Infused Golf League: TGL’s gears up for a prime-time debut on ESPN.
PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger: Lessons we should have learned from sports history.
Stay informed, tee off, and enjoy the game! ⛳🏌️♂️
R&A Launches Revamped One Club
Riding high on the financial success of last year’s Open Championship at Hoylake, the R&A has announced the launch of its new One Club.
Available for anybody to join and free of charge, the updated One Club offers even more for any lover of golf’s oldest major championship.
It’s important because it demonstrates the R&A’s commitment to using all forms of media to bring golfers more insight into the Open.
The new One Club will offer:
Exclusive live content of The Open and AIG Women’s Open Championships.
Relive some classic moments in the history of both championships through the One Club’s extensive library.
Tailored lifestyle content from social media stars - Rick Shiels and Tisha Alyn.
Extensive coaching content from world-renowned coaches such as Phil Kenyon, Dr Bob Rotella, and Hannah Davies.
Exclusive competitions and ticketing opportunities only available to One Club members.
Mastercard will continue its ongoing partnership with the One Club with further exclusive offers that will only be available to One Club members.
Tixr Partners with Golf Events for Exclusive Ticketing Services
In a significant move, Tixr, the emerging primary ticketing and event commerce marketplace, has solidified exclusive partnerships with several prestigious golf events. These collaborations underscore Tixr’s commitment to enhancing the golfing experience for fans and players alike.
The Aramco Team Series, organized by Performance 54, is a four-year-old series of five women’s golf events played across three continents. With an impressive $5 million purse, this series continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Next up is the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, hosted by Riyadh Golf Club and part of the Ladies European Tour. Sporting another $5 million purse, this event promises fierce competition and showcases the talent of women golfers on an international stage.
Meanwhile, the Sanford International, operated by Pro Links Sports, celebrates its sixth year as a PGA Tour Champions event in South Dakota. With a $2 million purse, it attracts seasoned golfers and enthusiastic spectators alike.
Lastly, the Veritex Bank Championship, managed by Sportfive, takes place in Arlington, Texas, as part of the Korn Ferry Tour. This event provides a platform for rising stars in the golfing world to shine.
Please note that the original source for this story is Bret McCormick from SBJ.
JM Eagle Elevates LA Championship Purse to $3.75 Million as LPGA Prize Money Surpasses $120 Million
JM Eagle, the world’s top plastic pipe manufacturer, is making a significant impact on the LPGA with its sponsorship. The forthcoming JM Eagle LA Championship in late April is poised to set records with a $3.75 million purse, the “largest payday available on tour outside of the majors and the CME Group Tour Championship.”
Since assuming control of the Wilshire Country Club event in 2022, JM Eagle has increased the purse by an impressive $2.25 million. CEO Walter Wang views this tournament as a “critical purse trendsetter on the LPGA.” He aims to inspire other sponsors to follow suit by raising the purse. The company’s commitment to the LPGA is evident in their two-year agreement, with potential for future purse increases.
The count of non-major tournaments with a $3 million prize pool has jumped from four to ten this season. These purses are crucial for LPGA members not involved in major events. Wang, when asked about the business impact, said, “Nothing.” He sees no need for brand promotion as a plastic pipe producer.
However, Wang’s support for the LPGA extends beyond business—it’s a responsibility. He believes in corporate community giveback. While other CEOs may sponsor the tour for different reasons, Wang appreciates the long-term advantages of backing women’s golf. As he puts it:
“Inside your heart, it feels great. You feel a lot of joy supporting the LPGA. You just do.” Walter Wang, CEO of JM Eagle
Bravo for Mr. Wang!!!
More info:
JM Eagle raises LA Championship purse to $3.75 million as LPGA total prize money eclipses $120 million, by Beth Ann Nichols - Golfweek.
LPGA sponsor creates record purse, wants 'more eyeballs' on events in the future, by Kent Paisley - Golf Digest.
UGolf Expands Into Germany
UGolf is expanding into Germany, partnering to manage the Bad Sarrow golf complex outside Berlin, featuring three courses by Nick Faldo, Arnold Palmer, and Stan Eby, and a 9-hole public course.
UGolf plans to establish an academy to foster talent and introduce new players to golf. This approach has been successful in France, bringing 5,000 new golfers annually via its academies and giving 2,500 children access to golf through school programs.
UGolf, the fifth-largest golf management company globally, boasts:
1.5 million annual rounds
Almost 800 partner courses worldwide
27,000 members
100 teaching professionals
MORE INFO: UGOLF, European leader in Golf - 58 courses in France, Spain, Rwanda, corporate website.
DeChambeau Tries the Roll-Back Golf Ball
With all the talk and speculation relating to the proposed merger between PIF, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour, it’s sometimes easy to forget that there is a fundamental change coming to golf in the form of the golf ball rollback.
REMEMBER: The USGA and the R&A jointly announced the proposed golf ball rollback at the beginning of December last year, and it will be introduced in 2028.
Bryson DeChambeau posted a video this week testing out an old Nike One Tour, which he believes represents a good approximation of what the rollback golf ball will be. Our game analyst, Neil Hay, has conducted a comprehensive analysis exclusively for our GBR Pro subscribers.
Bettinardi MB24, CB24 Iron
Bettinardi has long been famed for producing some of the finest milled putters in the game, but now, Bettinardi is about to launch its first iron range with the stunning MB24 and CB24 irons.
Soft 1025 carbon steel is used in the iron’s chassis for an exceptional feel. Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) and tungsten are also blended into the forging process, allowing Bettinardi’s engineers to position the centre of gravity precisely for each iron.
What this means for the golfer…
…weight is positioned lower in the longer irons to help launch and spin, and the centre of gravity is higher in the shorter irons to produce a more penetrating flight.
The MB has a traditional blade design, while the CB features a cavity in the rear to improve weight distribution and forgiveness for off-center hits.
Both the MB and CB feature a compact head shape and thin top line, which puts them more on the radar of better players who are looking for feedback and playability in their iron set.
Bettinardi offers the MB and CB irons with a range of shafts and grips to customise the clubs to each golfer’s requirements.
RRP $1600 (1480€, £1270), available from 5th April in the US.
2024 Wilson Infinite Putters
The 2024 lineup features nine models, ranging from a traditional Anser-style blade putter to MOI-enhancing fang-tooth and Spider-style mallets.
Each putter has a two-tone matt-black PVD finish, which helps accentuate what Wilson calls its “Activation Parallel Alignment Lines.” In layman’s terms, each putter features one thick line with two thinner lines on either side to help golfers better line up their putts.
Each putter face is double-milled to help improve feel and roll and features a new midsize flat-sided grip to reduce overuse of the hands in the putting stroke.
One major standout feature of the Wilson Infinite putter lineup is the price point.
Retailing at $129.99, these putters seriously undercut most of the competition.
You could buy three Wilson Infinite putters and a dozen Titleist Pro V1s for the same price as Scotty Cameron’s new Phantom range of putters, which, on average, will retail at $449.99,
Titleist’s Deal With England Golf Extended to 2026
Titleist’s close links with elite amateurs have been strengthened with the announcement this week of an extension to its sponsorship of England Golf to 2026.
Titleist will continue to provide golf balls for the elite English men’s, women’s, and junior squads and practice balls for the National Golf Centre based at Woodhall Spa.
Members of England Golf will also have exclusive access to offers and new equipment news from Titleist.
England Golf’s CEO, Jeremy Tomlinson, spoke of his enthusiasm for the extension:
“This partnership represents just one strand of our multi-faceted commercial platform and with Titleist’s support, we can continue to deliver value to our golfers, counties and clubs as well as support the country’s next generation of elite players.”
Titleist Brand Director Michael Creighton said of the extension:
““We are incredibly proud to once again partner with England Golf to support players of all levels and help grow the amateur game.”
TGL, PGA, LIV…
TGL’s Tech-Infused Golf League Set for Prime-Time Debut on ESPN
After a delay due to stadium damage in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, TGL is set to debut next year. This tech-driven golf league will premiere on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, on ESPN and ESPN+, sponsored by SoFi.
From January 14, ESPN will air the league weekly, following major football events. Each week promises thrilling 15-hole matches with singles and trios.
TGL, a brainchild of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and ex-Golf Channel executive Mike McCarley under TMRW Sports, consists of six teams of four, featuring top PGA Tour players. As team rosters are being finalized, fans eagerly await the opening night team reveal.
Navigating the PGA Tour-LIV Golf Merger: Lessons we should have learned from Sports History
PGA Tour and LIV are considering a merger, marking a pivotal moment in golf’s history. Drawing lessons from other fierce showdowns in professional football, hockey, and basketball, this union could reshape the sport's landscape. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed delving into Matthew Rudy’s exploration in Golf Digest:
NFL-AFL Showdown (1970): The Birth of the Super Bowl. The NFL and AFL rivalry led to the birth of the Super Bowl. The AFL aimed to disrupt the NFL’s dominance, leading to an eventual merger. The inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 marked the first championship showdown between the leagues. By 1970, the AFL teams joined the NFL as the AFC.
NBA-ABA Showdown (1976): The NBA and ABA engaged in battles reminiscent of the NFL-AFL clash. The NBA, facing financial instability, welcomed four ABA teams. However, the NBA does not recognize ABA records.
NHL-WHA Merger (1979): The NHL-WHA merger was a clash of titans. The WHA, bold and ambitious, signed legendary players and introduced young talents. The merger occurred when the WHA folded, and four of its strongest teams joined the NHL. However, original NHL teams could reclaim players without compensating the new teams.
Tennis Evolution: From Pros to Majors (1968): Tennis underwent a seismic shift in 1968 when professionals gained entry to the four major tournaments. Jimmy Connors and Evonne Goolagong disrupted the status quo in 1974 with their commitment to World Team Tennis. Despite facing a ban from Roland-Garros, Connors triumphed at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open later that summer.
Pelley Bids Farewell to DP World Tour
Keith Pelley, DP World Tour’s CEO, is retiring after a dynamic nine-year tenure. His impact on European golf, as analyzed by The Telegraph’s James Corrigan, has been significant.
Pelley’s leadership saw the tour through several challenges:
Transitioning from the European Tour to the DP World Tour.
Sustaining the tour during the pandemic.
Aligning with the PGA Tour following LIV Golf’s emergence.
Witnessing key players like Rahm, Hatton, Poulter, Garcia, Westwood, and Stenson move to LIV.
Despite the potential loss of the top 10 merit order players to the PGA Tour, Pelley maintains his actions were for DPWT’s benefit and future.
The DPWT’s standing post-Pelley, especially with the proposed PIF merger, is uncertain. The focus now shifts to incoming CEO Guy Kinnings and the challenges he must overcome to make his mark.
More money for the Champions Tour?
Chris DiMarco hoped that LIV would buy the Champions Tour so competitors could play for more money.
Speaking on the Subpar podcast, DiMarco complained that playing for a $2 million purse each week was “kind of a joke” when the top 7 at the recent Players Championship won that amount or more.
DiMarco went on to say during the Subpar podcast:
“Let’s play for a little real money out here,”
Is this purely a sign of self-entitlement? Another golfer who isn’t in touch with reality? Further signs of the disruptive nature of LIV and how money is the dominant conversation in professional golf?
Is it a case of sour grapes from DiMarco? He hasn’t recorded any top 10s on the Champions Tour since 2020.
One golfer who wasn’t happy with DiMarco’s comments was Paige Spiranac, who took to X with the following post:
Spiranac’s post has been liked over 4,100 times and re-posted over 160 times, so far.
Could Sergio Garcia Tee It Up At Bethpage Black For the 2025 Ryder Cup?
Europe’s all-time leading points scorer is still hopeful that there could be a chance of him teeing it up for Team Europe at Bethpage Black in 2025.
Speaking to Golfweek at a fundraiser in Texas this week, Garcia believes that if unity is achieved between PIF, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour this year, there could be a chance to qualify for the European team:
“Hopefully, things will kind of settle and, you know, we’ll see where everything sits at the end. And hopefully, they just give us the possibility —all of us— to be a part of it again if we’re playing well enough. We’ll see where that settles in the near future.” Sergio Garcia
Garcia’s standing with the DP World Tour isn’t particularly good at present:
He has yet to settle his outstanding fines for jumping ship to LIV in 2022, which are rumoured to be around £900,000 ($1,137,447).
Garcia also missed the November deadline to re-apply for his DP World Tour membership.
Luke Donald’s task hasn’t been made any easier with the LIV defections of Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, who formed the backbone of Europe’s victory in Rome last September.
While teammate Rory McIlroy has called for a change in the rules that would make it easier for Rahm and Hatton to appear at Bethpage, would Garcia still be able to contribute to the team?
Sergio Garcia insists his Ryder Cup verdict will be coming 'in the near future', by Golfweek.
And finally, to make your week even more enjoyable, we present you with the following recommended reads and videos:
📋🖋 Rainmaker by Hughes Norton and George Peper: A deep dive into the golf industry through the eyes of agent Hughes Norton, featuring stories about Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. | In Amazon.
🎥 Iconic Finall Calls at The Masters: A compilation of iconic winning putts from 1968 to 2023, sure to excite any golf fan. | 23min 22sec.
⚔️ The Untold Story Of How LIV Golf Almost Happened In The 1970s: An excerpt from ‘Rainmaker’ revealing a thwarted breakaway golf tour by Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman. | Forbes | 9 min
🍿 Donald Trump’s £1bn Golf Project: An expose on unfulfilled promises about a golf course in Aberdeenshire. | The Times of London | 7min 30sec
🌞 Inside Bob MacIntyre’s PGA Tour Life: A glimpse into the challenging transition to Florida for Ryder Champion. | 3min 15sec | The Scotman | Paywall
🥈 World Golf Hall of Fame: Hilary Cronheim of the USGA discusses the upcoming opening in Pinehurst. | Usga website | 7min
I hope you find these readings enjoyable and informative! Happy reading and see you soon! 📚