19th Hole

Golf fans can’t believe how expensive tickets are for LIV Golf opener

Published

2 years ago

Apr 28, 2022

Speculation and rumor continues to surround the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf International Series with star names continually banded about as eventual starters but, apart from Robert Garrigus and Phil Mickelson, all are as yet unconfirmed.

Related: ‘Guys just don’t give a s**t’ – Players hit out at fellow pros’ green habits

Still, that hasn’t stopped the organizers from releasing tickets for the first seven events, and ‘golf social media’ wasn’t happy.

Related: Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf sign-on fee is revealed as he’s now expected to miss PGA Championship

The inaugural event takes place at the Centurion Club in June and clearly those in charge are expecting some big stars given the price of tickets.

At the time of writing, a one-day ground pass is priced at £67.88 and a 3-day ground pass at £179.69, saving just over 10 percent. There are also plenty of extras, additions and executive packages as expected, offering various luxuries such as the Club 54 3-day premium Package at £9822.90.

Given the promise, these prices are not that much of a surprise given the suggested reward levels for the players, but they compare badly to many other marquee events such as the Scottish Open and The Open itself, both which will feature far more players, and include the very best in the world.

The golf twitterati set to work once the figures were announced, with golf warbler, Sam Harrop commenting:

Reading the news that it’s £85 ($120) per day to go and watch the first LIV event over here, and it just doesn’t make sense. It’s nearly half that price to go to Wentworth! If they want this thing to take off, pricing yourself out of the market at the outset isn’t a great idea.

— Sam Harrop (@sam_golf) April 27, 2022

Ben Coley, respected golf journalist and tipster, remarked that:

£85 for a day in London or £225 for all three days. By way of comparison, for £30 you can see more shots by more players at the British Masters next week, at a course which has hosted the Ryder Cup. https://t.co/OF5QqaU9J8

— Ben Coley (@BenColeyGolf) April 27, 2022

Away from the British golf heirachy, one fan summed up a lot of feeling from the general golf-loving public, saying:

“#LIVgolf good to see that the #saudigolf tour is targeting the working man. £85 for day passes is an unbelievable rip off considering @TheOpen tickets are a similar price for a better field Dead in the water before it’s begun !!!”

Yesterday, LIV chairman Greg Norman, indicated that the recent months have been a tough ride. Judged on the reaction to the ticket prices yesterday, that may continue for a while.

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

2 days ago

Apr 26, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour:
Flights: $2600
Work Visa: $350
Food: $377
Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé
Hotel: $0 because @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week! ?
Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car ??…

— Hannah Gregg (@hannahbggg) April 26, 2024

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350

Food: $377
Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé
Hotel: $0 because @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!
Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car
Gas: $165
Entry Fee: $130
Lounge Pass for caddie: $50
Gym: $0
Yardage book: $0
Total expenses: $3672

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

3 days ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv #OWGR #OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

3 days ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.