The leaders of the PGA TOUR are trying to make different moves to ensure a stable future for golfers while also meeting the expectations of fans. The public is a little confused about the new system, although the previous one also caused criticism, it seems that the PGA TOUR has not managed to reduce the dissatisfaction this time.
Namely, Rory McIlroy missed the first playoff tournament of the FedExCup, which caused fierce reactions from the public.
However, the rules dictate that a Northern Irish golfer can miss such tournaments, and considering his points and stable position, McIlroy had no doubts about deciding on a controversial move.
At the press conference before the start of the second playoff tournament, the experienced golfer reflected on the discussions that have appeared in the media in recent days. Some are pushing for changes to these rules, hoping that the future of golf and this tournament will look different.
"Yeah, I mean, I don't — there's obviously been a lot of discourse about should these playoffs be mandatory or not. Obviously I didn't play last week, and is that something that they need to look at? It could be something where — and I've heard this idea kicked around, where everything resets after Wyndham and then the top 70 just play for the top 50 spots to get into the next week and then everything resets again here, and then the top 30 from this week then make it to the TOUR Championship.
I mean, if you want to try to make it straight playoffs and elimination, I think that would be a good way to go.
You're trying to balance a lot of different things. You're trying to balance the competitive integrity of what the playoffs are, but you're also trying to keep the media rights partners happy, you're trying to keep the sponsors happy. They're the people that are paying the big bucks to expect the big names to be playing in their golf tournaments, and that's a delicate balance."- he said.
Public reaction
It seems that if these rules remain in place for years to come, experienced golfers, as well as others, may follow suit and miss out on some of the tournaments. However, how positive is this really for the PGA Tour and its prestige? If famous golfers are absent from such tournaments, it is certain that the public will be less committed and in some way reduce the rating of the event.
